What is increased sweating, forms (primary, secondary) and degrees of hyperhidrosis, treatment methods, doctor’s recommendations - video

Treatment of hyperhidrosis with folk remedies: oak bark, soda, vinegar, potassium permanganate, diet

Heavy sweating(excessive sweating) is called hyperhidrosis and is a condition in which a person secretes large number sweat on various parts of the body in situations in which there is normally little or no sweat production. Heavy sweating can occur all over the body or only in certain areas (armpits, feet, palms, face, head, neck, etc.). If increased sweating is observed throughout the body, then this phenomenon is called generalized hyperhidrosis. If excessive sweating affects certain areas of the body, then this is localized (local) hyperhidrosis.

Treatment of hyperhidrosis, regardless of its location (generalized or localized) and the mechanism of development (primary or secondary), is carried out using the same methods and drugs, the action of which is aimed at reducing the intensity of the sweat glands.

Heavy sweating - the essence of pathology and the mechanism of development

Normally, a person constantly produces a small amount of sweat, which does not cause any discomfort. At high ambient temperatures (for example, heat, bathhouse, sauna, etc.), during physical activity, when eating hot food or drinking, as well as in some other situations (for example, stress, spicy food, etc.) sweating may increase and become noticeable to the person himself and others. However, in these cases, increased sweating is normal reaction body, aimed at cooling the body and preventing overheating.

Heavy sweating refers to the increased production of sweat in situations for which this is not normally typical. For example, if a person sweats at rest or with slight excitement, then we are talking about increased sweating.

Factors that provoke heavy sweating can be absolutely any physical, mental or physiological phenomena. However, the main difference between heavy sweating and normal sweating is the onset of profuse sweating in situations in which this would not normally occur.

The general mechanism for the development of any type of hyperhidrosis, regardless of the nature and strength of the causative factor, is excessive activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which activates the sweat glands. That is, along nerve fibers sympathetic division The peripheral nervous system transmits a signal to the sweat glands, which, as a result of this influence, are activated and begin to work in an enhanced mode. Naturally, if the sympathetic nervous system works too actively, then its influence on the sweat glands is also greater than normal, which leads to increased production of sweat.

However, increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system is just a mechanism of hyperhidrosis. But the exact reasons for the increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system are unknown. After all, excessive sweating can develop against the background of complete health, and with certain diseases, and with emotional experiences, and when taking a number of medicines, and with a whole series of very interesting factors that, at first glance, do not have anything to do with the sympathetic nervous system. However, scientists and doctors were only able to accurately establish that when increased sweating provoking factors lead to one thing - activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which, in turn, enhances the work of the sweat glands.

Since an imbalance in the activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems is characteristic of vegetative-vascular dystonia, severe sweating is very common with this disorder. However, many people suffering from excessive sweating do not have vegetative-vascular dystonia, so consider this pathology as the most common and probable cause Sweating is not allowed.

If severe sweating develops in a person against the background of any diseases, then its development mechanism is exactly the same - that is, excessive activity of the sympathetic nervous system. Unfortunately, the exact mechanism of the influence of somatic, endocrinological and psychological disorders on the sympathetic nervous system unknown, as a result of which the so-called “trigger” point of sweating has not been established. Because scientists and doctors do not know exactly how the process starts active work sympathetic nervous system, then it is currently impossible to regulate the brain centers that control the nerve fibers that transmit signals to the sweat glands. Therefore, to treat excessive sweating, only symptomatic remedies that reduce the production of sweat by the glands can be used.

Classification and brief characteristics of various types of severe sweating

Depending on the presence or absence of predisposing factors, excessive sweating is divided into two types:
1. Primary hyperhidrosis (idiopathic).
2. Secondary hyperhidrosis (associated with illness, medications, and emotional hyperreactivity).

Primary or idiopathic hyperhidrosis

Primary, or idiopathic hyperhidrosis is a physiological feature of the human body and develops for unknown reasons. That is, primary excessive sweating develops against the background of complete health without any visible reasons and is not a sign of any disorder or disease. As a rule, idiopathic hyperhidrosis is hereditary, that is, it is passed on from parents to children. According to international data, this form of excessive sweating affects from 0.6% to 1.5% of people. With primary idiopathic hyperhidrosis, a person, as a rule, sweats heavily only in certain parts of the body, for example, feet, palms, armpits, neck, etc. Excessive sweating throughout the body is extremely rare in primary hyperhidrosis.

