Heavy sweating in women, men and children

One of the most unpleasant phenomena that can not only cause discomfort, but also spoil a vacation, become a serious obstacle to an important event, is excessive sweating. It is often considered a purely cosmetic problem, but this is not entirely true. The fact is that this condition can become a sign of a serious disorder in the body. Sweating can be considered an important diagnostic criterion for a number of diseases. It bothers both adults and children. It equally often affects both women and men, regardless of age.

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Causes heavy sweating

Read more about the causes of excessive sweating in this article.

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Risk factors

The risk group includes people who are constantly exposed to high temperatures. Thus, people who work in factories, in hot shops, deal with welding, steam, heat generators, often suffer from excessive sweating. Also often suffer from this unpleasant phenomenon are people who spend a lot of time in the sun, in hot and stuffy rooms, in saunas, baths. With increased physical activity, nervous and intense work, stress, people also often suffer from excessive sweating.

The risk group also includes people who are in the acute phase of the disease, in the recovery period. This is due to the fact that both the recovery of the body and inflammatory processes are accompanied by a change in the cell cycle, permeability of cells and tissues, as a result - excessive fluid excretion, the appearance of sweat. Sweating also increases in the postpartum period, during menstruation, in the recovery period after any long-term illness, poisoning. This is especially true for infectious diseases, since they are accompanied by intoxication of the body.

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Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis is based on increased reactivity and sensitivity of sweat glands, which produce excessive amounts of sweat. Due to various circumstances, these glands can be hypertrophied. Also, the development of increased sweating is caused by high sensitivity and permeability of the skin. Hormonal imbalances, pathological state of the immune system can aggravate the problem.

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Epidemiology

According to statistics, women suffer from excessive sweating 2.5 times more often than men. This is explained by the high sensitivity of the nervous system, specific hormonal background. Men, as a rule, experience sweating during physical exercise, excessive physical and emotional stress, as well as during illness and recovery. In about 50% of cases, increased sweating is associated with critical days in women, since there is a change in hormonal levels and the state of the immune system. In 37% of cases, sweating accompanies pregnancy, since sensitivity increases significantly and the load on all organs and systems increases.

In addition, the load on the kidneys increases, they cannot cope with the removal of fluid. Therefore, as an alternative way to remove excess fluid, the transdermal route (through the skin) is connected.

In 34% of cases, increased sweating appears shortly before childbirth, and during childbirth, increased sweating appears in 91% of women in labor, especially during contractions. Also, sweating in 92% of cases accompanies the recovery period after childbirth and the period of breastfeeding, which is due to the changes that occur in the body, a change in the emotional background.

Increased sweating in 76% of women appears during the postmenopausal period. In 88% of cases, sweating accompanies infectious and inflammatory processes, with the same frequency in both men and women. In children under 12, increased sweating is observed in 32.5% of people, in elderly and old people, increased sweating occurs in 57% of cases.

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Symptoms

The main symptom is increased sweating, the appearance of damp spots, both in the armpits and all over the body. Sweat is most intense in the armpits, on the forehead, and in the palms and feet. This is due to the fact that these areas contain the maximum number of sweat glands and their ducts.

Increased sweating can be suspected by its precursors. So, often shortly before the sweat starts to be released intensively, a person experiences physical and emotional excitement. Quite often, a person experiences chills and trembling. After this, a feeling of increased temperature and slight trembling may occur. Then sweat begins to be released in the area of the feet and palms. Gradually, the armpit area begins to sweat, and then all other areas of the body.

Excessive sweating as a symptom of illness

Many diseases are accompanied by profuse sweating. Thus, almost all inflammatory and infectious processes are accompanied by heavy sweating. It can also be a symptom of severe intoxication of the body, hormonal imbalance, the state of the nervous and immune systems.

