Increased sweating

Increased sweating is a natural reflex reaction of the body's thermoregulation system to high temperature indices of the environment. The release of sweat makes it possible to protect the body from overheating and to balance the internal temperature.

Also, increased sweating is observed during sports, especially during periods of intense physical activity.

However, the constant appearance of excessive sweating in situations not related to the hot season or physical exercise usually signals a pathology of thermoregulation or sweat glands.

[1], [2]

Causes of increased sweating

Sweat is released to the surface of the skin by means of special glands of external secretion, it contains mineral salts, urea, ammonia, as well as various toxic substances and products of metabolic processes.

The causes of increased sweating may be as follows:

• disorders of hormonal balance in the body during puberty, in menopause, in hyperthyroidism and toxic goiter, diabetes, obesity;
• neuropsychic and psychosomatic disorders, peripheral vascular and nerve diseases;
• diseases of an infectious nature, accompanied by a sharp rise or fall in temperature (various types of tuberculosis, septic conditions, inflammatory processes);
• cardiovascular pathologies (violation of blood pressure, heart failure);
• some oncological diseases, especially brain tumors;
• pathology of the urinary system (pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, calculous pyelonephritis);
• congenital anomalies of the thermoregulation system;
• the result of acute or chronic poisoning with alcohol, chemical or narcotic substances, food.

Sometimes, increased sweating is a kind of indicator of a person's psychoemotional state. The allocation of sweat in this situation is a reaction of the body to stress loading and increased release of adrenaline into the blood.

The reasons for sweating are individual, it is best to find out after receiving the results of the examination and determining the underlying disease.

What is the cause of increased sweating?

Constant and most acceptable body temperature is regulated by a special physiological thermoregulatory system. Its basis is a certain efficiency, in which full functioning of all organs and systems is possible.

Temperatures of the body can vary significantly depending on the external and internal effects of many factors, however, to maintain the optimal temperature for the body, there is a thermoregulatory system.

Thermal receptors found in many tissues of the body, including the skin and the vascular wall, constantly receive information about the temperature fluctuations of the internal environment of the body and the surrounding space. Such information comes from the receptors through the spinal cord to the brain, and reaches the direct central regulating stations that are in the hypothalamus - the highest center of balancing of autonomic functions in the body.

The cause of irritation of the hypothalamus determines the response of the body to changes in temperature, in particular, in the form of increased sweating.

Recall that the irritant agents for the hypothalamus may be endocrine disorders, disorders of metabolic processes, a sharp release of adrenaline into the blood, etc.

Symptoms of increased sweating

Increased sweat secretion usually occurs in localized areas of the body (the feet, palms, frontal surface, face, axillary and inguinal area) or ubiquitous. Skin covers in places of sweating are often moist and cool when feeling, hands and feet sometimes acquire a bluish tinge due to impaired peripheral circulation.

Often, the symptoms of increased sweating are accompanied by fungal or bacterial skin diseases.

The discharge of sweat glands as such has no smell. Repulsive "fragrance" sweat gets through the bacterial microflora, which lives on the skin and feeds on skin secretions. However, in some cases, the bacteria to the odor may not have anything to do with: the sweat secretion can be accompanied by the excretion through the skin of certain substances that have a peculiar smell inherent to them (toxic constituents of tobacco products, alcoholic toxins, garlic products, onions, chemical compounds).

In rare cases, the secretion of perspiration can be colored in different colors: this manifestation of sweating is sometimes observed in people working in hazardous chemical plants.

Increased sweating of the armpits

Increased sweating of the armpits for some people becomes really a problem, especially in the summer heat. Sometimes the situation is so serious that you even have to go to the doctor. Why is this happening?

In principle, the allocation of sweat with the same glands is the natural physiological function of the system that maintains the temperature balance within the body, and also regulates the basic metabolism. Sweat removes water through the skin, mineral compounds. This process is an adequate response of the body to anomalously hot for normal vital processes temperature. In addition, sweating can be observed and during severe stress and emotional outbursts, with intensive training and simultaneous intake of fluids, with violations and failures of the thermoregulatory system, accompanied by a metabolic disorder.

It is important to pay attention not only to the amount of sweat secreted, but also to its odor, which arises from the vital activity of bacteria living on the surface of the skin.

Sometimes to get rid of sweating armpits it is enough to revise the diet, stop eating too spicy and salty foods, alcohol. However, one should not forget that this symptom may be a sign of more serious disorders, for example, disorders of metabolic processes or hormonal imbalance.