Secondary hyperhidrosis

Secondary hyperhidrosis develops against the background of any existing diseases, when taking certain medications and with a sharp expression of emotional reactions. That is, with secondary hyperhidrosis there is always a visible cause that can be identified. Secondary excessive sweating is characterized by the fact that a person sweats heavily throughout the whole body, and not just any individual parts. If a person suspects that he has secondary sweating, then he should consult a doctor for a detailed examination, which will identify the disease that has become the causative factor of severe sweating.

In addition to dividing hyperhidrosis into primary and secondary, excessive sweating is also classified into the following three types depending on the volume of skin involved in the pathological process:
1. Generalized hyperhidrosis;
2. Localized (local, local) hyperhidrosis;
3. Gustatory hyperhidrosis.

Generalized hyperhidrosis

Generalized hyperhidrosis is a type of excessive sweating throughout the body, where a person sweats from all areas of the skin, including the back and chest. Such generalized hyperhidrosis is almost always secondary and is provoked by various diseases or medications. In addition, this type of sweating develops in pregnant women, in early postpartum period, in the second half of the menstrual cycle, as well as during menopause. In women, sweating in these conditions is due to hormonal characteristics with the predominant effect of progesterone, which stimulates the sympathetic nervous system.

Localized hyperhidrosis

Localized hyperhidrosis is a variant in which a person sweats only certain parts of the body, for example:

• Palms;
• Feet;
• Armpits;
• Area around the lips;
• Face;
• Back;
• Skin of the external genitalia;
• Anal area;
• tip of the nose;
• Chin;
• The scalp.

With local hyperhidrosis, only certain parts of the body sweat, while others produce sweat in normal quantity. This form sweating is usually idiopathic and is most often caused by vegetative-vascular dystonia. Excessive sweating of each individual part of the body is usually called a special term in which the first word is derived from the Latin or Greek name for the part of the body with excessive sweating, and the second is “hyperhidrosis”. For example, excessive sweating of the palms will be referred to as “palmar hyperhidrosis”, feet – “plantar hyperhidrosis”, armpits – “axillary hyperhidrosis”, head and neck – “craniofacial hyperhidrosis”, etc.

Usually sweat does not have any odor, but with local hyperhidrosis, bromidrosis (osmidrosis) or chromidrosis may develop. Bromidrosis is a foul-smelling sweat that is usually produced by poor hygiene or by consuming foods with pungent odor, for example, garlic, onions, tobacco, etc. If a person consumes products with a strong odor, then the aromatic substances contained in them, released from the human body through sweat, give it an unpleasant aroma. Bromidrosis, if hygiene is not observed, develops due to the fact that bacteria living on the surface of the skin begin to actively decompose protein substances released in sweat, resulting in the formation of foul-smelling compounds of sulfur, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, etc. In addition, foul-smelling sweat with hyperhidrosis can occur in people with diabetes mellitus, skin syphilis (syphilitic rashes) and pemphigus, as well as in women suffering from disorders menstrual cycle.

Chromydrosis represents the coloring of sweat in various colors (orange, black, etc.). A similar phenomenon occurs when any toxic substances and chemical compounds (mainly compounds of cobalt, copper and iron) enter the human body, as well as in the presence of hysterical seizures and systemic diseases.

Gustatory hyperhidrosis

Gustatory hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating upper lip, skin around the mouth or tip of the nose after eating hot, hot or spicy food or drinks. In addition, gustatory hyperhidrosis can develop with Frey's syndrome (pain in the temple and temporomandibular joint, combined with profuse sweating in the temples and ears).

Many doctors and scientists do not distinguish gustatory hyperhidrosis as a separate type of excessive sweating, but include it as part of the localized form of excessive sweating.

Features of local hyperhidrosis of some localizations

Let's consider the features of increased sweating in some of the most common localizations.

Excessive sweating under the arms (axillary hyperhidrosis)

Heavy sweating under the arms is quite common and is usually caused by strong emotions, fear, anger or excitement. Any disease rarely causes sweating of the armpits, therefore local hyperhidrosis of this localization is almost always idiopathic, that is, primary.

However, isolated secondary excessive sweating in the armpits can be caused by the following diseases:

• Follicular mucinosis;
• Blue nevus;
• Tumors of cavernous structure.

Axillary hyperhidrosis is treated in the same way as any other form of excessive sweating.

Severe sweating of the head

Excessive sweating of the head is called cranial hyperhidrosis and is quite common, but less common is excessive sweating of the palms, feet and armpits. Such local excessive sweating, as a rule, is idiopathic, but in some cases it is secondary and is caused by the following diseases and conditions:

• Neuropathy in diabetes mellitus;
• Herpes zoster of the face and head;
• Diseases of the central nervous system;
• Damage to the parotid salivary gland;
• Frey's syndrome;
• Skin mucinosis;
• Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy;
• Blue nevus;
• Cavernous tumor;
• Sympathectomy.

