Increased sweating causes. What is profuse sweating - what is the danger and how to treat it

Constant excessive sweating in the armpit area is extremely common. Therefore, many do not even imagine that the reason for this could be serious illness. Just a decade ago, many doctors were at a loss when faced with patients suffering from excessive sweating. However, today, when the problem has become very popular, there are many different methods to combat it. The main thing is not to constantly hide excessive sweating, but to immediately consult a specialist.

Increased underarm sweating in adults

Why does a person sweat a lot: causes of axillary hyperhidrosis

Before we consider what to do if you sweat a lot in your armpits, let’s figure out what the diagnosis of axillary hyperhidrosis means and why your armpits sweat. Axillary hyperhidrosis, or severe underarm sweating, is perhaps the most common type of hyperhidrosis. Of course main feature of this disease - increased sweating in the axillary sinuses. The main reasons why a person sweats under the armpits can be:

hormonal imbalance;
diabetes;
diseases nervous system;
increased sweating of the armpits in women and men can often be caused by a lot of stress;
vegetative-vascular dystonia;
infectious diseases;
side effects after taking certain medications;
and men under the arms are also often provoked by irregular nutrition.

Sweating underarms in girls is especially unpleasant. Every girl has a hard time when she is sweaty and her armpits stink. After all, of course, it is important for every girl that her armpits smell good. Below we will consider the features and causes of armpit sweating in women. Causes of increased armpit sweating in women:

menopause;
menopause;
gynecological problems.

Symptoms and signs

Hyperhidrosis is not just sweating that occurs during vigorous physical activity or high air temperature. Then this process is natural and helps lower the body’s temperature, preventing overheating. The concept of axillary hyperhidrosis means that sweating is 4-5 times more intense and sweat is produced profusely, regardless of whether it is cold or hot. This condition causes extreme discomfort and significantly affects the life of a person who begins to sweat profusely.

Of course, the main symptom of this disease is profuse sweating in the armpits. As a result, stains appear on clothes, the clothes themselves become discolored or dyed, and also quickly become worn out.

This type of hyperhidrosis is often accompanied by an unpleasant odor, which is almost impossible to eliminate. Especially the condition when sweaty armpits smell bad or stink is terrible for a girl. In particularly severe cases, axillary hyperhidrosis can lead to erythasma. Sometimes axillary hydrosis reaches the point where people are embarrassed to be in society and are afraid to start a relationship. In these cases, high-quality psychological rehabilitation will help.

Classification

Depending on the degree of development of the symptoms of the disease, hyperhidrosis is classified into 3 stages:

Easy. When the symptoms are invisible to others. Armpits become wet. Sweat stains under the arms, however, can reach 15 cm. Sweat can cause a sharp drop in body temperature.
Average. When a person is afraid to visit public places, feels significant discomfort, and is forced to change clothes throughout the day. Wet sweat stains can reach 30 cm.
Heavy. When the disease is generalized. Sweat literally runs down your body.

Diagnosis of excessive sweating

During the first consultation with the doctor, it is necessary to exclude probable reasons hyperhidrosis. A Minor test or iodine-starch test is performed. With it, iodine and starch stain the part of the skin where excessive sweating occurs. Also popular is the paper test, when a small piece of special paper with a certain weight is placed on the area copious discharge sweat and then weighed.

Iodine-starch test (Minor test). An iodine solution is applied to the area where there is excessive sweating. After drying, starch is applied to this area. The starch-iodine combination turns dark blue where there is excess sweat.

In severe cases of the disease, urine tests and radiography are performed. Consultation with other specialized specialists is required. Do not start the disease and contact your doctor with a request: “Help.”

Sweating treatment

Treatment methods for this type of hyperhidrosis, according to the expert opinion of Ph.D. Khaertdinova L.A. and Doctor of Medical Sciences Batyrshina S.V. – scientists of Kazan state university, can be divided into two groups: surgical and conservative. When treating this disease, it is necessary to choose the most comfortable, safe and effective method. To do this, of course, it is necessary to consult with a specialist in order to correctly determine the cause and determine the appropriate course of therapy.

What to do?

If axillary hyperhidrosis occurs, it is important to follow a diet. Meals should be regular, small and frequent: 5-6 times a day. Avoid eating fatty, heavy, fried, spicy food, stimulating the secretion of sweat. Completely avoid drinking coffee, drinks and foods containing caffeine, including strong tea and chocolate, to minimize the risk of increased sweating. Conservative methods:

Botulinum toxin injections. It is considered the most effective method for profuse sweating. The effect lasts 6-9 months and the procedure is safe.
Physiotherapeutic methods: Iontophoresis. Using an electric current to freeze the cells responsible for sweat secretion.

Radiation therapy. The principle of action of this therapy is local irradiation of the axillary area, as a result of which the intensity of sweat production decreases. However, this method is quite dangerous to human life and health, and therefore it is rarely used when a person sweats heavily in the armpits.
Electrophoresis. It implies the effect of low-voltage current on the sweat glands, which allows you to effectively combat and reduce sweating.
External preparations. Aluminum chloride hexahydrate is effective in use. However, if you use it, it is important to remember that the skin should not be irritated. This product is applied to the skin at night and then left for at least 8 hours. The effect is observed after a week of use.
Drug treatment. Anticholinergic drugs, for example Glycopyrrolate, are designed to combat the active secretion of sweat. However, the effect of these drugs has not been fully studied and their use may later cause side effects. Also, since the problem of axillary hyperhidrosis affects the functioning of the nervous system, many patients began to be prescribed sedatives aimed at having a calming effect.
Antiperspirants. Of course, if you sweat excessively, it is important to use the right antiperspirant. Antiperspirants are drugs designed to clog the sweat glands and, accordingly, block the secretion of sweat.
An alternative to antiperspirants are deodorants. Deodorants, unlike antiperspirants, have an antibacterial and disinfecting effect. However, deodorant does not block the sweat glands. In both the first and second cases, remember: neither antiperspirants nor deodorants cure hyperhidrosis, but only temporarily alleviate the condition.

What is hyperhidrosis

Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)– a serious pathology in which constantly sweaty feet, palms, increased sweating of the armpits, severe redness of the face during stress. Approximately 1% of the population suffers from excessive sweating.

Deodorants and others cosmetical tools to eliminate excessive sweating and unpleasant odor are ineffective. Excessive sweating reduces the quality of life: difficulties arise when communicating with other people, shaking hands, and especially many problems arise in intimate life.

The reasons for the increased function of the sweat glands are not known, but perhaps they lie in a local disorder of the nervous regulation of sweating. Idiopathic hyperhidrosis is characterized by increased sweating in one or more areas of the body, most often the armpits, palms and soles. Pathology occurs for reasons that are still unclear and is more common in women.

Causes of excessive sweating

Some scientists explain increased sweating by a disorder of the autonomic nervous system that regulates the activity of the sweat glands, as well as an increase in blood concentration that accompanies these disorders. stress hormones– adrenaline and norepinephrine. The theory is confirmed by the fact that hyperhidrosis often accompanies such mental disorders like neuroses or depression.

According to some reports, this condition is associated with hereditary characteristics and an increase in the number of merocrine sweat glands, according to others - with their increased sensitivity to common irritants. As a result, at the slightest excitement, tension, or fear, the sweat glands begin to produce sweat in an amount 10 times higher than normal sweating.

Food-related hyperhidrosis most often occurs after eating a certain type of food, such as pepper, garlic, chocolate, coffee or any hot food. Increased sweating in the forehead and above the upper lip appears a few minutes after the start of the meal and disappears within 1 hour after finishing it.

Increased sweating with hyperthyroidism

Increased sweating in hyperthyroidism is always general, caused by increased tissue metabolism and is a compensatory condition necessary for the body to prevent an increase in body temperature. Along with excessive sweating, the patient is concerned about:

increased heart rate;
high blood pressure;
general weight loss;
weakness;
increased appetite;
emotional instability;
nervousness;
slight trembling of the limbs;
menstrual irregularities.

The skin of the entire body is moist and, despite increased sweating, hot. As a rule, the higher the level of thyroid hormones in the patient's blood, the more severe the sweating.

Sweating in diabetes

Generalized sweating with diabetes mellitus is associated with damage to the peripheral nervous system characteristic of the disease and increased heat production caused by increased metabolism. Often, along with heat intolerance and general sweating, patients experience especially pronounced sweating in the upper body, in the head and neck area.

Increased sweating, combined with trembling and lightheadedness, in patients with diabetes mellitus may be associated with sharp drop blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia) accompanying an insulin overdose. Hypoglycemia can also develop in completely healthy people in a state of hunger, with ethyl alcohol intoxication (drinking alcohol), or taking salicylates (aspirin).

Hyperhidrosis in menopausal syndrome

Hyperhidrosis in menopausal syndrome is one of the most characteristic manifestations of the disease and is combined with sensations of heat in the upper half of the body and face - hot flashes.

The causes of increased sweating, as well as other disorders that accompany menopause, lie in the aging of the hypothalamic structures that control the functioning of the endocrine glands and the release of biologically active substances (bradykinin and histamine) into the bloodstream, causing a sharp dilation of skin vessels, and therefore increased sweating.

Increased sweating with tumors

Increased sweating in malignant tumors occurs as a result of the production cancer cells biologically active substances that have a vasodilating effect.

