Excessive sweating
What is excessive sweating?
Excessive sweating (also known as hyperhidrosis) is a common, yet embarrassing problem that occurs in around 3% of the population.1While we all sweat, usually when it is hot, or when we exert ourselves with physical activity, people with hyperhidrosis can sweat a lot for no apparent reason, even if the weather is cool. Some people may sweat so much that it soaks through their clothes.
There are two types of excessive sweating:
Focal hyperhidrosis — This is characterised by sweating in particular areas of the body such as the armpits, face, hands or feet. This type of sweating usually involves sweating on both sides of the body and usually begins after waking up. Night sweats don’t usually occur.
Generalised hyperhidrosis — This is excessive sweating, including night sweats that affect all areas of the body. This type is usually caused by an underlying health condition or a side effect of medication.
While excessive sweating can be uncomfortable, several treatments may provide relief.
Signs of excessive sweating
Having the odd episode where you sweat more than usual doesn’t necessarily mean you have hyperhidrosis. However, the following are typical symptoms of the condition:
excessive sweating for at least six months, without any apparent reason
sweating the same amount on both sides of your body
excessive sweating at least once a week
visible sweating where you see beads of sweat on your skin
sweat-soaked clothing
episodes of sweating that interfere with your daily life such as work or social activities
having difficulty holding a pen or turning a doorknob due to excess sweat
skin that is soft, white and peels in certain areas because it stays wet for long periods
frequent skin infections in sweaty areas, such as jock itch and athlete’s foot
What causes excessive sweating
Primary focal hyperhidrosis seems to be caused by genetics, as around 30% to 50% of people with this type of excessive sweating have a family history of it.
On the other hand, secondary generalised hyperhidrosis is usually caused by a medical condition or medication. Conditions that cause this type of excessive sweating include:
heart disease
stroke
cancer
hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
menopause
lung disease
spinal cord injuries
disorders of the adrenal glands
Parkinson’s disease
infections such as tuberculosis or HIV
Medications that may cause secondary generalised hyperhidrosis include:8
some antidepressants
medications to treat Parkinson’s disease or dementia
pain relief medication such as opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
thyroid medication
diabetes medication
systemic corticosteroids
How is excessive sweating diagnosed?
Diagnosing excessive sweating will usually involve a physical examination, as well as the doctor asking you about your symptoms. Your doctor may also conduct what’s called a Minor test. This involves:
iodine (orange colour) being painted on the skin and air-dried
starch (white colour) being dusted over the iodine
sweating reveals a change in colour, usually to blue
You may also undergo other tests to determine if there is an underlying condition that is causing your excessive sweating. Tests will be based on what your doctor thinks may be causing your condition, but at the very least should include a blood and urine test.
How is excessive sweating treated?
Treatments for excessive sweating will depend upon the type of hyperhidrosis. If it is caused by an underlying medical condition, your doctor will usually treat that condition first. If there is no clear cause for your excessive sweating, treatment will focus on controlling your sweating. Often a combination of treatments may be used, which may include:
over the counter antiperspirants
nerve-blocking medications to block nerves that cause sweating
injections of botulinum toxin which temporarily block the nerves that cause sweating — these usually last between 6 and 12 months
nerve surgery (sympathectomy) — where spinal nerves that control sweating are cut, burned or clamped, although this may cause excessive sweating in other areas of the body
Complications of excessive sweating treated
The main complication of hyperhidrosis is the social and emotional effects of the condition. It can leave people feeling embarrassed and self-conscious and may interfere with their daily living.
People who sweat a lot are also more at risk of skin infections.
What else can you do?
There are other lifestyle measures that you can take to also alleviate symptoms. These include:
wearing clothing made of natural fibres that are loose-fitting, stain-resistant, and sweat-proof
using armpit shields or pads in your shirts
changing clothing and footwear when damp
wearing shoes and socks made from natural materials
using absorbent insoles in shoes, ensuring you replace them frequently
letting your feet breathe as much as possible
bathing daily to remove bacteria from your skin
applying absorbent powder to your skin after showering
avoiding caffeinated food and drink
discontinuing any medication that may be causing hyperhidrosis, with the supervision of your doctor
When should you see your doctor?
If you experience symptoms of excess sweating, you should visit your doctor as there are effective treatments to alleviate symptoms. You should also seek medical advice if you notice sweating that:
is accompanied by weight loss
usually occurs when you sleep
occurs with a fever, chest pain, shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat
is accompanied by chest pain or pressure in the chest
is prolonged and unexplained.
Your local MediADVICE Pharmacist is available to help you manage your health with a Medication Review, where one of our Pharmacists will review your medication and discuss which ones may be contributing to your excessive sweating if any, and how we can best help you manage it. Speak to your MediADVICE Pharmacist about your symptoms so we can recommend products and medications that may be suitable for you, or refer you to a doctor if necessary.
Book a Medication Review at your nearest MediADVICE today.