• Overview
• Causes and risk factors
• Signs and symptoms
• Impact on quality of life
• Treatment and management
• Diagnosis

Heavy sweating may be normal and helpful, as is the case when you exercise; it’s part of the body’s natural cooling system. But it can be most unwelcome, often when you’re feeling anxious – during an important work presentation or a first date, for example. In some people, the sweat glands overreact and cause surplus sweating for no apparent reason. The medical term for excessive sweating is hyperhidrosis¹

The exact causes of excessive sweating are often not known. People who experience liberal sweating don’t have more sweat glands than normal, but the nerve that controls sweating is overly sensitive and stimulates the sweat gland to produce too much perspiration.² Excessive sweating is divided into two types to help understand its cause and decide on appropriate management:³ Primary focal hyperhidrosis is the more common type. Here, the causes of surplus sweating are not fully understood, but it tends to run in families.⁴ Secondary generalised hyperhidrosis: causes of excessive sweating are due to underlying medical conditions, including:

• Nervous system conditions e.g. Parkinson’s disease
• Metabolic conditions e.g. overactive thyroid, diabetes.
• Gout
• Menopause
• Alcoholism
• Infections e.g. tuberculosis.
• Certain cancers may cause “night sweats” – excessive sweating during sleep.
• Stress or anxiety

Some medications may cause liberal sweating e.g. certain painkillers, zinc supplements, antidepressants, insulin.^3,4

 

The first step is to find a truly effective antiperspirant and follow some straightforward sweat management tips.² Many deodorants and antiperspirants are insufficient for dealing with a debilitating excessive sweating problem. However there is a specialist aluminium-based antiperspirant range designed for people who struggle with liberal sweating; it works by sealing the sweat glands and drying the skin. Its effective formulation, while comfortable to wear, is clinically proven to be potent and durable, providing up to five days’ protection against sweat and odour. The range includes roll-on antiperspirants of different strengths, as well as hand and foot lotion, to tackle all kinds of sweat problems, and can often be purchased through medical aid – find out if your scheme covers this. Aluminum-based antiperspirants, which work by sealing sweat glands and drying the skin, are very effective e.g. the Perspirex range. Perspirex is specifically designed for people who experience excessive sweating; its formulation is comfortable, and provides potent, long-lasting (up to five days) protection against sweat and odour. The range includes roll-on antiperspirants of different strengths, as well as hand and foot lotion, to tackle all kinds of sweat problems. Another advantage of this brand is that Perspirex can often be purchased through medical aid – find out if your scheme covers this. Together with a hard-working antiperspirant, you may well be able to manage your liberal sweating with these tips:

Tips to manage excessive sweat:

• Shower more frequently.
• Wear breathable, loose-fitting natural fabrics.
• Wear absorbent socks; change them often.
• Avoid enclosed boots and sports shoes; swap shoes out daily.
• Try armpit sweat shields to protect clothing.
• Try foot powder for sweaty feet.
• Identify and avoid triggers that worsen your sweating e.g. alcohol, spicy food.⁵

 

OTHER OPTIONS:

If you find these initial measures aren’t sufficient, you and your doctor can look into further options: Oral medications called anticholinergics cause a drying reaction and can make aluminum-based antiperspirants work better. These may be useful for surplus sweating in multiple areas of the body. Your doctor may recommend an antidepressant or other anti-anxiety medication if stress or anxiety seem to cause excessive sweating.^2,4 Iontophoresis uses a weak electrical current to block the sweat glands. Botox injections temporarily block the nerves that make you sweat, reducing sweating for three to six months. Microwave thermolysis uses microwave energy to destroy the underarm sweat glands. Only 2% of sweat glands occur in the armpit, so the body’s cooling ability isn’t affected. Surgery can remove sweat glands or disconnect the nerves that control the sweat reaction, in severe cases that don’t respond to other therapies.^1,2,3 Psychotherapy can be helpful in reducing negative emotional reactions that cause stress and anxiety, which in turn may be causes of excessive sweating.²