Interestingly, the location of the tumor can often be judged by skin manifestations. Thus, ileal cancer is accompanied by increased sweating in the face and neck, lasting only a few minutes, and malignant bronchial tumors are accompanied by hot flashes that can last for days.

Excessive sweating associated with stomach tumors may be accompanied by blistering of the skin, especially on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. Hyperhidrosis in carcinoid syndrome is always combined with other manifestations of tumors.

Excessive sweating may be a symptom of the following diseases:

Treatment of excessive sweating

To solve the problem, modern aesthetic medicine offers a well-proven method - the use of drugs based on botulinum neurotoxin type A. We are talking about Lantox or Dysport. The fact is that each muscle gland has a muscle fiber attached to it. When it contracts, sweat is released.

Often during a stressful or nervous situation, the sweat gland receives a false signal and produces too much sweat. Dysport and Lantox injections block signals from nerve endings to muscles, preventing the production of sweat. Before the procedure, it is necessary to conduct a special test - the so-called Minor test - to determine the area of sweating and the degree of severity. Then the doctor begins to treat all sweating areas.

The procedure itself takes about 30 minutes: first, a special cooling cream is applied to the skin in the injection area, and then the doctor carefully injects large doses the drug in areas of increased sweating. The number of injections is calculated individually. After the procedure, excessive sweat production is blocked for 2–3 days and is restored only after 6–12 months, after which the injections can be repeated.

Thermoregulation is not disturbed; on the contrary, the condition of the skin improves, as its level of hydration is normalized. With the help of injections, you can quickly, effectively and permanently improve your quality of life, getting rid of eternally wet feet, wet palms and armpits. In just 10-15 minutes you can return to your normal lifestyle and enjoy freedom from the unpleasant odor of sweat!

Which doctors should I contact if I have excessive sweating?

Medicines for excessive sweating

Sweaty feet

As a rule, sweating and foot odor can be dealt with by following general hygiene rules and using various sprays and powders. However, for some people, sweaty feet are a chronic problem.

Why do my feet sweat?

The cause of sweaty feet is the work of the sweat glands on the feet. Excessive sweating causes intensive proliferation of bacteria, which in the process of vital activity decompose tissue particles on the surface of the skin, which leads to the formation of organic gases and the appearance of an unpleasant odor. Sweaty feet become more intense when:

high temperature;
physical activity;
excitement or other emotions.

If you experience excessive sweating, you should consult a doctor, as there are many reasons for this condition. Sweating can occur when eating salty foods, overactive thyroid gland, diseases of the endocrine, cardiovascular or nervous system.

How to get rid of sweaty feet

To get rid of sweaty feet and the resulting unpleasant odor, it is necessary to reduce sweating and the growth of bacteria on the feet. To do this, you should carefully follow the rules of hygiene: keeping your feet dry will help changing socks several times a day, A washing feet with antibacterial soap will prevent the growth of bacteria.

In addition, you can use powders that absorb odor. Can be effective use of drisol - aluminum chloride solution. If you apply Drisol to your feet before bed, it inhibits the growth of bacteria and reduces sweating. However, using this drug may cause skin irritation.

The essence of another method is to use iontophoresis- penetration of an ionized substance through intact skin under the influence of direct current. With iontophoresis, the skin loses its ability to produce sweat. Success from using iontophoresis is possible after training, so the possibility of using iontophoresis should be discussed with your doctor.

In addition, there are other types of therapy: the use of atropine-like substances, the use of antibiotics and glutaraldehydes, but these can cause unwanted side effects.

Treatment of sweaty feet with folk remedies

Questions and answers on the topic "Excessive sweating"

Question:Hello, my name is Sergey, I'm 22 years old. For the last five years I have been suffering from generalized hyperhidrosis. Not only armpits and palms sweat, but also many other parts of the body. Very interesting, how much does endoscopic sympathectomy cost?

Answer: In generalized hyperhidrosis, endoscopic sympathectomy is contraindicated due to the risk of developing very severe compensatory hyperhidrosis.

Question:Is it possible to treat hyperhidrosis at home?

Answer: At home, treatment can be carried out using iontophoresis and the use of aluminum chlorides. In principle, there is a practice of carrying out Botox injections also at home, which is true not entirely correct with medical point vision. If you were thinking about home remedies, then I have to disappoint you. There are no effective home remedies for treating hyperhidrosis.

Question:Hello! Please tell me, can there be local hyperhidrosis from birth? My baby's feet and palms are sweating and they are cold. The neurologist diagnosed him with vegetative-vascular dystonia and prescribed him to drink Cavinton. I'm afraid to give him this medicine. The boy is 6 months old. I developed hyperhidrosis when I was 9-10 years old and still have it. Your palms and feet also sweat. I'm afraid it was passed on from me. In general, the child is healthy, born without pathologies. Maybe there are still signs of this dystonia, I didn’t want to give him extra medications. After all, I know that hyperhidrosis cannot be cured. Help me figure out whether the child has dystonia or hereditary hyperhidrosis. Thank you in advance.

Answer: At 6 months, this may still be a reflection of the immaturity of the autonomic nervous system. It seems to me that special treatment is not worth it. If hyperhidrosis is transmitted (and this happens in half of the cases), then it will still not be possible to cure it with Cavinton.

Question:Hello! I'm 20, about a year and a half ago I started having problems with sweating, wet armpits, palms and legs! I went through all the doctors, blood tests, hormones, heart, etc. But the doctors just smiled and said that I was doing nonsense. Although this problem is killing my whole life. During the day I sweat, and around 12 at night I become dry and the sweat disappears, it’s gone! I feel human! Then I go to bed and wake up and my armpits, palms, legs are wet again, and so on all day. I quit smoking and it became less. But sweat does not obey laws. Sometimes it pours like a bucket, and sometimes it’s gone for 5 minutes. Then again. Dry at night. What could it be?

Answer: If sweating is limited to the armpits, palms, feet, is absent at night, increases with excitement, decreases with alcohol intake, then obviously you are in the 3% of the population suffering from local primary idylopathic (without an obvious cause) hyperhidrosis.

Question:Good afternoon. About six months ago I began to sweat a lot, especially my palms, armpits and feet. Repeatedly studied for infections, immune status, the condition of the internal organs is generally normal. Nowadays, excessive sweating causes great discomfort at work - the constant sweating of the palms is especially disturbing. How can you get rid of this disease or at least reduce sweating of your palms? I read that drugs like Maxim are quite effective, but are they suitable for me and what are their main side effects? Thank you!

Answer: You didn't indicate your age. This has some implications for defining the problem. Maxim will not help with the palms. It makes sense to try iontophoresis or Botox. If hyperhidrosis is particularly persistent, a sympathectomy can be considered, but this is a last resort and in any case only after a detailed discussion.

Question:I got sick with the flu, treated myself for a week - it didn’t help. I went to the doctor. They injected me with antibiotics, intravenous calcium, inhalation, etc. (it turned out to be tracheitis). I thought I had recovered, but increased sweating appeared after the illness. Tell me what to do? Thanks in advance!

Answer: Please clarify, is sweating general (the whole body sweats) or local (only the palms, armpits, etc. sweat)? When is sweating more pronounced: at night or during the day? There are several main reasons for increased sweating, including during recovery from a serious illness, after treatment with antibiotics, and increased sweating may also indicate disorders of the nervous system, etc. We recommend that you consult a therapist or neurologist.

Question:My 35 year old husband and 5 year old son sweat a lot after falling asleep for 2 hours (approximately). Is this related to some kind of disease or is it just a feature of the vegetative-vascular system (passed on to my son from my husband)?

Answer: Most likely, increased sweating is associated with the peculiarities of the autonomic system of your husband and child, but you need to check whether the sweating is accompanied by an increase in body temperature.

Question:Hello. I am 16 years old. I have excessive sweating in my legs, armpits, and face. My feet are sweating a lot. This greatly spoils shoes and air. Every day before school I wash my feet and apply Teimur paste, wash my shoes, and change my insoles. It's all useless. It's definitely not about shoes and lack of cleanliness. My armpits are still sweating a lot. Every day after coming home from school, large white spots remain on my jacket in the armpits. I still have it all the time fat face, especially the nose, it’s already shiny! I wash it every morning, within 2 minutes after washing it’s all greasy again, you’d think a person hasn’t washed for a month. Please tell me how this problem can be solved or mitigated? Thank you in advance.

Answer: Hello, the reason for excessive sweating and oily skin is the increased function of the sweat and sebaceous glands of the skin (which in turn may be associated with some hormonal changes occurring in your body). It is likely that the symptoms you have indicated are temporary and will soon subside. We strongly recommend that you consult a dermatologist who will determine the exact cause of the disorder and prescribe treatment.

Question:Hello. My sweating suddenly and severely increased. Please tell me how to get rid of this quickly and what could be the reason for this? I’m not overweight, but I recently started running.

Answer: To combat hyperhidrosis, you should use antiperspirants and try to wear lighter clothing to avoid overheating. In which parts of your body do you sweat excessively?

Question:I am 23 years old, I have been suffering from the problem of sweating for a long time when I walk, do something and just sit. I recently noticed that my body is constantly hot, I examined the functioning of the thyroid gland, everything is normal, but I often have a rapid heartbeat. Can the work of the heart affect the occurrence of my problems? Thanks for the answer!