Increased sweating of the feet

Increased sweating of the feet occurs quite often. This problem can partly be solved under conditions of careful observance of personal hygiene rules, but sometimes the question is so serious that it concerns not only one particular person, but also the people around him: family, co-workers, friends and relatives. Sweating of the feet would not present such a problem if it were not accompanied by an unpleasant odor, which, in the course of the chronic course of the process, becomes almost a visiting card of a person.

The fact is that the feet have numerous sweat glands, which begin to work hard in an unfavorable situation: dense shoes, hot socks, long walking, etc. The presence of sweat and lack of access to oxygen inside the shoe contribute to the increased reproduction of the bacterial flora , present on the skin. The vital activity of such microorganisms passes with the liberation of organic gas, which is the cause of such a repulsive smell.

There are situations when sweating of the feet is accompanied by changes in the skin between the fingers: cracks, creases, blisters can appear on it, sometimes tissues can become inflamed due to infection. In such cases it is better to visit a dermatologist, who will prescribe the treatment and relieve an unpleasant problem.

Increased sweating of the body

If the increased sweating of the body is observed during sports or physical activity, then this process is considered natural.

However, if the total sweating of the body occurs for unknown reasons, clothes often get wet and soaked in sweat, there is a persistent unpleasant odor emanating from the body and clothing - one should take the question seriously and be examined by a specialist.

The reasons for increasing the amount of sweat secretion can be quite a lot:

• hereditary factor, which consists in the congenital features of the body and its system of sweating; if there is such a factor, members of the same family can have constant sweating of the palms, legs, armpits and face;
• sweating can be a sign of some other disease (endocrine, infectious, nervous, etc.).

An increase or a sharp decrease in body temperature, febrile conditions caused by the presence of an inflammatory or infectious process in the body, also contribute to excessive sweating of the body. In such cases, it is sufficient to measure the temperature of the body in order to understand the cause. If there are no temperature changes, some endocrine diseases such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, increased thyroid function, peripheral nervous system diseases can be suspected. To diagnose such pathological conditions it is necessary to visit the doctor and give certain tests.

Increased sweating of the head

Increased sweating of the head is the most noticeable among all kinds of sweating. A person can "throw in sweat" not only during training or during hard physical work, but also under normal conditions. And there is a definite physiological explanation for this.

The allocation of sweat on the forehead is often associated with emotional experiences and stressful situations, and especially for people who are shy and modest, or those who suffer such conditions, as they say, "in themselves." The allocation of sweat during excitement and anxiety is the response of the body to irritations of the nervous system.

The next factor of increased sweating of the head may be a violation of the function of the directly sweat glands, or a system of thermoregulation. Such disorders can be the result of an imbalance in the basic metabolism, or a consequence of a traumatic brain injury. Often the violation of basal metabolism is manifested in people with excess weight regardless of the season and the surrounding temperature.

Increased sweating at night

Why does sweating occur at night? This complaint of patients occurs quite often. The vegetative nervous system here does not play any role, the reason should be looked for much deeper.

Increased sweating at night is most common in the presence of tuberculous foci in the body, or with lymphogranulomatosis.

Here is a short list of possible pathologies with profuse perspiration at night:

• tuberculosis - an infectious disease of some organs and systems, often proceeds in a latent form; the main symptoms are night sweats and weight loss;
• lymphogranulomatosis - oncological disease of the lymphatic system, along with an increase in sweating at night, you can observe an increase in the size of peripheral lymph nodes;
• AIDS - a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus; night sweats - only a small part of the extensive symptomatology of the disease, the diagnosis is carried out laboratory;
• disorders of the thyroid gland - accompanied by hormonal disorders, which can provoke an increase in the production and release of sweat;
• diabetes, obesity - systemic diseases, characterized by a pathological metabolic disorder.

Often excessive sweating at night can occur in women during pregnancy or lactation, which is not a pathological condition.

Increased sweating in sleep

Such a symptom, as increased sweating in a dream, brings a lot of inconvenience to its owner: a person wakes up wet, often forced to change sleeping linen and bedding.

Most often, the causes of this phenomenon can be hormonal dysfunctions, disorders of metabolic processes, mental imbalance and stressful situations. Rarely, but there are cases when it is impossible to establish the root cause of excessive sweating in a dream.

It is also important to consider the external factors of the occurrence of profuse sweating during sleep. This is a high temperature in the room, the location of heating appliances in the immediate vicinity of the bed, bedding made of synthetic fabrics, too warm a blanket.