Also, heavy sweating can be a symptom of such specific diseases as Parkinson's disease. In this case, sweating is noted against the background of slow movements. Usually, against the background of this disease, strong tremors develop in the body, rigidity and tremor progress. Sweat has a very strong specific smell. Often, against the background of this disease, the face is covered with sweat.

It is also associated with acromegaly. This is a specific disease based on the dysfunction of the pituitary gland. Thus, the disease can be characterized as a neuroendocrine disorder. Usually, there is a functional disorder of the pituitary gland. The disease is accompanied by a change in body proportions: the fingers thicken, the legs become longer, the size and shape of the superciliary arches and eyebrows change.

Myocardial infarction is also accompanied by profuse sweating. In this case, the disease occurs suddenly, acutely and is accompanied by a burning pain in the heart and sternum. Anxiety, fear, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting appear.

Excessive sweating in men

In men, increased sweating is usually associated with the functional state of the body, increased physical activity. If a man is nervous, experiences emotional pressure, stress, neuropsychic pressure, excessive sweating occurs. When visiting a sauna, bathhouse, or staying in a hot and dry place for a long time, a man experiences increased sweating as a natural compensatory reaction of the body.

In men, unlike women, sweating is rarely associated with changes in hormonal levels and biochemical cycles. Often sweating is a consequence of past injuries, infectious and inflammatory diseases. During the rehabilitation period after any injuries and diseases, sensitivity also increases.

Excessive sweating in a child

Children most often sweat when they have increased physical activity, and also if they are subject to nervous stress, overexert themselves, cry. The cause of increased sweating in a child can be a banal stay in an overheated room, a long stay in a hot bath. The lack of fresh air, a long stay in an unventilated, stuffy building causes the child to increase sweat production.

It can occur if the child has any disease. Most often, sweat accompanies infectious diseases, as well as high temperature, inflammation. Sometimes the recovery process after injuries, long-term illnesses, can be accompanied by severe sweating.

Excessive sweating is a fairly common occurrence in teenagers. This is a consequence of excessive excitability of the nervous system and hormonal imbalance. Adolescence is a crisis period in a child's life, during which the body is rebuilt. All organs and systems begin to function in a new way. A number of physical and mental neoplasms appear in the body. It is quite difficult to combat this phenomenon. However, it is better to treat the disease. Cosmetics are ineffective. They have only a short-term effect.

Diagnostics heavy sweating

Diagnostics is based primarily on the patient's subjective complaints. The doctor collects a life and disease history, analyzes the current conditions, and on this basis develops a comprehensive research plan. The doctor must interview the patient so as not to miss important details that can play a significant role in making a diagnosis. Then an examination is carried out. This is most often a routine clinical examination, which uses methods such as palpation, which allows you to feel the main areas, identify possible pathologies (foci of inflammation, neoplasms, changes in the skin and soft tissues).

It is necessary to conduct auscultation, which will allow you to listen to the heart and lungs. Perhaps, pathological sounds, wheezing, breathing or heart rhythm disturbances will be detected, which may indicate a possible pathology. Also, an important role is given to percussion, which will allow you to listen to percussion sounds and draw a conclusion about the presence or absence of foci of inflammation, pathologies in hollow and parenchymatous organs. Great importance is given to anthropometric indicators, thermometry and measurement of vital signs, such as pulse, respiration, pressure, heart rate. If necessary, functional tests are carried out.

If the information obtained is insufficient to make a diagnosis, additional laboratory and instrumental studies are carried out. If controversial or ambiguous results are obtained, additional differential diagnostics may be required.

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Tests

Various tests may be required. In order to know exactly in which direction to look for pathology and to accurately develop a laboratory examination plan, it is necessary to first conduct standard clinical tests. They will indicate the spectrum of possible pathology, the direction of the main processes in the body, and show the direction of further clarifying examination.

Clinical and biochemical blood analysis allows us to determine an approximate picture of pathology. It is blood that is the most mobile environment in the body, sensitively reacting to very minor physiological, and even more so - pathological shifts in the body. By taking into account and assessing the dynamics of changes in the blood composition, the clinician seeks to understand the processes occurring in various organs and tissues.