In addition, the scalp may sweat a lot after consuming hot, spicy or spicy drinks or foods. The treatment and course of excessive sweating of the head does not differ from that of other localizations.

Excessive sweating of the feet (sweating feet, plantar hyperhidrosis)

Severe sweating of the feet can be either idiopathic or provoked by various diseases or wearing incorrectly selected shoes and socks. Thus, many people develop foot hyperhidrosis due to wearing tight shoes or shoes with rubber soles, as well as the constant use of nylon, elastic tights or socks.

The problem of excessive sweating of the feet is very relevant, since it causes severe discomfort to a person. After all, when the feet sweat, the legs almost always appear. bad smell, socks are constantly wet, as a result of which the feet are cold. In addition, the skin on the legs, under the influence of sweat, becomes damp, cold, cyanotic and easily damaged, as a result of which a person is constantly faced with infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Excessive sweating of the palms (palmar hyperhidrosis)

Severe sweating of the palms is usually idiopathic. However, sweating of the palms can also be secondary, and in this case it usually develops due to emotional experiences, such as excitement, anxiety, fear, anger, etc. Sweaty palms caused by any disease are very rare.

Heavy facial sweating

Severe facial sweating can be either idiopathic or secondary. Moreover, in the case of secondary facial hyperhidrosis, this problem is usually caused by diseases of the nervous and endocrine systems, as well as emotional experiences. Also quite often, excessive facial sweating occurs when consuming hot foods and drinks.

Features of excessive sweating in various situations

Let's consider the features of hyperhidrosis in various situations and in certain conditions.

Heavy sweating at night (during sleep)

Increased sweating during the hours of rest at night can bother both men and women, and the causative factors of this condition are exactly the same for all people, regardless of gender and age.

Night sweats can be idiopathic or secondary. Moreover, if such sweating is secondary, then this indicates a severe systemic infectious or oncological disease. The causes of secondary night sweats can be the following diseases:

• Systemic fungal infection (for example, aspergillosis, systemic candidiasis, etc.);
• Long-term chronic infections of any organs (for example, chronic tonsillitis, etc.);

If, in addition to night sweats, a person experiences rapid fatigue, weight loss, or frequent increases in body temperature above 37.5 o C, then hyperhidrosis is undoubtedly secondary and is a sign of a serious illness. In the case where none of the above, besides sweating at night, bothers a person, hyperhidrosis is idiopathic and does not pose any danger.

It should be said that despite the fact that night sweats may be symptom severe illness, in most cases, people suffering from this problem do not have any health problems. Typically, idiopathic night sweats are caused by stress and anxiety.

If a person has idiopathic night sweats, then to reduce its severity it is recommended to follow the following rules:

• Make the bed as comfortable as possible and sleep on a hard mattress and pillow;
• Ensure the air temperature in the room in which you plan to sleep is no more than 20 - 22 o C;
• If possible, it is recommended to open the bedroom window at night;
• Lose weight if you are overweight.

Heavy sweating during physical activity

During physical activity, increased sweating is considered normal, since a large amount of heat generated by muscles during intense work is removed from the human body by evaporation of sweat from the surface of the skin. A similar mechanism of increased sweating during physical activity and in the heat prevents the human body from overheating. This means that it is impossible to completely eliminate sweating during exercise. However, if this problem greatly bothers a person, then you can try to reduce sweating.

To reduce sweating during exercise, wear loose, open, light clothing that does not cause additional heat to the skin. In addition, the areas of the most pronounced sweating can be treated with a special antiperspirant deodorant containing aluminum 1–2 days before planned physical activity. You should not apply deodorant to large areas of the body, as this blocks the production of sweat and can cause overheating of the body, manifested by weakness and dizziness.

Heavy sweating when sick

Excessive sweating can be caused by a fairly wide range of various diseases. Moreover, sweating itself, as such, does not play a significant role in the mechanisms of disease development, but is simply a painful and unpleasant symptom that causes serious discomfort to a person. Since sweating in diseases is treated in the same way as idiopathic hyperhidrosis, it makes sense to pay attention to it only in cases where it may indicate an unfavorable course of the pathology and the need for urgent medical attention.