Sometimes a person "sweats" directly from the content of his dreams: terrible dreams, especially those reinforced by real events that took place on the eve, provoke a release of adrenaline into the blood, which contributes to a sharp increase in sweating. In such cases it is recommended to take sedatives during the day and especially at night, to sleep it is necessary in a well-ventilated room and not on a full stomach.

Increased sweating in women

Increased sweating in women can have many causes, and among them is not only a rise in the temperature of the environment.

The most common cause of female sweating is a disorder of the hormonal background, which can be observed in most different periods of life: puberty, manifestation of premenstrual syndrome, menstruation, pregnancy, menopause. This is usually due to the increased synthesis of estradiol in these time periods. Sweat can be allocated on the hands, face, in the armpits, sometimes accompanied by red face and fever.

If you notice that increased excretion of sweat is not associated with the cyclicity of hormonal activity, or sweat is released in pathologically large amounts, you need to undergo examinations of the endocrine system and check the level of hormones in the blood. Sometimes even a small adjustment of the amount of a specific hormone in the body can help solve the problem of excessive sweating.

Small sweating during periods of menstruation is usually considered a natural phenomenon and does not require treatment provided that they do not cause any particular discomfort to a woman and do not negatively affect her health.

Increased sweating in men

What is the difference between increased sweating in men from the same manifestation in women? Yes, practically nothing: men also have hormonal bursts, though, in a slightly different way of development. Estrogenic hormones in the male body play an important role, but their number is incommensurably small compared with the female body. The increased growth of estrogens can be observed with a lack of production of testosterone, the main male hormone. In this condition, excessive sweating and sudden hot flushes are often found, which can be accompanied by a temporary feeling of heat.

Men are most exposed to heavy physical labor, active power loads that can not be imagined without signs of increased sweat secretion. And this is quite normal phenomenon.

A strong psychomotor agitation, accompanied by a large release of adrenaline into the blood, is also the cause of frequent sweating in men.

However, if a profuse sweating occurs continuously and not only in a state of physical and emotional activity, this can be a cause for concern and an occasion for medical examination.

Increased sweating in the child

Symptoms of sweating in a child can have a connection with the usual overheating of the body, or be a symptom of some diseases.

The sweating system of the child starts only from the second month of life. However, at the first time, when the process of thermoregulation is not yet perfect, there is an adaptation of the receptors to the influence of external factors, and therefore the body temperature can fluctuate, and the child sometimes becomes covered later. The baby is especially prone to overheating or hypothermia, at this age it is necessary to closely monitor his state of health.

Children's thermoregulation system can stabilize for four to six years.

If the increased sweating in the child still causes anxiety, it is necessary to consult a pediatrician, since sweating can be a sign of many pathological conditions:

• diseases of the cardiovascular system (heart defects, heart valve insufficiency, vegetovascular dystonia);
• lymphodiosis, vitamin D deficiency, initial signs of rickets, endocrine pathology;
• not agreed with the doctor, the use of medications, both by the child and the mother (if the child is breastfed).

To prevent excessive sweating in childhood, watch the child, try not to wrap it in all the clothes at the same time, check if the blanket is correctly picked, it is not hot in the room where he sleeps and plays. Believe me, overheating for children is no less dangerous than hypothermia.

Sweating during pregnancy

Symptoms of sweating during pregnancy are a natural phenomenon associated with a cardinal change in the hormonal background in a woman's body. The level of hormones varies throughout the period of gestation, so increased sweating during pregnancy can be observed in any trimester.

Often a lot of sweat is secreted at night, although the room can be completely and not hot: in this situation, there is nothing wrong when the hormonal balance stabilizes, the symptoms of sweating usually go away. Along with a large sweating, there may be an increase in the fat content of the skin, or vice versa, excessive dryness.

Pregnant, as a rule, should not worry about the increase in the allocation of sweat, you just need to introduce additional methods of hygiene procedures: take shower more often, carry out a change of linen, both lower and bed. Try not to wear synthetic clothes, often ventilate the room, especially in the bedroom.

Increased sweating in adolescents

Very often there is increased sweating in adolescents: during this life period begins rapid puberty, the hormonal surge is obvious, which is manifested by the appearance of this symptomatology.

The peak of the pubertal period falls on the age of 12-17 years. At this time, the endocrine system of the body is activated, involving the hypophysis and hypothalamus, responsible for the development of the physique, metabolic processes, reproductive function.

Hormones, synthesized by the pituitary system, stimulate the formation of mammary glands, follicular growth, steroidogenesis, provoke the active activity of the testes and ovaries. The hormonal level during this period increases many times, which significantly contributes to the appearance of excessive sweating.

