Sweating: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

The common areas of sweating areas of the body:

• Armpits
• Face
• Palms of the hands
• Soles of the feet

Excessive Sweating(Hyperhidrosis)

Excessive sweating is an abnormal condition that is not necessarily related to heat or exercise. Excessive sweating is commonly known as Hyperhidrosis. It can be localized to a particular body area or maybe diffused, involving much of the skin.

• It can be localized to a particular body area or maybe diffused, involving much of the skin.
• Axillary hyperhidrosis is excess sweating of the underarms.
• Palmoplantar hyperhidrosis is excess sweating of the palms and soles of the feet.
• Excessive sweating is a treatable condition, and those affected can expect significant improvement.

Hyperhidrosis is characterized into two types:

• Primary Hyperhidrosis
• Secondary Hyperhidrosis

Primary Hyperhidrosis

Primary hyperhidrosis causes excessive sweating of the feet, hands, face, head, and underarms without any noticeable reason. Primary hyperhidrosis is also known as Primary focal hyperhidrosis.

Secondary Hyperhidrosis

Secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by sweat all over the body and can be caused by excessive heat or, by medical condition or medication (heart disease, cancer, diabetes, menopause, stroke, spinal cord injuries, and use of some antidepressants).

Excessive Sweating in Women

Excessive sweating is not common in healthy women, but there are some reasons why a woman might have excessive sweating:

• Menopause, due to change in hormone levels
• Low blood sugar
• Diabetes, which may include nocturnal hyperhidrosis, caused by low blood sugar during the night.
• Pregnancy, due to shifting hormones.
• Hormone imbalance
• Hyperthyroidism
• Sweat-causing medications, including chemotherapy, hormone treatment, some blood pressure medications, and certain antidepressants.
• Anxiety Disorders
• A family history of excessive sweating
• Obesity

What Causes Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)?

This can happen for a bunch of reasons. It can be local or systemic. Reasons for excessive seating include:

• Hot weather
• Vigorous exercise
• Emotional stress or anxiety
• Spicy foods
• Side effects of certain medications

Conditions That Cause Excessive Sweating

Hyperhidrosis can be causedby medical conditions, or it may occur without an identifiable reason. Its called secondary hyperhidrosis when tied to an underlying problem. Common conditions include:

• Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid accelerates metabolism,resulting in sweating.
• Diabetes: Sweating may be caused by low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or nerve damage.
• Menopause: Hormonal changes and hot flashes typically lead to night sweats.
• Infections:Tuberculosis, HIV and other infections can cause excessive sweating.
• Heart problems: Heart attacks or heart failure can cause sweating and other symptoms.
• Some cancers: Particularly lymphoma, which can lead to drenching night sweats.
• Obesity: More fat increases existing body fat and leads to higher sweating.
• Anxiety and stress: Emotional triggers stimulate sweating specifically in the palms of the hands and in the underarms.
• Medications: Sweating can be a side effect of antidepressants, fever reducers and blood pressure drugs.
• If excessive sweating is sudden, ongoing, or disrupts your daily life, see a health-care provider to get diagnosed and treated.

Disadvantages of Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)

• Skin Problems: Excessive sweating can cause the skin to become mushy and wet, leading to skin breakdown and minor skin conditions.
• Fungal Infections: Hyperhidrosis can create moist environments that foster fungal infections like jock itch and athlete's foot.
• Body Odor: Sweat, especially in the underarm and genital areas, can mix with skin bacteria, leading to unpleasant body odor.
• Skin Infections: Skin breakdown from heavy sweating can allow bacteria and viruses to enter, increasing the risk of warts and bacterial infections.
• Emotional and Social Issues: Excessive sweating can cause embarrassment, leading to avoidance of social and professional opportunities and difficulties in romantic relationships.
• Compromised Skin Barrier: Prolonged sweating can deplete the skin's natural moisturizing factors, increasing the risk of dermatitis, irritation, dryness, and itching.
• Stinging Sensations: Concentrated salt in sweat can cause stinging sensations, especially in areas with open wounds.

When to see a Doctor?

Seek immediate medical attention if your profuse sweating is accompanied by dizziness, chest pain, or nausea.

Contact the physician if:

• Extreme stress and anxiety disorders.
• Sweat disrupts your daily routine.
• You feel night sweats without any apparent reason.
• Sweating causes emotional distress or social withdrawal.

Diagnosis of Sweating

As a first step, a doctor may try to rule out any underlying condition, such as an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) by ordering blood and urine tests.

Patients will be asked about their sweating habits - which body parts are affected, how frequently sweating episodes occur, and if sweating happens during sleep.

Thermoregulatory sweat test: Ta moisture-sensitive powder detects excess sweating by changing color on the skin. In a sweat room, heat and humidity trigger body-wide sweating, revealing differences between hyperhidrosis patients and others. This helps doctors assess the condition's severity.

Sweating Treatment

There are medication, Surgical, and other procedures for treating excessive sweating:

• Clinical Antiperspirants: ber than regular ones, these contain aluminum chloride to block sweat glands.
• Oral Medications: Anticholinergics help reduce sweat production but may have side effects.
• Antidepressants: Some medications used for depression can help decrease sweating.
• Botulinum toxin injections: Botox injections are used to treat severe hyperhidrosis. Botox injections block the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands.
• Sweat Gland Removal: The surgeon removes the sweat glands if excessive sweating occurs just in the armpits. A minimally invasive technique called suction curettage may be performed to remove sweat glands.
• Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (EST): Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (EST) is a surgical intervention when excessive sweating has not responded to other treatments. In this procedure, the nerves that carry messages to the sweat glands are cut. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy treats hyperhidrosis of the face, hands, or armpits.
• Microwave Therapy: A device that delivers microwave energy, which is used to destroy sweat glands. Treatments involve up to 20-30 minutes sessions for three months. Side effects may change skin sensation and cause some discomfort.

Home Remedies for Sweating

The following suggestions can help you deal with sweating and body odor:

• Apply Astringents: Apply over-the-counter products with tannic acid (zilactin) to the affected region
• Bath every day: Regular bathing helps control the number of bacteria on your skin. Dry yourself completely, particularly between the toes and under the arms.
• Choose shoes and socks made of natural materials: Shoes made from natural materials, such as leather, can help prevent foot sweating by allowing your feet to breathe. When you are active, moisture-wicking sports socks are a good choice.
• Change your socks often: Change the sock or hose once or twice a day, thoroughly drying your sweaty feet each time. You might want to try tights with cotton soles. Use over-the-counter foot powders to help soak up the sweat.
• Air your feet: Go barefoot when you can, or at least slip off your shoes now and then.
• Choose a fabric suitable for your activity: Wear natural fabrics, like cotton, wool, and silk, which give your skin to breathe. When you exercise, you may prefer fabrics designed to wick moisture away from your skin.
• Try relaxation techniques: Consider relaxation techniques (yoga, meditation, etc.). This may help you learn to manage the stress that triggers sweating.

Prevention and Lifestyle Adjustments for Sweating

• Clothing: Opt for breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics and loose fits to promote airflow and minimize sweat buildup. Choose lighter colors to reflect sunlight.
• Diet: Avoid triggers like spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol, which can increase body temperature. Eat foods with high water content.
• Hygiene: Shower regularly, especially after sweating, and dry thoroughly Use antiperspirants instead of deodorants.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay cool and prevent excessive sweating.
• Environment: Stay cool by using fans or air conditioning and avoiding peak sun hours.
• Stress Management: Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation or yoga.