For example, the number of red blood cells in the blood can give important information to the doctor. Their decrease is often observed against the background of hidden bleeding, as well as in the presence of hidden inflammatory processes, with anemia. It can also be a sign of hyperhydration of the body, chronic processes. A decrease in the number of red blood cells is also normally observed during pregnancy.

Depending on the anamnesis, additional research methods are prescribed. It is important to exclude pregnancy, for which special biochemical studies are carried out, and a hormone test is taken, a gynecological examination is prescribed. To confirm or refute anemia, additional tests are also prescribed, in particular, erythrocytes are examined: their quantitative, qualitative morphological features.

An increase in red blood cells may indicate the development of a malignant process. In addition, erythremia may be a sign of erythropoiesis damage, diseases of the hematopoietic system. Secondary erythremias often develop, which are a consequence of hypoxia, ventilation failure. This may indicate the development of congenital heart defects, respiratory diseases, neoplasms in the kidneys and liver, as well as a high level of dehydration.

In case of bleeding and intoxication, degenerative processes, a change in the morphological structure of erythrocytes may be observed. Thus, basophilic granularity of erythrocytes is quite often a sign of bleeding and poisoning. Anisocytosis is a condition in which erythrocytes of different sizes are simultaneously detected. It is observed in anemias of various types. In case of hypovitaminosis of B vitamins, Jolly bodies may be observed, which are represented by erythrocytes with nuclei preserved in them.

A study of the leukocyte formula can be informative. An increase in the number of eosinophils indicates allergic processes, dystrophy of the mucous membrane. It can indicate the development of parasitic and latent infections. Platelets indicate the state of the circulatory system, features of blood coagulation, can indicate latent bleeding and the presence of an active inflammatory process.

A decrease in the number of lymphocytes can be of functional and organic genesis. Thus, functional leukopenia develops against the background of many bacterial and viral diseases, under the action of certain medications, for example, sulfonamides, antibiotics, cytostatics, anticonvulsants. A decrease in leukocytes can also occur against the background of muscle fatigue, the introduction of foreign protein, nervous and temperature influences, starvation and hypotension.

Organic leukopenia can be observed in anemia, acute leukemia, collagenoses, and ionizing radiation.

An increase in the number of leukocytes in the blood may indicate acute inflammatory and infectious diseases, the development of intoxication, the effect of corticosteroids, adrenaline, histamines and some homeopathic remedies. In tissue necrosis, myocardial infarction, thrombosis, gangrene, burns, inflammation with the formation of purulent exudate, the number of leukocytes also increases sharply. An increase in leukocytes in infectious diseases is accompanied by a shift in the leukocyte formula to the left.

Thus, clinical tests provide only an approximate idea of the pathologies occurring in the body. But on the basis of this data, further research can be carried out, which will allow the diagnosis to be made as quickly and accurately as possible.

For example, if a viral infection is suspected, a series of virological, immunobiological and serological reactions are carried out, which make it possible to determine the degree of viral load, species composition and degree of activity of viruses. It is also possible to detect a latent infection, which can proceed asymptomatically, while causing numerous pathological processes in the body.

If a bacterial infection, sepsis, or dysbacteriosis is suspected, a bacteriological study, dysbacteriosis analysis, or microbiological screening is performed. An immunogram may be required, which will provide a more detailed picture of the processes occurring in human blood, the state of the body's immune system, resistance, and endurance. Important information can be obtained using rheumatic tests, which will indicate the presence of inflammatory, autoimmune processes, and other pathologies.

If there is a suspicion of cancer, the only way to confirm or refute the diagnosis is a histological examination. For this, a biopsy is performed, during which biological material is collected for further examination. The type and kind of neoplasm are determined by the nature, speed, direction of growth and other characteristics.