Answer: The work of the heart does not affect sweating, however, profuse sweating and rapid pulse together can be a manifestation of vegetative-vascular dystonia. Have you tried using antiperspirants?

Question:My daughter is 4 years old, 2 days ago she started coughing, the cough is not strong, dry, mainly at night; there is no fever, no runny nose, but these 2 days she has been sweating a lot, her skin is constantly moist and cool, her body temperature is exactly 36, she has no complaints, what could this mean?

Answer: Judging by the description, it can be assumed that baby's lungs ARVI. If the child’s condition does not improve over the next 3-4 days, be sure to show him to the doctor. There is no need to carry out any treatment before contacting a doctor. Just make sure your child drinks more.

Question:Lately my feet have started to sweat a lot, which is accompanied by a strong unpleasant odor, no matter what shoes I’m wearing. The skin of the feet is clean. What is it and how to treat it? Thank you!

Answer: It is possible that you have fungal disease foot skin See a dermatologist.

Hyperhidrosis ( excessive sweating) – sweating that is outside the normal range. It can be a congenital characteristic of a person or a symptom of a disease: tuberculosis, obesity, thyroiditis.
Hyperhidrosis may be local and cover certain areas of the body (palms, feet, armpits) or general(generalized), when excessive sweating occurs throughout the body.
Sweating mainly manifests itself in paroxysms in response to irritants (stress, alcohol, increased hormone levels, etc.); in a small number of patients it is constantly present.

Why is hyperhidrosis dangerous?

First of all, hyperhidrosis provokes social problems. An unpleasant odor and sweat stains cause discomfort in the person himself and the hostility of others. The disease can spoil personal life and influence the choice of profession. Such people try to avoid public speaking, which is incompatible with teaching, working on television, etc. With severe hyperhidrosis, the patient severely limits communication and begins to lead a secluded lifestyle.

Hyperhidrosis can cause the development of certain diseases. Thus, sweating feet creates favorable conditions for the development of fungus. And hyperhidrosis of the axillary and groin area increases the risk of hidradenitis - inflammation of the sweat gland and purulent damage to surrounding tissues. In addition, constant skin moisture is often accompanied by the appearance of diaper rash and pustular rashes.

Who suffers from hyperhidrosis?

Sweating is quite common. About 2% of the population are familiar with its manifestations. However, this figure may be several times higher, because most people do not turn to a specialist with this problem. Women make up more than half of patients with hyperhidrosis, which is associated with their increased emotionality and hormonal activity during certain periods of life. The problem is widespread among teenagers as well. adolescence axillary sweat glands are activated. Among adults, the number of patients remains unchanged. And after 50 years, people complain less about sweating due to the deterioration of the functioning of all glands, including sweat glands.

How does hyperhidrosis occur?

Most people develop seasonal hyperhidrosis, which worsens in the spring and summer. Permanent hyperhidrosis occurs less frequently. In this case, sweating occurs in any weather, and does not depend on stress or work. Sometimes hyperhidrosis has a recurrent course, when after a period of increased sweating the work of the glands returns to normal, but over time the problem returns. This course of the disease is associated with hormonal surges or malfunctions of the autonomic nervous system.

How does a person secrete sweat?

Sweat is an aqueous solution of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, lactic and uric acid, ammonia and other substances. When it leaves the sweat glands, it is transparent and odorless. The specific aroma is given to it by the waste products of bacteria living on the skin.

Sweat glands, which are appendages of the skin, are responsible for the secretion of sweat in humans. In total, there are about 2.5 million of them on the surface of the body. At room temperature and low activity, they secrete from 400 ml to 1 liter of sweat per day. At physical activity and in the heat, the amount of sweat can exceed 2 liters per day. Such indicators are considered the norm.

Sweat glands are divided into eccrine and apocrine. They are located unevenly on the body - some areas of the skin are more saturated with them. Local hyperhidrosis often appears in these places. It is divided according to the place of manifestation:

axillary;
palmar;
plantar;
facial;
inguinal-perineal.

Eccrine sweat glands produce clear, odorless sweat. It contains a large amount of acids and salts, therefore it prevents the growth of bacteria and protects the skin from inflammation. Most eccrine glands are found on the palms of the feet, chest, back and forehead.

Apocrine sweat glands secrete a whitish secretion with a specific odor. It contains cholesterol, fatty acid and other biologically active substances. This sweat is a breeding ground for bacteria. It is believed that the secretion of the apocrine glands contains pheromones, the smell of which attracts members of the opposite sex. Apocrine glands are found in the armpit and groin area, as well as near the genitals.

Why do humans need sweat glands?

Sweating has many beneficial functions:

Preventing overheating. Sweat evaporates from the surface of the skin, lowering body temperature.
Protecting skin from bacteria. The acidic environment of the sweat of the eccrine glands prevents the proliferation of microorganisms.
Signals for the opposite sex. Depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle, the composition and smell of sweat from the apocrine sweat glands changes, which signals the opposite sex whether it is ready or not ready to reproduce. Although in recent centuries this function has lost its importance.

What increases sweating?

Increased ambient temperature. Thermal receptors sense an increase in temperature and send impulses to the corresponding parts of the spinal cord and brain, which are responsible for thermoregulation. From there, signals are sent to the sweat glands to increase sweating.
Stress and nervous tension . In this case, the level of stress hormones – adrenaline and norepinephrine – increases. They bring the entire nervous system into an excited state. This includes the activation of processes in the centers that regulate the functioning of the sweat glands. As a result, they are instructed to produce more sweat. Increased sweating during stress is called - psychogenic hyperhidrosis.
Active physical work. When muscles work, a lot of energy is released, which increases body temperature. In this case, sweat provides protection against overheating.
Spicy and hot food. This phenomenon is based on reflex connections between the centers of salivation and sweating. Sweat production is increased by:

extractives of meat, fish, mushrooms;
spices;
alcohol;
tea, coffee and other drinks containing caffeine.

Disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system. The hypothalamus and the centers of the autonomic nervous system in the medulla oblongata and spinal cord, as well as the sympathetic nerve nodes (ganglia) located near the spine are responsible for thermoregulation and sweat removal. Nerve impulses travel along nerve fibers (trunks). If there is a malfunction in any of these areas of the nervous system, this may increase sweat production. The reason may be:

head injury or spinal cord;
inflammation of surrounding tissues;
mental shock;
dysautonomia – foci of destruction in the autonomic system;
diencephalic syndrome of newborns is a congenital lesion of the hypothalamic-pituitary region of the brain in newborns. Accompanied by constantly elevated or low temperature, continuous crying, trembling, fluctuations in blood pressure;
Parkinson's disease - chronic neurological disease older age group, characterized by increased muscle tone, trembling in the body, slowness of movements, inability to maintain balance;
stroke - acute disorder cerebral circulation. Signs are strong headache with nausea and vomiting, lethargy or agitation, speech impairment, paralysis individual muscles;
epilepsy – sudden onset of seizures;
damage to the hypothalamus, in addition to increased sweating, is manifested by sleep disturbances, surges in blood pressure, and impaired vascular tone;
concussion or brain injury - loss of consciousness, amnesia, headache, nausea, vomiting, pale skin.

Infectious diseases, acute and chronic. The appearance of viruses and bacteria in the blood is accompanied by the production of pyrogens - substances that affect thermal sensitivity neurons. The development of fever and excessive sweating is caused by:

Tuberculosis. Its symptoms are weakness, pallor, fatigue, apathy, slight increase in temperature, cough (in the pulmonary form);
Flu – fever, weakness, headache, muscle and joint pain, dry cough;
Sore throat - fever, sore throat, purulent plaque on the tonsils or accumulation of pus in the lacunae;
Septicemia - entry into the blood large quantity pathogenic microbes. Manifested by fever, malaise, muscle and abdominal pain, diarrhea, severe intoxication, a characteristic rash in the form of small hemorrhages;
Malaria is a disease caused by infection with Plasmodium falciparum. Accompanied by fever, chills, headache and vomiting;
Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by Brucella. You can become infected with it through contact with domestic animals (cows, goats, pigs), through their meat and dairy products. Manifested by high fever and headache, soreness in muscles and joints.

Syphilis a sexually transmitted disease that affects the mucous membranes, internal organs and nervous system. Leads to damage to the nerve fibers of the dorsal roots, which is accompanied by asymmetrical local hyperhidrosis.
Hormonal imbalances cause endocrine hyperhidrosis. Sweat production is influenced by hormones of the gonads, hypothalamus, pituitary gland and thyroid gland. Excessive sweating occurs:

in adolescents with high concentrations of sex hormones;
in women during menopause when estrogen levels decrease and follicle-stimulating hormone increases;
for hyperthyroidism and other pathologies of the thyroid gland;
with pheochromocytoma - a tumor of the nervous system that synthesizes adrenaline and norepinephrine;
with carcinoid syndrome - a tumor that produces hormonal substances that stimulate the sympathetic fibers of the NS.