The increase in hormonal activity also affects the psychoemotional balance of the adolescent, which increases the effect on the parasympathetic nervous system and further increases the release of sweat.

Excessive sweating during adolescence brings a lot of unpleasant moments, manifested in the allocation of sweat to visible parts of clothing and the appearance of an unpleasant smell. This issue is successfully resolved by compliance with hygienic rules, using antiperspirants and wearing removable linen, especially in the summer heat.

Increased sweating with menopause

Climax is a difficult period in a woman's life. Gradually decreases the production of estrogens, hormonal activity subsides. The moment of adjustment of the hormonal system is manifested by irritability, mood swings, increased sweat secretion, hot flushes to the skin.

Increased sweating with menopause is very common: during this period, the balance of the thermoregulatory system is disturbed, the body does not always correctly respond to changes in the temperature of the surrounding and internal environment. The vascular system also suffers from disharmony: the vessels are narrowed, then expand, the signals of the thermoreceptors do not keep up with the constant change in body temperature.

It is known that menopause is a temporary phenomenon, all its manifestations will pass by themselves as soon as excessive hormonal activity subsides. This life period should be simply experienced. Very often, when sweating is increased at this time, some hormonal drugs are prescribed, which soften the activity drops. There is sufficient and the use of infusions and broths of various herbs recommended by alternative medicine. If sweating worries too much, it makes sense to see a doctor.

Increased sweating after childbirth

Almost all women suffer from excessive postpartum sweating, which manifests itself mostly immediately after childbirth and a week later. Through the allocation of sweat, the body gets rid of the excess fluid that accumulated during all nine months of pregnancy.

Increased sweating after childbirth is accompanied by increased urination, which is due to the same reasons.

His contribution to the etiology of increased sweating is also brought about by the hormonal changes that occur with the woman during this period: now the main role in the body is played by prolactin, which contributes to the production of breast milk by the mammary glands.

Gradually the hormonal background, which underwent significant changes during pregnancy, comes back to normal, as it was before the period of pregnancy.

Allocation of sweat after childbirth is a natural occurrence if it does not appear along with some other symptoms: hyperthermia, fever, headache, weakness, which may be a sign of postpartum infection.

Do not limit the amount of liquid drunk in order to reduce sweating of the body: this can lead to a decrease in the amount of breast milk, or to its complete disappearance.

Diagnosis of increased sweating

Increased sweating can be a symptom of many diseases, so the diagnosis should be comprehensive. You may need to visit several specialists: a cardiologist, an endocrinologist, a neurologist or a therapist.

Careful collection of anamnesis will allow the doctor to broaden the problem and, possibly, put a preliminary diagnosis, which in the future can be confirmed, or refuted. Of great importance in the diagnosis process is the additional symptomatology that is present in the clinical picture of the disease along with excessive sweating. The doctor will carefully examine the patient and interrogate him to clarify certain points.

From the laboratory methods of diagnosis, a general blood test is mandatory. Additional techniques may include the study of venous blood for the maintenance of certain hormones, the amount of glucose in the blood.

The diagnosis of increased sweating depends on the overall picture of the disease, on the stage and form of the primary process, which entailed increased sweat production.

[3], [4], [5]

Treatment of increased sweating

It is difficult to determine the specific treatment for increased sweating, as sweating can be a consequence of a disease, and treatment will be prescribed only in accordance with the detected pathology.

If the increase in sweating does not have a specific cause, or is a temporary phenomenon associated with a certain life period (pregnancy, menopause), you can try to reduce the scale of its manifestation.

Begin the treatment of excessive sweating should be carefully met hygiene rules: daily shower, periodic wiping with a wet towel, changing clothes. By the way, linen is better to choose from natural fabrics, without the addition of synthetics.

Equally important and compliance with dietary recommendations: the daily diet should consist of natural products containing a minimum of spices, salt, and a maximum of vitamins and trace elements. It is recommended to limit drinks containing caffeine (strong tea, coffee, coca-cola, chocolate), as well as alcoholic beverages.

Remedies for increased sweating

Among the numerous tools for getting rid of excessive sweating, you can identify several of the most common:

• use of sedatives will solve the problem of sweating due to psychoemotional stress or stressful situation;
• the method of iontophoresis is a physiotherapeutic method that helps purify the pores of the skin, improve the functions of the sweat and sebaceous glands;
• hormone replacement therapy - taking hormonal drugs to stabilize dysfunction;
• the method of endoscopic sympathectomy - eliminates disturbances in the work of the sympathetic autonomic nervous system;
• application of injections of botulinum toxin (botox) - blocks the activity of sweat glands;
• Aspiration curettage - operative destruction of sweat glands, as a rule, permanently eliminates sweating problems;
• Ultrasound and laser curettage are almost the same as aspirational (surgical), but much less effective;
• method of liposuction of axillary zones.