If fungal diseases or invasive processes are suspected, a skin and mucous membrane scraping is examined. In some cases, an analysis of sputum, discharge and secretion of various cavities and organs may be required. Men are advised to take a smear from the urethra, women - a smear from the vagina and cervical canal, since it can become a source of important information. If necessary, hormone tests are taken (if there is a suspicion of metabolic disorders and endocrine diseases).

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Instrumental diagnostics

It is used if there is a suspicion of the development of a pathological process in certain organs and is prescribed by medical specialists. For example, if there is a suspicion of a pathological process in the stomach or intestines, it is recommended to perform a gastroscopy, which will allow you to accurately assess the condition of the gastrointestinal tract and identify all possible pathologies in it. The technique gives accurate results, this is the main diagnostic method in gastroenterology. It allows you to examine in detail the walls and mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, identify foci of inflammation, necrosis, infection. This is the only method that allows you to detect cancer and other tumors at an early stage and take the necessary measures.

Another advantage of this method is that it can be transformed from a diagnostic procedure into a therapeutic one at any time. For example, if polyps are detected in the esophagus, they can be removed immediately. If bleeding or erosion is detected, the damaged areas are cauterized. This method can also be used to collect biological material for further histological examination if there is a suspicion of an oncological process. This method is used to collect scrapings from the walls and mucous membranes to determine Helicobacter bacteria, which often cause gastritis and ulcers.

If this information is not enough, ultrasound is used. This method makes it possible to examine not only the abdominal cavity, but also the pelvic organs. The method allows assessing processes in dynamics, studying the morphology of organs, identifying possible pathologies and neoplasms, their sizes and localization.

To examine the lower gastrointestinal tract and rectum, colonoscopy and irridoscopy methods are used.

If gynecological diseases are suspected, colposcopy is performed, which allows for a targeted study, examination of the pelvic organs, detection of pathology, and determination of the approximate cause of the pathology. It is possible to detect inflammation, determine an infectious process, hyperplasia. Colposcopy is mainly used to examine the cervical canal. A gynecological speculum is used, which makes it possible to study the surface, appearance, and structure of the endometrium.

The exact cause of the pathology can be determined during hysteroscopy, during which the internal cavity of the uterus is examined and inspected. It is possible to collect biological material for further microscopic or histological examination.

In urology, gynecology, and gastroenterology, X-ray examination with the introduction of a contrast agent is also used.

Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography allow you to get a full clinical picture: study the structure of the body, get an internal picture of the pathology, identify possible neoplasms at an early stage, consider the features of localization, development, stage, degree of growth. These are expensive procedures, require a longer time for research, so they are used mainly when cancer is suspected, or when it is impossible to make a diagnosis using other methods. But these methods give the most complete picture.

The combination of several methods is also very informative. For example, hysteroscopy and ultrasound, gastroscopy and X-ray examination allow a comprehensive assessment of the condition of organs, to study both anatomical and morphological features in various projections.

If there is a suspicion of nervous activity disorders, brain dysfunction, an encephalogram, MRI, and other studies are performed. In case of heart diseases, it is advisable to perform an electrocardiogram, ultrasound of the heart. In case of violation of the vital capacity of the lungs, pathologies of the respiratory system, X-ray, fluorography, MRI, spirogram and other instrumental studies are performed.

Differential diagnosis

It is used in cases where there is a controversial clinical picture, the symptoms of which are inherent in several similar diseases at once. The essence is to exclude less probable pathologies and make the correct diagnosis using available research methods. For example, difficulties often arise in differentiating viral and bacterial studies. In such a case, it is advisable to resort to virological research methods and bacteriological culture. These methods make it possible to isolate the pathogen and study its properties, as well as select the optimal treatment.