Elevated levels of catecholamines. These substances ensure the transmission of impulses in nerve trunks and the interaction of cells in the body. They appear in the blood:

during intense physical work;
for pain of various origins;
with drug or alcohol withdrawal, “withdrawal” that occurs when abruptly quitting these substances;

Tumor diseases cause an increase in temperature and sweating through an effect on the thermoregulation center in the hypothalamus. Hyperhidrosis appears in the evening and night hours and is observed throughout the body. Provokes him.

lymphocytic lymphoma – malignant tumor lymphatic tissue. Symptoms: weakness, weight loss, sleep and digestive disorders;
histiocytic lymphoma is an oncological lesion of lymphoid tissues. Manifestations depend on the location of the tumors;
mixed lymphoma is a malignant tumor of the lymph nodes, which is characterized by their enlargement, fever, swelling and bluishness of the facial skin and weight loss;
Burkitt's lymphoma - single or multiple oncological tumors of the jaw, which can subsequently affect other internal organs. Occurs with fever and deterioration of general condition.

Systemic diseases. Autoimmune process (attack of one's own immune cells) damages blood capillaries, feeding the nerve trunks. This leads to dysfunction of the organs for which these nerves are responsible.

Raynaud's disease. Manifested by spasm of blood vessels in the fingertips. They become colder and acquire a bluish color. The spasm is quickly replaced by vasodilation;
rheumatoid arthritis– symmetrical lesion small joints, weakness, morning stiffness. Symptoms of spinal damage gradually develop and large joints– headaches, tingling fingers, crawling sensation, pain when breathing, etc.

Taking medications. Some drugs that affect the autonomic nervous system stimulate sweat production. These side effects have:

propranolol;
pilocarpine;
physostigmine;
antiemetics;
antidepressants.

Hereditary predisposition. It has been established that the tendency to excessive sweat formation is passed on from generation to generation. The reasons for this phenomenon have not been established. People who develop hyperhidrosis for no apparent reason are diagnosed with primary hyperhidrosis" This distinguishes it from secondary hyperhidrosis, which is always associated with diseases.

As you can see, the list of reasons for increased sweating is very extensive. Often, to eliminate hyperhidrosis, it is enough to eliminate the cause that causes it.

Psychogenic hyperhidrosis

Psychogenic hyperhidrosis– increased sweating associated with stressful situations and strong emotions. With stress and anxiety, large doses of adrenaline are released into the blood. This hormone increases the activity of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for the functioning of internal organs, including the sweat glands. A large number of commands are generated in the nerve centers, causing the sweat glands to work more intensely.

In people suffering from psychogenic hyperhidrosis, even minor irritants cause severe sweating. For example, if you healthy person if embarrassed, the armpits will only sweat slightly, but the patient’s face may become covered with large drops of sweat, and wet spots will appear on their clothes. This is often accompanied by redness of the facial skin. This feature of the body is probably associated with the increased sensitivity of the receptors responsible for binding adrenaline.

Due to the fact that during sleep the sympathetic nervous system rests and inhibition processes predominate in it, sweating decreases at night.

Causes of psychogenic hyperhidrosis

Psycho-emotional stress– any situation that evokes strong positive or negative emotions in a person.
Acute psychological trauma– a stressful situation that had a short-term impact on the psyche, but left serious consequences.

loss of a loved one;
a break up;
conflict;
loss of property, work;
fright;
speaking in front of an audience;
making a serious diagnosis.

Chronic psychological trauma when a person has been in an unfavorable situation for a long time due to various factors:

Domestic violence;
Cheating spouse;
Divorce of parents;
Living in a dysfunctional family;
Lack of parental affection.

Neuroses– long-term reversible disorder of mental functions. It is caused by prolonged negative emotions and stress, overwork or serious illnesses. This condition is characterized by a tendency to hysteria. Neuroses are accompanied by autonomic disorders and often sweating.
Asthenia- a psychopathological disorder characterized by various disorders functioning of the autonomic nervous system. The main feature is chronic fatigue, which is often accompanied by tachycardia, pain in the heart, sweating and depression.
Long-term insomnia, disrupting the balance of excitation and inhibition processes in the nervous system.

Neurocirculatory dysfunction(vegetative-vascular dystonia) a disorder of the nervous system in which the tone of the sympathetic department may be increased or decreased.
Pain. When a patient experiences pain and associated anxiety, adrenaline and catecholamines are released. These substances contribute to the emergence and transmission of impulses, due to which the sweat glands are stimulated, mainly on the palms and soles.

Diagnostics psychogenic hyperhidrosis

To diagnose and treat psychogenic hyperhidrosis, patients with excessive sweating consult a neurologist or dermatologist.

Survey. At the first stage of diagnosis, the doctor collects an anamnesis. He is interested in:

When did the first signs of hyperhidrosis appear?
What preceded them (stress, illness)?
Which areas experience the most sweating?
In what situations does it intensify, is there a dependence on tension and excitement?
Are there any complaints about night sweats?
Does the patient suffer from sweating all the time or does the problem appear periodically?
How often does the patient have to shower and change clothes throughout the day?
Does any of your relatives suffer from excessive sweating?
Does the patient have acute or chronic illnesses?

Inspection. The doctor visually assesses:

The condition of the patient’s clothing, the presence of sweat stains on it. They primarily appear in the armpit area. Less common on the back and in places where skin folds form. Based on the size of the spot in the armpit, you can roughly estimate the degree of hyperhidrosis:

norm – up to 5 cm;
mild degree – up to 10 cm;
average degree– up to 15 cm;
severe degree – over 20 cm.

Symmetrical arrangement of spots. Unsymmetrical sweating indicates damage to the nerve fibers of the sympathetic nervous system.
Sweat on your face. Sweating is often limited separate sections, where the sweat glands are better innervated. This is the forehead upper lip. In 70% of patients, an attack of psychogenic hyperhidrosis is accompanied by redness of the facial skin.

The diagnosis of “hyperhidrosis” is established based on the patient’s complaints if excessive sweating disrupts his daily life. In most cases, the doctor makes a diagnosis based on survey data, since it is rarely possible to observe an attack of psychogenic hyperhidrosis with your own eyes.

Psychogenic hyperhidrosis is confirmed by the following signs:

sudden onset;
Patients associate the appearance of hyperhidrosis with acute or chronic psychological trauma;
increased sweating in situations that cause anxiety in the patient;
reduction of sweating during sleep;
relapsing course - exacerbations coincide with periods increased anxiety(session, business trips);
The face, palms and feet sweat the most, less often intense sweating over the entire surface of the body.

Laboratory research. Additional research is needed to rule out diseases associated with sweating.
List of necessary studies and analyses:

biochemical analysis blood (AST, ALT, glucose, calcium, bilirubin);
blood test for hepatitis B, C and HIV viruses;
blood test for syphilis - Wasserman reaction;

With psychogenic hyperhidrosis, test results are within the normal range– no acute or chronic diseases are detected. If the test results are not satisfactory, the patient is referred for further examination to specialized specialists.

High quality and quantification sweating

Treatment of psychogenic hyperhidrosis

Treatment of psychogenic hyperhidrosis is aimed at reducing sweating, as well as reducing anxiety, increasing stress resistance and reducing the excitability of the sympathetic part of the nervous system.

