Increased sweating

Increased sweating is a natural reflex reaction of the body's thermoregulation system to high ambient temperatures. Sweating helps protect the body from overheating and balance the internal temperature.

Increased sweating is also observed during sports activities, especially during periods of intense physical activity.

However, the constant occurrence of profuse sweating in situations not related to either hot weather or physical exercise usually signals a pathology of thermoregulation or sweat glands.

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Causes of excessive sweating

Sweat is secreted onto the surface of the skin by special glands of external secretion; it contains mineral salts, urea, ammonia, as well as various toxic substances and metabolic products.

The causes of excessive sweating may be the following:

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

Sometimes increased sweating is a kind of indicator of a person's psycho-emotional state. Sweating in this situation is the body's reaction to stress and increased release of adrenaline into the blood.

The causes of sweating are an individual matter and are best determined after receiving the results of the examination and determining the underlying disease.

What causes excessive sweating?

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

The body's temperature indicators can change significantly depending on the external and internal influence of many factors, but the thermoregulation system exists to maintain the body's optimal temperature.

Thermal receptors, located in many tissues of the body, including the skin and vascular wall, constantly receive information about temperature fluctuations in 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 immediate central regulation departments, which are located in the hypothalamus - the highest center for balancing vegetative functions in the body.

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

Let us remember that irritating agents for the hypothalamus can be endocrine disorders, metabolic disorders, a sharp release of adrenaline into the blood, etc.

Symptoms of excessive sweating

Increased sweating is usually found in localized areas of the body (feet, palms, forehead, face, armpits and groin) or everywhere. The skin in the areas of sweating is often moist and cool to the touch, the hands and feet sometimes acquire a bluish tint due to impaired peripheral circulation.

Often, symptoms of excessive sweating accompany fungal or bacterial skin diseases.

Sweat gland secretions as such do not have an odor. Sweat acquires its repulsive "aroma" due to bacterial microflora that lives on the skin and feeds on skin secretions. However, in some cases bacteria may have nothing to do with the odor: sweat secretion may be accompanied by the excretion of certain substances through the skin that have a peculiar odor inherent to them (toxic components of tobacco products, alcohol toxins, garlic and onion processing products, chemical compounds).

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

Excessive sweating of the armpits

Excessive sweating of the armpits becomes a real problem for some people, especially in the summer heat. Sometimes the situation is so serious that you even have to see a doctor. Why does this happen?

In principle, the secretion of sweat by the glands of the same name is a natural physiological function of the system that maintains the temperature balance inside the body and regulates the basic metabolism. Sweat removes water and mineral compounds through the skin. This process is an adequate reaction of the body to an abnormally hot temperature for normal vital processes. In addition, sweating can also be observed during severe stress and emotional outbursts, during intense exercise and simultaneous fluid intake, with disturbances and failures of the thermoregulation system, accompanied by metabolic disorders.

It is important to pay attention not only to the amount of sweat secreted, but also to its smell, which occurs as a result of the activity of bacteria living on the surface of the skin.

Sometimes, to get rid of underarm sweating, it is enough to review your diet, stop eating too spicy and salty foods, and stop drinking alcohol. However, it should not be forgotten that this symptom can also be a sign of more serious disorders, such as metabolic disorders or hormonal imbalance.

Excessive sweating of the feet

Excessive sweating of the feet is quite common. This problem can be partially solved by carefully observing the rules of personal hygiene, but sometimes the issue is so serious that it concerns not just one specific person, but also the people around him: family, colleagues, friends and relatives. Sweaty feet would not be such a problem if it were not accompanied by an unpleasant odor, which, if the process is chronic, becomes almost a person's calling card.

The whole point is that the feet contain numerous sweat glands, which begin to work hard in an unfavorable, in their opinion, environment: tight shoes, hot socks, long walks, etc. The presence of sweat and the lack of oxygen inside the shoes contribute to the increased reproduction of bacterial flora present on the skin. The life activity of such microorganisms occurs with the release 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 condition of the skin between the toes: cracks, folds, blisters may appear on it, sometimes the tissues may become inflamed due to infection. In such cases, it is better to visit a dermatologist who will prescribe treatment and get rid of the unpleasant problem.

Increased sweating of the body

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

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

There can be many reasons for increased sweat production:

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

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

Excessive sweating of the head

Increased sweating of the head is the most noticeable of all types of sweating. A person can "break out in a sweat" not only during training or heavy physical labor, but also in normal conditions. And there is a certain physiological explanation for this.