There is often a need to establish a differential diagnosis in intoxications. The main difficulty is to differentiate autointoxication from exogenous poisoning. In this case, toxicological analysis and rheumatic tests are used. Thus, an increase in the level of CIC, C-reactive protein and other indicators indicates the development of autoimmune pathologies. Whereas in exogenous intoxications, these indicators will be normal, and toxicological analysis will allow identifying the toxin that affects the body.

When neoplasms are detected, there is often a need to differentiate a benign neoplasm from a malignant tumor. In this case, a biopsy is performed with tissue sampling and further histological examination, which allows a conclusion to be made. An accurate diagnosis can also be made using MRI.

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Treatment heavy sweating

Therapy in this case is always etiological, that is, aimed at eliminating the cause of excessive sweating. Pathogenetic therapy is also used, allowing to correct pathological processes occurring in the body. Symptomatic therapy in this case is ineffective, it allows only to temporarily get rid of unpleasant symptoms.

What to do if you sweat excessively?

You need to see a doctor and conduct a comprehensive study that will help identify the cause of the pathology. Then the necessary treatment is prescribed, which will help eliminate the pathology. As a result, sweating will disappear as a symptom of the underlying disease. The use of products aimed at eliminating sweating is ineffective. You can try special pharmacy products and deodorants.

Read also:

• Treatment of sweating in men
• Effective remedies for sweaty and odorous feet
• Effective remedies for excessive sweating of palms, armpits and face
• Treatment of weakness and sweating

Vitamins

To avoid any pathologies, it is necessary to provide the body with a full supply of all necessary substances and vitamins. It is recommended to take vitamins in the following daily doses:

• Vitamin D – 45 mg
• Vitamin A – 2000 mcg
• Vitamin H – 150 mcg
• Vitamin C – 500 mg.

Complex vitamins, which include all the necessary vitamins and minerals, have also proven themselves to be effective, with their optimal combination selected.

Physiotherapy treatment

It is used as part of a complex therapy to treat the underlying disease. There are no procedures designed to eliminate symptoms - sweating. In complex treatment, ultrasound therapy is often used, which helps relieve inflammation, prevents infection, and resolves small seals. Ultrasound increases the ability of cells to regenerate, normalizes metabolic processes. Infrared radiation, electrical procedures, and thermal procedures are often used.

Folk remedies

It is recommended to lubricate the most sweaty areas in the evening with linseed oil. Also, to ensure complex treatment, it is recommended to take it internally by a tablespoon. It has the ability to restore metabolic processes, and also has antihelminthic and antifungal properties. In order to achieve the maximum effect, it is recommended to cleanse the body for several days - do enemas, and only then take the oil internally.

Normalizes bacterial microflora, prevents the development of dysbacteriosis. Has an anti-inflammatory effect, is effective in many skin diseases, burns, rheumatism, diseases of the respiratory tract and digestive tract. Is a good means of preventing atherosclerosis, blood clots.

Contains a large number of vitamins. It also consists of linoleic, linolenic and oleic acids, which have a positive effect, normalize metabolism, and have a particularly positive effect on the condition of the skin, as well as sweat, sebaceous and other glands.

It is also recommended to use tea tree oil, which is produced in pure form as an essential oil and is included in creams, ointments, lotions, and other cosmetics. If you prepare the product yourself, you can use the recipes below.

• Recipe No. 1.

Take about 100 grams of butter, melt it over low heat, add a tablespoon of flour and half a teaspoon of ground ginger. Stir thoroughly. Remove from heat, add 3-4 drops of tea tree oil. Allow to steep and harden. Use to lubricate affected areas.

• Recipe No. 2.

To prepare a product for external use, you need 50 ml of glycerin and 5 ml of tea tree oil. Mix thoroughly, use for lubrication, add to compresses, lotions. This product has proven itself well as a massage oil, which is used to massage areas prone to heavy sweating.

• Recipe No. 3.

Melt about 50 grams of honey over low heat, stirring constantly. Add an egg yolk to the melted mixture, stir and remove from heat. Then pour in a teaspoon of tea tree oil. Stir and allow to harden. Rub the product into areas of increased sweating.