Treatment method	Efficiency	How it is produced
Psychological counseling	Up to 70% if you complete the full course. The method helps to identify the problem or situation that caused sweating and resolve it. The psychologist will also tell you how to cope with situations that cause anxiety and teach you techniques for reducing stress. Disadvantages: the course can take up to several months. Requires self-discipline and strict implementation of recommendations.	The patient and the psychologist discuss stressful situation, learns to respond appropriately to it.
Medication method - sedatives, antipsychotics, tranquilizers and antidepressants	80-90%, provided the drug is correctly selected. The specialist individually selects the drug and dose, which reduces the likelihood side effects. Disadvantages: there are contraindications and serious side effects (lethargy, increased appetite, obesity, addiction). Caution: Some antidepressants increase sweating.	Sedatives funds for plant based(extract of valerian, motherwort, sedavit, sedatives herbal teas, bromides) are used 3 times a day for 8-10 weeks. If there is no effect, consider prescribing tranquilizers or antidepressants. Tricyclic antidepressants reduce stimulation of sweat glands by the nervous system. Mianserin, lerivon. Dosage from 10 to 30 mg per day. Fluoxetine, Prozac. Dosage 20 mg 1 time per day. The effect of taking antidepressants occurs within 2-3 weeks of use. Course 6-8 weeks. Neuroleptics. Sonapax in a daily dose of 80-150 mg per day. The dose is increased and discontinued gradually. Tranquilizers prescribed when psychogenic hyperhidrosis is combined with a vegetative disorder. Anaprilin and clonazepam can lead to a decrease in sweating. They are prescribed in dosages from 10 to 80 mg per day. Duration of treatment is from 4 weeks.
Physiotherapeutic methods	70-80%. Sedative methods of electrotherapy restore the balance of inhibitory and excitatory processes in the cerebral cortex. They reduce the number of nerve impulses entering the areas responsible for sweat production. Reduce the level of stress hormones. Disadvantage: procedures can have a temporary effect that lasts from 20 to 40 days.	7-12 procedures are prescribed per course. Electroson. Duration of the procedure is 30 minutes. Pulse frequency 20 Hz. Frequency: every other day. Galvanic collar according to Shcherbak. Current strength up to 15 m A. Duration 7-15 minutes. Daily. in areas of increased sweating. Creates a depot of ions in the skin, which reduces sweat production. Current strength up to 15 mA. Daily or every other day. Pine-salt baths. Water temperature 36 degrees. Duration 15-25 minutes. Daily.
Medical antiperspirants	60-80%. They contain zinc and aluminum salts, salicylic acid, formaldehyde, triclosan, and ethyl alcohol. These connections narrow or block the ducts of the glands, preventing sweat from being released out. In this case, sweat is removed through other parts of the body. Validity period from 5 to 20 days. They contain antibacterial substances that stop the growth of bacteria, preventing the appearance of a specific odor. Disadvantages: they eliminate the manifestations, not the cause of sweating. Blockage of the excretory ducts of the sweat glands can cause swelling and irritation of the skin, inflammation of the sweat glands.	Apply to washed and dried skin at the frequency indicated in the instructions. Antiperspirants are applied after an evening shower and washed off with soap and water in the morning. The active substances remain in the ducts of the sweat glands, ensuring their narrowing.
Botulinum toxin injections – drugs Botox, Dysport, Ipsen, Xeomin	Over 95%. The toxin blocks the nerve endings that innervate the sweat glands. This leads to a complete stop of sweat production in the treated area. Treatment areas: face, feet, palms, armpits. Disadvantages: temporary effect. Repeated injections are necessary after 6-8 months. Possible temporary side effects: muscle weakness and numbness in the injection area. They go away on their own in 3-30 days. High cost - from 20 thousand rubles.	Before the procedure, a Minor test is performed to determine the boundaries of the area of increased sweating. A syringe with a thin insulin needle is used to inject the area of increased sweating, injecting botulinum toxin preparations. One procedure is enough to treat hyperhidrosis for 6-8 months.
Laser treatment	About 80%. Using a laser introduced under the skin to a depth of 1-4 mm, the sweat glands are destroyed. In these areas, sweat production will no longer be restored. Suitable for the treatment of hyperhidrosis of the armpits, feet, palms and face. Disadvantages: only those glands that were close to the punctures stop functioning. The high cost of treatment is over 30 thousand rubles.	The area of hyperhidrosis is determined and local anesthesia is performed. Through punctures with a diameter of 1-2 mm, an optical fiber is inserted to the depth of the sweat glands. With its help, part of the sweat glands is destroyed. A certain amount remains intact, ensuring minimal sweating in the area. During the session, hair follicles are damaged and hair growth in the armpit area decreases.
Local (local) surgical treatment of hyperhidrosis	Over 90%. After removal of the sweat gland, there is a lasting, lifelong effect. Suitable for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis. Disadvantage: hematomas and fluid accumulations often form at the intervention site. Scars may form at the site of the procedure. Most patients develop compensatory hyperhidrosis, which causes increased sweating of the face, chest, back and thighs. Given the likelihood of complications, surgical treatment is used when other methods are ineffective.	A Minor test is first performed to identify overactive sweat glands. The operation is performed under general anesthesia. Curettage of the axillary area. After 1-2 punctures in the axillary area, a surgical instrument is inserted, with the help of which the sweat gland is “scraped out”. At the same time, the nerve endings are injured. This is the most common local surgical treatment for hyperhidrosis. Excision of the skin of the axillary area. Areas of skin and sometimes subcutaneous tissue where sweat glands are concentrated are removed. This method is indicated for patients who have inflammation of the sweat glands, hidradenitis (“bitch udder”). Liposuction of the axillary area indicated for obese patients. During the removal of fatty tissue they are injured nerve fibers and sweat glands.
Central surgical treatment of hyperhidrosis – sympathectomy	About 100%. The effect is lifelong. During the operation, the sympathetic trunk (nerve fibers) responsible for the functioning of the sweat glands is destroyed. Indicated for severe hyperhidrosis of the armpits and palms. Disadvantages: numbness of the skin in the armpit area. Local complications at the intervention site (hematoma, edema). In 10% of patients, severe compensatory hyperhidrosis develops, which exceeds the initial one.	The operation is performed under general anesthesia. A 5 mm long puncture is made in the 3rd intercostal space. 1 liter of carbon dioxide is injected into the chest in order to displace the organs, giving the surgeon the opportunity to view and manipulate. An endoscopic surgical instrument is inserted through the hole, which is used to destroy (destruct) the nerve ganglia. When treating sweating of the armpits and palms, the centers located at the level of 2-5 vertebrae are affected. thoracic. Maybe clipping(applying a clip) to the sympathetic trunk leading to the sweat glands. There are also more gentle methods of destroying the sympathetic trunk using chemicals or high-frequency electric current. However, in these cases, partial destruction of the nerve occurs. Therefore, there is a small chance that the nerve fibers will recover and hyperhidrosis will return.

Also necessary measures that complement the conservative treatment of hyperhidrosis (without surgery) are:

Compliance with personal hygiene rules. Warm or contrast shower 2 times a day, more often if necessary. Daily change of linen, which should consist only of natural fabrics that are breathable and absorb moisture well.
Taking B vitamins: B3 and B5.
General strengthening body, including air baths, contrast showers and other hardening methods.
Baths with oak bark decoction 2-3 times a week for 15 minutes. To treat hyperhidrosis in the armpits, you can use gauze pads soaked in a decoction.
Spa treatment. Sea bathing, sunbathing, brine baths (with salt concentrate).

Features of the treatment of psychogenic hyperhidrosis of the armpits, legs and palms

Type of hyperhidrosis	Stages of treatment
Type of hyperhidrosis	1	2	3	4	5	6
Axillary (axillary)	Antiperspirants based on aluminum chloride Dry Control, Odaban, NO SWEAT	Sedative physiotherapy	Injection of the axillary area with botulinum toxin	Systemic treatment with sedatives	Curettage of the axillary area	Sympathectomy - destruction of the nerve ganglion or trunk
Palmar (palmar)	Antiperspirants with aluminum chloride more than 30% - Dabomatic 30%, Max F 30% or 35%,	Sedative physiotherapy and iontophoresis	Injection with botulinum toxin		Thoracoscopic sympathectomy
Plantar (plantar)	Aluminum chloride or glycopyrrolate topically Dabomatic 30% Dry Dry 30.5%, Max F 35%	Treatment of feet with preparations containing formaldehyde Formidron Formagel.	Botulinum toxin injection	Systemic treatment with sedatives and anticholinergics

If desired, the patient can skip the second stage and proceed to the third.

Primary hyperhidrosis

Primary hyperhidrosis– increased sweating in the absence of pathologies that may be accompanied by active work of the sweat glands. At severe course the skin on the face, feet and palms not only becomes wet, but becomes covered with drops of sweat.

Primary hyperhidrosis appears in childhood or adolescence, and after 40 it tends to decrease. This form of the disease has little to do with the emotional state and ambient temperature.
Primary hyperhidrosis is often permanent, less often it occurs in attacks. Patients cannot clearly determine what exactly provokes an attack of sweating, since it occurs at rest, at normal temperature, in a well-ventilated room.
Primary hyperhidrosis is predominantly local. It covers one or several areas: feet, palms, armpits, face.

Causes primary hyperhidrosis

The main cause of primary hyperhidrosis is increased excitability of the nervous system, namely its sympathetic department. A large number of nerve impulses passing through the sympathetic trunks activate the secretion of the sweat glands.

Among the reasons are hereditary predisposition. During the survey, as a rule, it turns out that the patient’s relatives also suffer from excessive sweating.
This feature of the body may be associated with various factors affecting the excitability of the sympathetic nervous system:

high sensitivity of the body to adrenaline and norepinephrine;
high, but within normal limits, level of hormones – sex, thyroid;
features of the functioning of the nervous system, when a large number of nerve impulses are synthesized in the subcortical centers and ganglia of the autonomic nervous system;
an excess of the mediator serotonin, which ensures high conductivity in the trunks of the sympathetic nervous system.

Diagnostics primary hyperhidrosis

Survey. Taking an anamnesis is often the basis for making a diagnosis. The doctor is interested in:

When did sweating first appear?
Do other family members have similar problems?
In what situations does it increase?
How strong is it?
How much does it interfere with everyday life?
What is your general health? Do you have any chronic diseases?

Your doctor may use various hyperhidrosis quality of life questionnaires for people with axillary sweating.

Factors confirming primary hyperhidrosis:

early onset of the disease, in childhood or adolescence;
Other relatives also suffer from excessive sweating;
there is no clear connection with strong emotions and stress;
sweating is symmetrical, usually the disease affects the feet, palms and armpits. Less often the whole body;
There is no heavy sweating during sleep. Night sweats indicate other diseases and require additional diagnostics;
there are no signs of infectious or other acute and chronic diseases.

Inspection. During the examination, the dermatologist may identify:

sweat stains on clothes;
diaper rash and rashes in areas of sweating;
in some cases, drops of sweat are found on the skin.

These signs are present in all forms of hyperhidrosis, so examination does not make it possible to determine the form of the disease, but only confirms its presence.

Laboratory research:

general blood analysis;
biochemical blood test (AST, ALT, glucose, calcium, bilirubin);
blood test for hepatitis B, C and HIV viruses;
fluorography or x-ray of the lungs;
blood test for syphilis - Wasserman reaction;
blood test to determine glucose levels;
blood test for thyroid hormones (T3, T4, TSH, parathyroid hormone);
general urine analysis.