Sweating on the forehead is often associated with emotional experiences and stressful situations, and this is especially true for shy and modest people, or those who endure such conditions, as they say, "in themselves." Sweating during excitement and stress is the body's response to irritation of the nervous system.

The next factor of increased sweating of the head may be a dysfunction of the sweat glands themselves, or the thermoregulation system. Such disorders may be the result of an imbalance in the basic metabolism, or a consequence of a traumatic brain injury. Often, a violation of the basic metabolism manifests itself in people with excess weight, regardless of the season and ambient temperature.

Excessive sweating at night

Why does excessive sweating occur at night? This complaint from patients is quite common. The autonomic nervous system does not play any role here, the cause should be sought much deeper.

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

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

• tuberculosis is an infectious disease of certain organs and systems, often occurring in a latent form; the main symptoms are night sweats and weight loss;
• lymphogranulomatosis is an oncological disease of the lymphatic system; along with increased sweating at night, an increase in the size of the peripheral lymph nodes can be observed;
• AIDS is a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus; night sweats are only a small part of the extensive symptoms of this disease, diagnosis is carried out in the laboratory;
• thyroid dysfunction – accompanied by hormonal disorders that can provoke increased production and secretion of sweat;
• Diabetes mellitus, obesity – systemic diseases characterized by pathological metabolic disorders.

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

Excessive sweating during sleep

A symptom such as excessive sweating during sleep brings a lot of inconvenience to its owner: a person wakes up wet, often forced to change bed linen and bedding.

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

It is also important to consider external factors that cause excessive sweating during sleep. These include high room temperatures, heating devices located in close proximity to the sleeping area, bed linen made of synthetic fabrics, and a blanket that is too warm.

Sometimes a person "breaks out in a sweat" directly from the content of his dreams: scary dreams, especially those supported by real events that took place the day before, provoke the 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, it is necessary to sleep in a well-ventilated room and not on a full stomach.

Excessive sweating in women

Excessive sweating in women can have many causes, and among them is not only an increase in the ambient temperature.

The most common cause of female sweating is hormonal imbalance, which can be observed in various periods of life: puberty, manifestation of premenstrual syndrome, menstruation, pregnancy, menopause. This is usually associated with increased synthesis of estradiol during these periods of time. Sweat can be secreted on the hands, face, armpits, sometimes accompanied by redness of the face and hot flashes.

If you notice that increased sweating is not related to the cyclicity of hormonal activity, or sweat is secreted in pathologically large quantities, you need to undergo endocrine examinations and check the level of hormones in the blood. Sometimes even a small adjustment of the amount of a certain hormone in the body can help solve the problem of excessive sweating.

Minor sweating during menstruation is usually considered a natural phenomenon and does not require treatment, provided that it does not cause particular discomfort to the woman and does not negatively affect her health.

Excessive sweating in men

How does increased sweating in men differ from the same manifestation in women? Almost nothing: men also experience hormonal surges, although they develop in a slightly different way. Estrogen hormones play an important role in the male body, but their amount is incomparably small compared to the female body. Increased growth of estrogens can be observed with a lack of testosterone production - the main male hormone. In this condition, increased sweating and sudden hot flashes are often detected, which can be accompanied by a transient feeling of heat.

Men are more likely to engage in heavy physical labor, active strength training, which cannot be imagined without signs of increased sweating. And this is a completely normal phenomenon.

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

However, if profuse sweating occurs constantly and not only in a state of physical and emotional activity, this may become a cause for concern and a reason for a medical examination.

Excessive sweating in a child

Signs of sweating in a child may be related to normal overheating of the body, or be a symptom of certain diseases.

The baby's sweating system starts only from the second month of life. However, at first, when the thermoregulation process is not yet perfect, the receptors adapt to the effects of external factors, and therefore the body temperature can fluctuate, and the baby itself can sometimes become covered in sweat. A baby is especially prone to overheating or hypothermia, at this age it is necessary to carefully monitor its well-being.

A child's thermoregulatory system can stabilize within four to six years.

If excessive sweating in a child still causes concern, it is necessary to consult a pediatrician, since sweating can also be a sign of many pathological conditions:

• diseases of the cardiovascular system (heart defects, heart valve insufficiency, vegetative-vascular dystonia);
• lymphodiathesis, vitamin D deficiency, initial signs of rickets, endocrine pathology;
• use of medications without the consent of a doctor, either by the child or by the mother (if the child is breastfed).