However, sometimes the effect can be observed from the use of conventional antiperspirants.

Application of antiperspirants

Antiperspirant is a cosmetic preparation that reduces the manifestations of excessive sweating. Antiperspirant from increased sweating can be produced in the form of a spray, a ball or a hard version, contains mainly different amounts of aluminum compounds (chloride or hydrochloride), or a combination of aluminum and zirconium. The most sparing effect is the means with difemanyl methyl sulfate.

The action of most antiperspirants is based on blocking the work of sweat glands: sweat continues to be produced, but does not have an outlet on the skin surface. Difemanil acts differently: it blocks the sending of a pulse about the secretion of fluid by sweat glands.

Any deodorants, including antiperspirants, contain substances of triclosan or farnesol, which are detrimental to microbes, which give an unpleasant smell to sweat. Triclosan perfectly copes with this, but it can also destroy the natural microflora of the skin. Therefore, for sensitive skin, it is better to use products with the active substance farnesol.

Sometimes the action of antiperspirants can trigger an allergic reaction or skin irritation, so it is not recommended to apply them to damaged or sensitive skin prone to allergies.

Treatment of increased sweating by alternative means

Alternative medicine can also help get rid of excess sweat secretion.

If you are concerned about excessive sweating in the armpit, you can apply this remedy: every day, treat armpits with tincture of field horsetail (one part of the raw materials for 10 parts of alcohol, insist two weeks). You can apply and tincture on walnuts in the same proportions.

Excessive sweating of the facial area is well treatable by usual washing, where instead of water, fresh unboiled milk or strong tea leaves are used. After washing, the face must dry itself, without the use of a towel.

Abundant sweating on the legs can be treated with trays from a strong decoction of oak bark. Baths should be done every day until the complete disappearance of excessive sweating. You can also wash your feet with a solution of baking soda (1 teaspoon of soda to a glass of water). This procedure should be conducted at least twice a day.

Total sweating can disappear when using a mint decoction, which the body rinses after taking a shower or bath.

Sweating of the palms can be removed by rubbing hands with lemon juice, or simply a slice of lemon. You can wipe your hands with boric alcohol, which is sold at the pharmacy.

Treating sweating with alternative means is usually quite effective, so do not neglect it.

Prevention of increased sweating

The following points should be attributed to methods for preventing sweating:

• The room for sleep should be well ventilated and not hot;
• Bedding for sleep, as well as bedding should be made of natural fabrics; the blanket should be matched for the season;
• avoid a tight dinner just before bedtime; food products and dishes should not contain sharp spices, large amounts of salt, caffeine, cocoa, alcohol;
• observe the rules of personal hygiene - take a shower 1-2 times a day, wipe with a damp towel, change clothes and clothes in time, if necessary, carry a removable towel;
• shoes choose by season, by size, and the one that is made of natural materials;
• if possible, avoid stressful situations, take care of your mental and emotional health; Yoga and meditation are welcome;
• do your physical health, do not allow the appearance of excess weight; watch your diet, eat less sweet and flour, so as not to provoke a metabolic disorder.

Forecast of increased sweating

In cases where the increase in sweating is not a sign of any disease, but exists in itself, the prognosis of increased sweating is favorable.

The situation when the use of antiperspirants and other hygienic cosmetics does not bring a positive result is an occasion to call a doctor, because excessive sweating can signal endocrine or metabolic disorders of the body.

If a primary disease is found that is the cause of increased sweat secretion, the treatment prescribed by the physician should be taken. When appointing qualified therapeutic effects and observing medical prescriptions, getting rid of excessive sweating usually occurs within the first month after the start of treatment.

Intensive sweating during menopause also passes independently or with the use of certain hormonal medications prescribed by the doctor after the delivery of laboratory tests.

Excessive secretion of sweat during pregnancy and breastfeeding is also completely eliminated at the end of these life periods and the normalization of the hormonal background.

This article is written in order to show once again that many of the symptoms that give us some discomfort are quite amenable to treatment. Increased sweating in some cases is treated only by observing preventive measures. Be attentive to your body and your health, and life will give you more joyful sensations.

[6], [7], [8]