With primary hyperhidrosis, test results do not exceed the norm.
Qualitative and quantitative methods for assessing sweating

In practice, determining the amount of sweat produced during hyperhidrosis is not very important. Therefore, quantitative methods for assessing hyperhidrosis are rarely used. The most requested is the Minor test.

Treatment primary hyperhidrosis

Treatment is prescribed based on how much discomfort the disease causes a person.

Treatment method	Efficiency	How it is produced
Medication	About 60%. Anticholinergic drugs block the transmission of excitation from postganglionic nerve fibers to sweat and other glands. Due to this, sweating is reduced. The effect appears on the 10-14th day of taking the drug. The course of treatment is 4-6 weeks. Disadvantages: Large doses are required to treat sweating. Anticholinergics have an extensive list of contraindications and side effects after taking the drugs.	Natural anticholinergics drugs Bellataminal or Bellaspon. 1 tablet 3 times a day. Synthetic anticholinergics Atropine – 1 mg twice a day. Scopolamine in solution - 0.25-0.5 mg. Deprim Forte 1 capsule 1-2 times a day.
Physiotherapeutic methods - iontophoresis	Up to 70%. Exposure to low voltage and constant frequency current temporarily narrows the channels of the sweat glands at the site of exposure. The accumulation of aluminum and zinc ions in the skin causes a temporary narrowing of the sweat gland ducts. Used to reduce sweating on the palms and soles. Disadvantages: requires regular use. Repeated courses after 3-4 months.	To reduce sweating of the feet and palms, use baths filled with tap water. Under the influence of low voltage current, ions penetrate into the skin. The effect of current on the receptors causes a reflex narrowing of the gland ducts. Iontophoresis with tap water and electrophoresis with local anticholinergics showed equal effectiveness.
Medical antiperspirants	Up to 70%. The compounds penetrate into the mouths of the sweat glands and create an insoluble sediment there, which causes a narrowing or temporary blockage of the excretory duct. Disadvantages: risk of developing irritation and hidradenitis. Temporary effect from 5 to 50 days.	Prepare the skin. Hair in the axillary area is shaved. It is important that the skin is clean and dry, otherwise burning and irritation will occur. The drug is applied at night, when sweating is minimal, and the residue is washed off in the morning.
Injections of botulinum toxin preparations (Botox, Dysport, Ipsen, Xeomin)	About 95%. Are considered best method treatment if antiperspirants and physiotherapy are ineffective. The drugs disrupt the transmission of acetylcholine, which blocks the passage of impulses along the nerve fibers to the sweat gland. Disadvantages: temporary effect up to 8 months. In rare cases they develop side effects– temporary paralysis of the facial muscles, muscle weakness of the arms. In patients with high titers of antibodies against botulinum toxin, injections are not effective.	The perimeter of the hyperhidrosis site is injected with botulinum toxin. Preparations based on it are identical and have the same effect. The doctor determines the dose individually. After 1-3 days, the conduction of impulses going to the sweat glands is blocked, and sweat production stops for 6-8 months.
Laser treatment	Up to 90%. The thermal energy of the laser destroys the cells of the sweat gland and hair follicles. Flaws. High cost of the procedure. There is an insufficient number of laser installations and specialists performing this procedure.	They do a Minor test. Local anesthesia of the area is performed. A hollow needle is inserted to a depth of several mm, through which an optical fiber passes. The laser beam destroys the sweat glands. A small part of the glands remains unaffected and continues to function, this avoids compensatory hyperhidrosis.
Local (local) surgical treatment	Up to 95%. The operation is performed on the axillary area. The surgeon removes the sweat gland, or part of the skin and fatty tissue. Disadvantages: there are contraindications. Traumatic. Needs care postoperative scars. There is a risk of complications: hematomas, growth of scar tissue.	Curettage axillary zone. Through a puncture with a diameter of less than 1 cm, a curette (surgical spoon) is inserted, with the help of which the sweat gland is removed. Liposuction. Removing part of the fatty tissue allows you to destroy the nerve fibers and stop the activity of the sweat glands.
Central surgical treatment – percutaneous or endoscopic sympathectomy	About 95%. With percutaneous up to 80%. Using electric current, laser, chemicals or surgical endoscopic equipment, the doctor damages or completely destroys the nerve fibers that transmit impulses to the sweat glands. Disadvantages: swelling, hematoma, risk of developing scars that impede movement, drooping eyelids. In 50% of those operated on, compensatory hyperhidrosis develops - sweating of the torso, thighs and inguinal folds appears. In 2% of cases this causes more discomfort than primary hyperhidrosis. Based on this, sympathectomy is recommended for patients with secondary hyperhidrosis when there is no other option to cure the disease.	Endoscopic surgery. An endoscope with a surgical instrument attached to it is inserted through a puncture in the armpit. With its help, the surgeon cuts the sympathetic trunk or places a clamp on it - a clip to prevent impulses from nerve ganglia to the sweat glands. During percutaneous surgery The doctor inserts a needle into the area near the spine. Next, he destroys the nerve with an electric current or chemical means. However, in this case, he cannot see the nerve itself. This causes ineffectiveness of the procedure and damage to nearby organs. Open surgery

Features of the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis of the armpits, legs and palms

Type of hyperhidrosis	Stages of treatment
Type of hyperhidrosis	1	2	3	4	5
Axillary (axillary)	Medical antiperspirants MAXIM 15%, KLIMA 15%, AHC20 classic 20%			Local surgical treatment – removal of sweat glands	Central surgical treatment: sympathectomy
Palmar (palmar)	Treatment of aluminum with Dabomatic chloride 30%, Max F 30% or 35%,	Injections Botox, Dysport, Ipsen, Xeomin	Systemic drug treatment anticholinergics		Central surgical treatment - sympathectomy
Plantar (plantar)	Treatment of aluminum with chloride "DRYDRAY" 30.5%, foot powder "ODABAN" 20% Dabomatic 30% Dry Dry 30.5%, Max F 35%, Teymurov paste	Treatment with formaldehyde preparations, liquid Formidron, Paraformbetonite powder.	Botulinum toxin injections	Systemic drug treatment with anticholinergics

Endocrine hyperhidrosis

Endocrine hyperhidrosis– increased sweating that accompanies diseases of the endocrine glands. At the same time, the patient suffers from generalized hyperhidrosis when sweating increases throughout the body.
At endocrine pathology the level of hormones in the blood of patients increases. These substances have several mechanisms to control the sweat glands:

directly affect the thermoregulation center;
increase excitability and conduction of impulses along the sympathetic fibers of the nervous system;
enhance metabolism;
dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow, bringing more fluid to the sweat glands.

Causes endocrine hyperhidrosis

Diabetes. Changes occur in the autonomic nervous system. Myelin, a substance that protects nerve roots and fibers, is destroyed, which affects the innervation of the sweat glands. In patients, sweating occurs only in the upper half of the body, while the skin of the pelvis and lower extremities suffers from dryness. In diabetes mellitus, in addition to hyperhidrosis, the following symptoms occur: dry mouth, thirst, increased volume of urine, muscle weakness, decreased immunity and wounds that do not heal for a long time.
Hyperthyroidism and other thyroid diseases, accompanied by an increase in thyroid hormones, which increase the number of heart contractions, blood flow speed and metabolism. These processes cause increased heat generation. Sweating in this case is a mechanism of thermoregulation. Hyperthyroidism is indicated by: increased irritability and tearfulness, weight loss, slight increase in temperature, increased heart rate, increased upper (systolic) and decreased lower (diastolic) pressure, protrusion eyeballs, increased appetite, heat intolerance.
Obesity. Excess fat deposits under the skin and around internal organs disrupt thermoregulation mechanisms. Fat retains heat in the body, and to reduce temperature, the body increases the rate of sweating. The ability of adipose tissue to produce sex hormones - estrogens, which affect the thermoregulation center, has also been proven.
Acromegaly. A benign tumor of the pituitary gland that produces somatotropin. This disease in 80% of cases is accompanied by a decrease in the level of sex hormones and an increase in the level of thyroid hormones. An imbalance of hormones activates metabolic processes, increases heat production and increases sweating. Acromegaly occurs characteristic symptoms: enlargement of bones, including facial ones ( lower jaw, brow ridges, cheekbones, nose), enlarged skull, thickened fingers, joint pain. The skin thickens, becomes denser, and gathers into folds. Actively working sebaceous glands.
Menopausal syndrome. The restructuring in the female body is caused by a decrease in estrogen levels and an increase in the level of follicle-stimulating hormone. Estrogens have a direct effect on thermoregulation. Their deficiency affects the hypothalamus, which mistakenly diagnoses overheating of the body. This gland turns on the mechanism of getting rid of excess heat, dilating peripheral vessels and increasing sweating, which provokes hot flashes and an attack of hyperhidrosis. Such symptoms accompany menopause in 80% of women. The onset of menopause is also indicated by: anxiety, tearfulness, dryness of the mucous membranes of the genital organs, which is accompanied by burning and itching, weight gain, and deterioration of the skin condition.
Pheochromocytoma– tumors of the nervous system that synthesize adrenaline and norepinephrine. These hormones stimulate the nervous system and increase the number of impulses reaching the sweat glands. Associated symptoms: paroxysmal increase in blood pressure. During a crisis, it develops characteristic picture: fear, chills, headaches and heart pain, disorders heart rate, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain. After an attack, severe sweating occurs (the person is “drenched in sweat”) and a large amount of urine is passed out, up to 5 liters.
Carcinoid syndrome– tumors that produce hormonal substances that stimulate the sympathetic fibers of the nervous system. In addition to increased sweating, patients are concerned about: abdominal pain, loose stools, disturbances in the functioning of the heart caused by damage to the valves, narrowing of the bronchi - bronchospasm, accompanied by shortness of breath and wheezing. Dilatation of superficial vessels leads to redness of the face, neck and upper torso.
Puberty. During this period, the functioning of the gonads is not stable. Constant fluctuations in hormone levels affect the state of the nervous system. Stimulation of its sympathetic department causes sweating of the face, feet, palms and armpits. This situation can last 1-2 years or accompany a person throughout his life.