So, you should definitely consult a doctor if sweating is combined with any of the following symptoms:

• Significant reduction in body weight without dieting, physical activity, etc.;
• Weakening or increasing appetite;
• Persistent cough lasting more than 21 days in a row;
• Periodic frequent increases in body temperature above 37.5 o C, occurring for several weeks in a row;
• Chest pain, worsened by coughing, breathing and sneezing;
• Spots on the skin;
• Enlargement of one or more lymph nodes;
• Feeling of discomfort and pain in the abdomen, which occurs quite often;
• An attack of sweating is accompanied by palpitations and increased blood pressure.

Sweating in various diseases can be generalized or localized, occurring at night, in the morning, during the day, or against the background of emotional or physical stress. In other words, the characteristics of sweating in any disease can be quite variable.

For diseases of the thyroid gland and other internal secretion organs ( endocrine glands) sweating develops quite often. Thus, attacks of generalized excessive sweating can occur with hyperthyroidism (Graves disease, thyroid adenoma, etc.), pheochromocytoma (adrenal tumor) and dysfunction of the pituitary gland. However, with these diseases, sweating is not the main symptom, since the person has other, much more serious dysfunctions of the body.

At hypertension Generalized sweating often develops, since during an attack of high blood pressure the activity of the sympathetic nervous system increases.

Heavy sweating during menopause

About half of all women experience hot flashes and sweating during menopause, but these symptoms are considered normal because they develop due to hormonal changes occurring in the body. When menstruation finally stops and a woman enters menopause, hot flashes, sweating and other painful symptoms characteristic of the period of decline menstrual function, will pass. However, the fact that sweating and hot flashes during menopause are normal does not mean that women should endure these painful manifestations of the body’s transition to another stage of functioning.

Thus, at present, to improve the quality of life and alleviate a woman’s condition, there is a wide range of medications that relieve manifestations of the decline of menstrual function, such as sweating and hot flashes. To choose the best remedy for yourself, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist who can recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or homeopathic medicines (for example, Klimaksan, Remens, Klimadinon, Qi-Klim, etc.).

Heavy sweating after childbirth and during pregnancy

During pregnancy and for 1 – 2 months after childbirth, a woman’s body produces progesterone in large quantities. Progesterone and estrogen are the main sex hormones of the female body, which are produced with a certain cyclicity so that in some periods one hormone has a predominant effect, and in others - the second.

Thus, during pregnancy, some time after childbirth, as well as in the second half of the menstrual cycle, the effects of progesterone prevail, since it is produced much more than estrogen. And progesterone enhances the functioning of the sweat glands and their sensitivity to ambient temperature, which, accordingly, leads to increased sweating in women. Accordingly, increased sweating during pregnancy and some time after childbirth is completely normal occurrence, which should not be feared.

If sweating causes discomfort to a woman, then to reduce it during the entire period of pregnancy, you can use antiperspirant deodorants that are safe for the baby and do not affect its growth and development.

Night sweats - why we sweat at night: menopause (relief of symptoms), tuberculosis (treatment, prevention), lymphoma (diagnosis) - video

Heavy sweating in women and men

The causes, frequency of occurrence, types and principles of treatment for heavy sweating in men and women are exactly the same, so it is inappropriate to consider them in separate sections. The only one distinctive feature female excessive sweating is that the fair sex, in addition to all the other causes of hyperhidrosis, has one more - a regular increase in progesterone levels in the second half of each menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, after childbirth and during menopause. Therefore, women can suffer from sweating for the same reasons as men and additionally during certain periods of their lives when the influence of progesterone prevails in the hormonal background.

Heavy sweating - causes

Obviously, idiopathic severe sweating does not have any obvious and visible causes, and it can be provoked by ordinary situations, such as eating, mild excitement, etc. And sometimes attacks of sweating can occur without any visible provoking factor.

The situation is completely different with secondary severe sweating, which is always caused by some reason, which is a somatic, endocrine or other disease.

So, the following diseases and conditions may be the causes of secondary severe sweating:
1. Endocrine diseases:

• Thyrotoxicosis ( high level thyroid hormones in the blood) against the background of Graves' disease, adenoma or other diseases of the thyroid gland;
• Diabetes mellitus;
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar);
• Pheochromocytoma;
• Carcinoid syndrome;
• Acromegaly;
• Pancreatic dysfunction (decreased production of enzymes by the pancreas).

2. Infectious diseases:

• Tuberculosis;
• HIV infection;
• Neurosyphilis;
• Systemic fungal infections (for example, aspergillosis, systemic candidiasis, etc.);
• Herpes zoster.

3. Infectious and inflammatory diseases of various organs:

• Endocarditis;
• Chronic tonsillitis, etc.