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

Excessive sweating during pregnancy

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

Often, a large amount of sweat is released at night, although the room may not be hot at all: in such a situation, there is also nothing to worry about, when the hormonal balance stabilizes, the symptoms of sweating usually pass. Along with excessive sweating, there may be an increase in the oiliness of the skin, or, conversely, excessive dryness.

Pregnant women, as a rule, should not worry about increased sweating, it is only necessary to introduce additional methods of hygiene procedures: take a shower more often, change underwear, both underwear and bed linen. Try not to wear synthetic clothing, ventilate the room more often, especially in the bedroom.

Excessive sweating in teenagers

Increased sweating is very common in teenagers: during this period of life, rapid puberty begins, a hormonal surge is obvious, which is manifested by the appearance of these symptoms.

The peak of puberty occurs between the ages of 12 and 17. At this time, the body's endocrine system is activated, involving the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, which are responsible for the development of the physique, metabolic processes, and reproductive function.

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

Increased hormonal activity also affects the teenager's psycho-emotional balance, which increases the effect on the parasympathetic nervous system and further increases sweat secretion.

Excessive sweating in adolescence brings many unpleasant moments, manifested in sweat secretion on visible parts of clothing and the appearance of an unpleasant odor. This issue is successfully resolved by observing hygiene rules, using antiperspirants and carrying a change of underwear, especially in the summer heat.

Excessive sweating during menopause

Menopause is a difficult period in a woman's life. Estrogen production gradually decreases, hormonal activity subsides. The moment of restructuring of the hormonal system is manifested by irritability, mood swings, increased sweating, hot flashes to the skin.

Increased sweating during menopause is a very common phenomenon: during this period, the balance of the thermoregulatory system is disrupted, the body does not always react correctly to changes in the ambient and internal temperatures. The vascular system also suffers from disharmony: the vessels sometimes narrow, sometimes expand, the signals from 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 the excessive hormonal activity subsides. This period of life just needs to be lived through. Very often, when sweating increases at this time, some hormonal drugs are prescribed that soften the changes in activity. It is also sufficient to use infusions and decoctions of various herbs recommended by traditional medicine. If sweating bothers you too much, it makes sense to consult a doctor.

Excessive sweating after childbirth

Almost all women suffer from excessive postpartum sweating, which mainly occurs immediately after childbirth and a week later. Through sweating, the body gets rid of excess fluid that has accumulated throughout the nine months of pregnancy.

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

Hormonal changes that occur in women during this period also contribute to the etiology of increased sweating: now the main role in the body is played by prolactin, which promotes the production of breast milk by the mammary glands.

Gradually, the hormonal background, which has undergone significant changes during pregnancy, returns to normal, as it was before the pregnancy.

Sweating after childbirth is a completely natural phenomenon, unless it appears along with some other symptoms: hyperthermia, fever, headache, weakness, which may be a sign of a postpartum infection.

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

Diagnosis of excessive sweating

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

A thorough anamnesis will allow the doctor to more broadly disclose the problem and, possibly, make a preliminary diagnosis, which in the future can be confirmed or refuted. Of great importance in the process of making a diagnosis is the additional symptoms that are present in the clinical picture of the disease along with excessive sweating. The doctor will carefully examine the patient and question him to clarify some points.

Of the laboratory diagnostic methods, a general blood test is mandatory. Additional methods may include testing venous blood for the content of certain hormones, and for the amount of glucose in the blood.

Diagnosis of excessive sweating depends on the overall picture of the disease, on the stage and form of the primary process that led to increased sweat production.

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Treatment of excessive sweating

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

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

Treatment of excessive sweating should begin with careful adherence to hygiene rules: daily shower, periodic wiping with a damp towel, changing underwear. By the way, it is better to choose underwear from natural fabrics, without adding synthetics.

It is also important to follow dietary recommendations: the daily diet should consist of natural products containing a minimum of spices, salt, and a maximum of vitamins and microelements. It is recommended to limit drinks containing caffeine (strong tea, coffee, Coca-Cola, chocolate), as well as alcoholic beverages.