Diagnostics endocrine hyperhidrosis

Survey. At the appointment, the doctor will ask a standard list of questions:

When did the sweating start?
What are the circumstances surrounding its appearance?
In what areas is it most pronounced?
In what situations do seizures occur?
Are evening and night sweats common?
What is your general health? Are there any chronic diseases?

Characteristic signs endocrine hyperhidrosis:

generalized sweating throughout the body;
sweating increases in the evening and at night;
symmetrical arrangement of sweating zones;
attacks of hyperhidrosis have little to do with nervous or physical stress;
The attacks are so severe that you have to change clothes.

It is important that the patient report symptoms of chronic diseases: hot flashes, rapid heartbeat, dry skin and wounds that take a long time to heal, and an increase in the amount of urine. This will help the doctor correctly diagnose and prescribe treatment or refer for additional examination to identify hidden pathologies.

Inspection. During examination, the doctor may identify the following signs:

sweating areas are located symmetrically;
the majority have generalized sweating - over the entire surface of the body;
redness of the skin of the face and body associated with the expansion of superficial capillaries.

Laboratory diagnostics
In addition to general tests (fluorography, general and biochemical blood tests, general urinalysis), great importance is given to determining the level of glucose and hormones.

The following test results may indicate endocrine hyperhidrosis:

Blood test to determine glucose level - over 5.5 mmol/l;

Blood test for thyroid hormones

Free hormone T3 (triiodothyronine) – over 5.69 pmol/l;
Free hormone T4 (thyroxine) – over 22 pmol/l;
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) – over 4.0 µIU/ml;
Parathyroid hormone – over 6.8 pmol/l;

Test for sex hormones (for women and men)

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) – for women less than 1.2 mU/l (the phase of the menstrual cycle must be taken into account), for men less than 1.37 mU/l;
Estradiol/estrone index – less than 1;
Inhibin – less than 40 pg/ml for women, less than 147 pg/ml for men;
Testosterone-estradiol-binding globulin or SHBG – less than 7.2 nmol/l. ml for women, less than 13 nmol/l for men.

Qualitative and quantitative methods for assessing hyperhidrosis are rarely used in the endocrine form of the disease. Due to the low information content and labor intensity of the procedure.

Treatment endocrine hyperhidrosis

Endocrine hyperhidrosis is treated by an endocrinologist, together with a dermatologist. The basis of treatment is hormone therapy recovery normal operation endocrine glands. Other methods are aimed at alleviating the condition of patients, but they do not eliminate the cause of the disease.

Treatment method	Efficiency	How it is produced
Medical antiperspirants	About 60%. The components of antiperspirants narrow the ducts and slow down the work of the sweat glands. Disadvantages: risk of developing irritation and suppuration of the sweat glands in people with low immunity. Allergy development is possible.	Antiperspirant (aerosol, sticker, powder, cream) is applied in the evening to intact skin. Before application, the body is washed with soap, and areas of hyperhidrosis are dried with dry wipes or a hairdryer. In the morning, wash off any remaining product with warm water and soap. The frequency of repetition of the procedure is indicated in the instructions (every other day, once a week).
Physiotherapeutic methods	60-70%. Under influence low frequency current there is a reflex contraction of the ducts of the sweat glands and blood vessels of the skin. This leads to decreased sweating. Disadvantages: often the effect is not pronounced enough. The action ends after a few days.	The baths are filled with tap water and connected to an iontophoresis apparatus. Water is a conductor of current and a source of ions. The immersed parts of the body are exposed to a galvanic current, and the ions are deposited in the skin for several days. The procedures are carried out every other day, 7-12 per course.
Botulinum toxin injections (Botox, Dysport, Ipsen, Xeomin)	95%. The toxin disrupts the conduction of nerve impulses that control the functioning of the sweat gland. Disadvantages: 5% of people are insensitive to botulinum toxin. The procedure may cause a feeling of numbness and muscle weakness. With endocrine hyperhidrosis, sweating often occurs throughout the body. Therefore, piercing individual areas does not bring significant relief.	Using the Minor test, the limits of sweating are determined. Then they are injected with the drug. The manipulation is carried out using a thin insulin needle with a step of 2 cm. After 1-2 days, the toxin blocks the nerve fibers and the glands stop working.
Local surgical treatment	95%. It is used to treat local hyperhidrosis of the armpits and palms, which is rare in the endocrine form. Disadvantages: traumatic. Not effective for sweating all over the body.	Removal of individual sweat glands - curettage. Removal of subcutaneous fat, which damages the nerve fibers leading to the glands. After such an intervention, sweating significantly decreases or stops completely.
Central surgical treatment – sympathectomy	85-100%. With percutaneous up to 90%. The doctor damages or completely destroys the nerve nodes that transmit impulses to the sweat glands. Indicated for hyperhidrosis of the armpits and palms. Disadvantages: swelling, hematoma, risk of developing scars that impede movement. In 50% of those operated on, compensatory hyperhidrosis develops - sweating of the torso, thighs and inguinal folds appears. In 2% of cases this causes more discomfort than primary hyperhidrosis. Based on this, sympathectomy is recommended for patients when it is not possible to cure the chronic disease that causes sweating.	The intervention is performed under general anesthesia. Endoscopic surgery. For palmar hyperhidrosis, surgery is performed on the D2-D4 segment (ganglia near the 2-4 vertebrae of the thoracic spine). In the axillary – on the D3-D5 segment. For palmar and axillary – on the D2-D5 segment. For plantar hyperhidrosis, sympathectomy is not performed due to the risk of postoperative sexual disorders. During percutaneous surgery The doctor inserts a needle into the area near the spine. Next, he destroys the nerve with electric current or chemical means. However, in this case, he cannot see the nerve itself. This causes the procedure to be ineffective and the risk of damage to nearby organs. Open chest surgery with cutting the chest, it is practically not used due to the high level of traumatism.

The drug method for endocrine hyperhidrosis is not used, since anticholinergic drugs can worsen the patient’s condition.

Features of the treatment of endocrine hyperhidrosis of the armpits, legs and palms

Type of hyperhidrosis	Stages of treatment
Type of hyperhidrosis	1	2	3	4	5
Axillary (axillary)	Medical antiperspirants MAXIM 15% KLIMA 15% BONEDRY 20% Everdry	Botulinum toxin injections. Preparations Botox, Dysport, Ipsen, Xeomin	Iontophoresis with tap water	Removal of sweat glands - curettage	Sympathectomy – destruction of the nerve ganglion
Palmar (palmar)	Medical antiperspirants: KLIMA, Everdry, Active Dry, Odaban 30%	Botulinum toxin injections	Iontophoresis with tap water	Sympathectomy for nerve ganglion destruction
Plantar (plantar)	Antiperspirants DRYDRAY 30.5%, foot powder ODABAN 20%	Treatment with formaldehyde preparations Formidron, Paraformbetonite powder.	Botulinum toxin injections	Iontophoresis with tap water

Prevention of hyperhidrosis

Wearing loose clothing made from natural fabrics. Sweat stains are less noticeable on dark-colored items or clothes with small prints.
Wearing “breathable” shoes, and open ones in the summer.
Use of special antibacterial insoles and liners.
Fighting flat feet. Irregular foot structure is accompanied by increased sweating.
Contrast shower 2 times a day for general hyperhidrosis. Baths with contrast water 2-3 times a week for local hyperhidrosis. Changing temperatures improves blood circulation in the skin and helps narrow the ducts of the sweat glands.
Baths or applications with decoctions medicinal herbs, containing tannins and stopping the proliferation of bacteria. They use oak bark, celandine, and mint.
Baths with potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate). Every other day or 2-3 times a week. Duration 15 min.
Taking vitamins. Vitamins A, E, and B group affect the skin and sweat glands.
Taking sedatives to normalize the functioning of the nervous system. Valerian, motherwort, and ankylosing spondylitis reduce nervous stimulation of the sweat glands.
Treatment of chronic diseases that cause sweating.

Let's summarize. According to experts, the most effective method of treating local hyperhidrosis (armpits, palms, feet) is the administration of botulinum toxin. Its effectiveness is over 90%, and the likelihood of side effects is minimal compared to other methods. The cost of such treatment for hyperhidrosis starts from 17-20 thousand rubles.

Sweating is one of the natural physiological processes in the human body, its function is to maintain normal temperature body and protecting the body from overheating. In any healthy man, increased sweating can occur as a result of physical activity, in hot weather or during severe anxiety.