Tea tree normalizes metabolic processes in the body as a whole, and in the skin in particular. Allows you to get rid of helminths, eliminates foci of chronic infection. Normalizes intestinal activity, reduces the permeability of blood vessels.

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Herbal treatment

Marsh cudweed is used in the form of grass (stems, leaves, flowers). Externally, it is used to reduce sweating, relieve inflammation and irritation. The plant has antibacterial properties and accelerates the process of healing wound surfaces.

Naked malt is used in the form of roots. Licorice root is one of the oldest medicines, has an expectorant, anti-inflammatory, enveloping, wound-healing effect. It has also proven itself as an effective diuretic and laxative. It is used for skin diseases, respiratory tract, and digestive disorders.

Chamomile is the most famous anti-inflammatory agent, which is used in the form of flower baskets. Infusion and decoction of flowers are prescribed for increased sweating, irritation, redness.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies help to get rid of many problems quickly and effectively. However, they require a very careful attitude towards themselves, since if used incorrectly or overdosed, they can cause numerous side effects. They often cause poisoning, deterioration of the condition, often lead to disruption of the heart, kidneys, liver. It is important to take precautions - consult a doctor before using the drug.

• Recipe #1

To prepare a tincture that helps to quickly boost immunity, normalize metabolic processes, increase the body's resistance, and improve overall well-being, you will need one large lemon, 50 grams of honey, 400 ml of vodka or alcohol, and 30 ml of glycerin. First, heat the lemon in a water bath for 4-5 minutes. The lemon should become soft. After that, pass it through a meat grinder, add honey and glycerin, and mix thoroughly. Add alcohol or vodka. Use a tablespoon twice a day.

• Recipe #2

Turmeric relieves inflammation, swelling, eliminates the inflammatory process, normalizes the condition of the mucous membranes, skin, eliminates excessive sweating and excessive sensitivity of the skin. Honey softens, relieves inflammation and irritation. Take 20-30 mg of honey, add 1 teaspoon of turmeric, mix thoroughly. If it dissolves poorly, you can heat the honey in a steam bath. The entire prepared portion must be eaten during the day.

• Recipe #3

To restore after a long illness, normalize metabolism, skin and mucous membranes, use aloe juice products. Juice with honey is often used, in which the juice is squeezed out of the leaves. After receiving the juice, honey is added to it. At the rate of 1-2 tablespoons of honey per 100 ml of juice. Mix thoroughly until the honey is completely dissolved. Allow to brew for 1-2 hours, then drink 1 teaspoon three times a day.

• Recipe #4

A restorative tincture prepared on the basis of red wine has also proven itself well. To prepare it, you will need 400 ml of aloe juice, 500 grams of honey and 750 ml of red wine. First, mix the aloe juice with honey, then slowly add wine, stirring the mixture thoroughly. After this, seal the container tightly and store it in the refrigerator or in the cellar. The product is stored for quite a long time, up to a year. Take 1 tablespoon, and for children - a teaspoon before each meal.

Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment is used if a pathology is detected during the examination that requires surgical intervention. Often, operations are performed to remove malignant and benign neoplasms. There are no specific operations aimed at reducing sweating.

Prevention

Prevention is based on hygiene rules, providing the body with all the necessary substances, including vitamins and microelements. You need to play sports, spend enough time in the fresh air. Breathing and relaxation exercises, meditative practices are important. Heavy dishes should be excluded from the diet - fried, spicy, smoked dishes, marinades, pickles. Excessive salt in food retains water in the body. As a result, increased sweating and swelling develop. Therefore, you should not abuse salt.

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Forecast

If you see a doctor, undergo an examination and undergo complex etiological treatment aimed at eliminating the cause of the pathology, severe sweating can be completely cured. Symptomatic treatment is considered ineffective.