Remedies for excessive sweating

Among the numerous means for getting rid of excessive sweating, several of the most common ones can be distinguished:

• the use of sedatives will help solve the problem of sweating due to psycho-emotional stress or a stressful situation;
• iontophoresis method is a physiotherapeutic method that helps cleanse skin pores and improve the function of sweat and sebaceous glands;
• hormone replacement therapy – taking hormonal drugs to stabilize dysfunction;
• endoscopic sympathectomy method – eliminates disorders in the functioning of the sympathetic autonomic nervous system;
• the use of botulinum toxin injections (botox) – blocks the activity of sweat glands;
• aspiration curettage – surgical destruction of sweat glands, which usually permanently eliminates problems with sweating;
• ultrasonic and laser curettage – almost the same as aspiration (surgical), but much less effective;
• axillary zone liposuction method.

However, sometimes the effect can be observed from using regular antiperspirants.

Use of antiperspirants

Antiperspirant is a cosmetic product that reduces the symptoms of excessive sweating. Antiperspirant for excessive sweating can be produced in the form of a spray, a ball or a solid version, contains mainly different amounts of aluminum compounds (chloride or chlorohydrate), or a combination of aluminum with zirconium. The most gentle action has products with diphemanil 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. Diphemanil acts differently: it blocks the sending of an impulse to secrete fluid by sweat glands.

Any deodorants, including antiperspirants, contain triclosan or farnesol, which have a detrimental effect on microbes that give sweat an unpleasant odor. Triclosan copes with this perfectly, 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 provoke an allergic reaction or skin irritation, so it is not recommended to apply them to damaged or sensitive skin prone to allergies.

Treatment of excessive sweating with folk remedies

Traditional medicine can also help get rid of excessive sweating.

If you are bothered by excessive sweating in the armpit area, you can use this remedy: treat your armpits every day with horsetail tincture (one part raw material to 10 parts alcohol, leave for two weeks). You can also use walnut tincture in the same proportions.

Excessive sweating of the facial area responds well to treatment with regular washing, where fresh unboiled milk or strong tea is used instead of water. After washing, the face should dry itself, without using a towel.

Excessive sweating of the feet can be treated with baths of a strong decoction of oak bark. Baths should be done every day until the excessive sweating completely disappears. You can also wash your feet with a solution of baking soda (1 teaspoon of soda per glass of water). This procedure should be done at least twice a day.

Excessive sweating can be eliminated by using a mint decoction, which is used to rinse the body after taking a shower or bath.

Sweaty palms can be removed by rubbing your hands with lemon juice, or just a slice of lemon. You can wipe your palms with boric alcohol, which is sold in pharmacies.

Treatment of excessive sweating with folk remedies is usually quite effective, so you should not neglect it.

Prevention of excessive sweating

The following points should be considered as methods for preventing excessive sweating:

• the sleeping area should be well ventilated and not hot;
• Sleep linen and bedding should be made from natural fabrics; the blanket should be selected according to the season;
• avoid a heavy dinner immediately before bed; food and dishes should not contain hot spices, large amounts of salt, caffeine, cocoa, or alcohol;
• observe the rules of personal hygiene - take a shower 1-2 times a day, wipe yourself with a damp towel, change your underwear and clothes on time, and carry a change of clothes with you if necessary;
• choose shoes according to the season, according to size, and those made from natural materials;
• Avoid stressful situations if possible, take care of your mental and emotional health; yoga and meditation are encouraged;
• take care of your physical health, do not allow excess weight to appear; watch your diet, eat less sweets and flour products, so as not to provoke metabolic disorders.

Excessive sweating prognosis

In cases where increased sweating is not a sign of any disease, but exists on its own, the prognosis for increased sweating is favorable.

A situation where the use of antiperspirants and other hygienic cosmetics does not bring positive results is a reason to consult a doctor, because excessive sweating can signal endocrine or metabolic disorders in the body.

If a primary disease is detected that is the cause of increased sweating, the treatment prescribed by the doctor should be taken. With the appointment of qualified therapeutic interventions and compliance with the doctor's instructions, relief from excessive sweating usually occurs within the first month after the start of treatment.

Increased sweating during menopause also goes away on its own or with the use of certain hormonal drugs that are prescribed by a doctor after laboratory tests.

Excessive sweating during pregnancy and breastfeeding also disappears without a trace after these periods of life have ended and hormonal levels have returned to normal.

This article is written to show once again that many symptoms that cause us some discomfort are quite treatable. Excessive sweating in some cases is treated only by following preventive measures. Be attentive to your body and your health, and life will give you more joyful feelings.

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