Hyperhidrosis - excessive sweating

Sweating can be general or local (when specific parts of the body sweat, for example, the armpits).

Pathological excessive sweating is called hyperhidrosis; in this disease, excessive sweating occurs even with mild excitement, and sometimes for no apparent reason at all.

Hyperhidrosis causes enormous physical and mental discomfort to a person, and sometimes this disease can cause social problems. There are two types of excessive sweating:

We are talking about primary sweating when the reasons for it could not be detected;
Secondary sweating is a symptom of a disease, with treatment of which this symptom disappears on its own.

In addition, a distinction is made between local sweating, in which certain areas of the body sweat (palms, feet, armpits, head), and general sweating, in which the whole body sweats.

Causes of excessive sweating

Sometimes it is possible to determine the reason as a result of which a man experiences profuse sweating.

Sweating is one of the symptoms of many infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, malaria, pneumonia, as well as endocrine (,) and nervous diseases.
Kidney diseases, in which the processes of filtration and urine formation are disrupted, as a result of which the body is forced to excrete excess water through the sweat glands.
also contributes to the emergence heavy sweating, especially in hot weather.
Increased nervous excitability, in which, as a result of excitement, fear or other emotional states increased sweating occurs, although normally these irritants are not directly related to the process of sweating.
Hyperhidrosis can be caused by taking certain medications (medicines containing acetylsalicylic acid, insulin, pilocarpine, etc.).
Hereditary predisposition also influences the occurrence of excess sweating, but in this case we are more often talking about local sweating.

Increased sweating of the armpits, palms and legs usually occurs during stress; with hyperhidrosis, sweating begins even with slight excitement. Men suffering from this disease often experience sweating from the head due to emotional stress. Sweaty feet can be caused by fungal skin diseases in this area.

What to do if you sweat excessively?

First of all, it is necessary to understand whether excessive sweating in men is a pathology. When working or long stay in hot climates or in rooms where temperature and humidity are high, sweating is the norm, especially if a man is engaged in physical labor in such conditions. If increased sweating is accompanied by other symptoms, for example, cough, fever, headache, abdominal pain, etc., then you should immediately consult a doctor, since in this situation sweating is most likely a symptom of some disease . Contact for medical care should also be done if increased sweating is not associated with the reasons described above.

Recommendations for men suffering from excessive sweating

Men suffering from hyperhidrosis should pay special attention to personal hygiene, in particular, take a shower 2 times a day.

You can try to cope with hyperhidrosis or at least reduce its unpleasant manifestations on your own.

Maintaining hygiene is necessary for everyone, without exception, and if you have excessive sweating, you need to pay special attention to it. You need to shower twice a day. When washing, it is recommended to use deodorizing and antibacterial soaps; in addition, it is useful to periodically use body scrubs, especially for local sweating. It should be noted that their use is only possible on intact skin. Problem areas can also be washed with tar soap.

The application of antiperspirants containing substances that block sweating, as well as deodorants that help get rid of the unpleasant odor of sweat, is possible only on clean skin. Therefore, in the morning, especially if you sweat excessively at night, you need to take a shower, preferably a contrast one. Contrast showers are also very useful for men whose increased sweating occurs due to increased nervous excitability.

Clothing, especially underwear, should be chosen from natural materials; synthetic tight underwear is unacceptable. Shoes must be of the appropriate size and made of genuine leather.

To combat excessive sweating and strong sweat odor, some doctors recommend limiting your consumption of spicy foods and seasonings. It has been proven that when you eat certain foods, such as fish, garlic, cumin, hot curry seasoning, the smell of sweat intensifies. You should also exclude coffee, strong black tea, chocolate, and cola from your diet.

Medicines for the treatment of sweating

Drug treatment is prescribed by a doctor. Sedatives are prescribed for increased nervous excitability. Iontophoresis will help get rid of excessive sweating for several weeks; if the problem returns, the procedure must be repeated. For a longer period (up to 6-7 months), Botox injections will help reduce sweating. In rare cases, local liposuction is recommended for patients with armpit sweating, and for increased sweating of the face and palms, surgery - endoscopic sympathectomy - can help.

Treatment of hyperhidrosis with folk remedies usually involves the use of lotions, compresses and baths with decoctions of medicinal herbs that have a tannic or astringent effect. Oak and willow bark and strong tea leaves have these properties. For sweating of the feet and palms, contrasting baths with a decoction of oak or birch bark and leaves are useful walnut, you can add a couple of tablespoons of natural apple cider vinegar to the bath.

Which doctor should I contact?

If you experience excessive sweating, you should consult a dermatologist. The doctor will examine the patient and determine possible reason hyperhidrosis. In some cases, the patient may be referred for consultation to a therapist or specialized specialists (infectious disease specialist, pulmonologist, endocrinologist, nephrologist, neurologist) if it turns out that the cause of sweating lies in the disease internal organ. If the cause of sweating cannot be determined, the patient can consult a cosmetologist or plastic surgeon.

Excessive sweating is a problem that is as common as it is unpleasant. Modern standards of human life do not approve of the presence in society of people who emit an unpleasant odor. And the explanation that this is not at all connected with cleanliness is unlikely to be understood and accepted. The problem needs to be dealt with. And for this it is important to understand the reasons for this phenomenon.

The problem of extremely high blood pressure has been known to medicine for a long time. There is even a special term for it - hyperhidrosis (Greek - a lot of water). At the same time, it is necessary to immediately say that the disease does not pose any direct health risks - scientists classify it as a “social disease” - one that can cause a person to have problems being among others of his own kind. And then diseases associated with social rejection may arise - nervous breakdowns, depression, in the worst case, everything can lead to a suicide attempt.

However, all these gloomy prospects open up only if you do not fight hyperhidrosis and do not perceive it as a problem. Doctors and scientists have a different opinion and argue that excessive sweating can and should be overcome. They even developed a classification of hyperhidrosis based not only on the volume and key areas of sweating, but also on the level of public rejection.

So, according to the degree of severity, excessive sweating is divided into:

Mild (increased sweating, but this does not cause social problems);
Moderate (heavy sweating, slight social rejection);
Severe (constant smell of sweat, wet spots on clothes, almost complete social rejection).

According to its prevalence, hyperhidrosis is divided into:

General (increased sweating is characteristic of the whole body);
Local (increased sweating is typical for certain areas of the body).

Both classifications do not contradict each other, for example, a person may have light general, or severe local hyperhidrosis. Experts note that the general subtype is extremely rare; more often people suffer from the local form. That is why it would be useful to understand the causes of increased sweating in different parts bodies.

Head

There are many reasons for increased sweating on the head, but not all of them are related to hyperhidrosis directly. Let us first separate those that are quite common, but have nothing to do with the problem:

ARVI and colds.
Chronic infectious and oncological diseases.
As a manifestation of an allergic reaction
Side effects of certain medications;
Stress and nervous condition.
Metabolic disease.

As you can see, there are more than enough reasons for hyperhidrosis. However, scientists believe the main increased activity sympathetic nervous system, namely arousal. Thus, the key cause of increased sweating is stress. Sensitive, nervous, touchy people are more prone to increased sweating on the head.

Body

As already mentioned, hyperhidrosis is not a disease in itself. However, the cause of increased sweating throughout the body is often precisely diseases, namely:

As you can note, there are many diseases that affect excessive sweating. The reason for such a wide list is that scientists still cannot accurately determine the key cause of hyperhidrosis and compile a list of pathogens based on observations of patients with other pathologies.

Hands

Hyperhidrosis of the hands, especially the palms, is one of the most common types of increased sweating in general. Long-term observations have made it possible to identify the main causative agents of this problem:

Legs

From the point of view of hyperhidrosis, the legs are a special part of the body that is constantly constrained by some kind of shoes. That is why the list of factors influencing excessive sweating in the feet is somewhat different from the rest of the body.

In addition to these specific reasons, of course, increased sweating can be caused by stress, illness endocrine system, cancer and infectious diseases, similar to other parts of the body.

Main symptoms

Despite all the obviousness of the external manifestation, it is not so easy to distinguish hyperhidrosis from ordinary sweating, especially in the hot summer months. And what is logical, this disease has its own symptoms that allow it to be diagnosed in a timely manner.

Prevention and treatment

In some cases, hyperhidrosis is hereditary and in this case its prevention does not produce tangible results. As for everyone else, if a person begins to notice that the amount of sweat produced is greater than usual, it is worth taking care of preventing the disease, especially since the basic recommendations are useful for everyone, regardless of the presence or suspicion of hyperhidrosis.

As for treatment, any procedures, no matter how effective they may seem, should be carried out only in consultation with the attending physician. However, it would be useful to describe the main methods of treatment.

If the case is not severe, then all therapy is usually limited to just regulating the amount of water consumed, naturally in a decreasing direction. This is combined with daily intake baths with the addition of oak bark and a weak solution of potassium permanganate. In addition, special solutions and lotions are available for wiping affected areas of the skin on the body, as well as powders and powders for the feet and palms.

If the disease manifests itself in a severe form, complex therapy is usually used, prescribed by a professional neurologist. Along with it, the latest laser methods for treating hyperhidrosis are often used, but their effectiveness has not been proven.