4. Neurological diseases:

• Diencephalic syndrome of newborns;
• Diabetic, alcoholic or other neuropathy;
• Vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• Syringomyelia.

5. Oncological diseases:

• Hodgkin's disease;
• Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas;
• Compression of the spinal cord by a tumor or metastases.

6. Genetic diseases:

• Riley-Day syndrome;

7. Psychological reasons:

• Fear;
• Pain;
• Anger;
• Anxiety;
• Stress.

8. Other:

• Hypertension;
• Hyperplasia of sweat glands;
• Keratoderma;
• Withdrawal syndrome in alcoholism;
• Opium withdrawal syndrome;
• Damage to the parotid salivary glands;
• Follicular mucinosis of the skin;
• Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy;
• Blue nevus;
• Cavernous tumor;
• Mushroom poisoning;
• Poisoning with organophosphorus substances (OPS).

In addition, severe sweating may develop while taking the following medications as a side effect:

• Aspirin and products containing acetylsalicylic acid;
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (Gonadorelin, Nafarelin, Buserelin, Leuprolide);
• Antidepressants (most often Bupropion, Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Venlafaxine);
• Insulin;
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (most often Paracetamol, Diclofenac, Ibuprofen);
• Opioid analgesics;
• Pilocarpine;
• Sulfonylurea derivatives (Tolbutamide, Gliquidone, Gliclazide, Glibenclamide, Glipizide, etc.);
• Promedol;
• Emetics (ipecac, etc.);
• Medicines for the treatment of migraine (Sumatriptam, Naratriptan, Rizatriptan, Zolmitriptan);
• Theophylline;
• Physostigmine.

Excessive sweating in a child - causes

Severe sweating can occur in children of all ages, even in infants in their first year of life. It should be remembered that excessive sweating in a child over 6 years of age causal factors, varieties and methods of treatment are completely equivalent to those in an adult, but in children under 6 years of age, hyperhidrosis is provoked by completely different reasons.

Thus, many newborn babies sweat intensely during feeding, when they suck on the breast or milk from a bottle. Children during the first 3 years of life sweat very much during their sleep, regardless of whether they sleep during the day or at night. Increased sweating accompanies them during both night and daytime sleep. Scientists and doctors consider children to sweat during meals and sleep as a normal phenomenon, which reflects the baby’s body’s ability to remove excess heat to the outside and prevent overheating.

Remember that a child is adapted by nature to tolerate relatively low temperatures, and the optimal ambient temperature for him is 18 - 22 o C. At this temperature, a child can calmly walk in a T-shirt and not freeze, although almost any adult in the same clothes will be uncomfortable . Considering the fact that parents try to dress their children warmly, focusing on their own feelings, they constantly expose them to the danger of overheating. The child compensates for too warm clothes by sweating. And when heat production in the body increases even more (sleep and food), the child begins to sweat intensely in order to “shed” the excess.

There is a widespread belief among parents that excessive sweating of a child in the first 3 years of life is a sign of rickets. However, this opinion is completely untrue, since there is no connection between rickets and sweating.

In addition to the above physiological reasons increased sweating in children, there are a number of other factors that can cause hyperhidrosis in children. These factors are diseases of internal organs, which always manifest themselves with other, more noticeable and important symptoms, by the presence of which parents can understand that the child is sick.

Excessive sweating in children: causes, symptoms, treatment. Hyperhidrosis during pregnancy - video

Heavy sweating - what to do (treatment)

For any type of severe sweating, the same treatment methods are used, aimed at reducing sweat production and suppressing the activity of the glands. All these methods are symptomatic, that is, they do not affect the cause of the problem, but only eliminate a painful symptom - sweating, thereby increasing a person’s quality of life. If sweating is secondary, that is, provoked by some disease, then in addition to using specific methods to reduce sweating, it is imperative to treat the direct pathology that caused the problem.

So, currently the following methods are used to treat severe sweating:
1. External application of antiperspirants (deodorants, gels, ointments, wipes) to the skin to reduce sweat production;
2. Ingestion of tablets that reduce sweat production;
3. Iontophoresis;
4. Injections of botulinum toxin (Botox) in areas with excessive sweating;
5. Surgical methods for treating sweating:

• Curettage of sweat glands in areas of excessive sweating (destruction and removal of sweat glands through an incision in the skin);
• Sympathectomy (cutting or compressing the nerve going to the glands in the area of ​​excessive sweating);
• Laser lipolysis (laser destruction of sweat glands).

The listed methods represent the entire arsenal of ways to reduce excess sweating. Currently, they are used according to a certain algorithm, which involves first using the simplest and safest methods, and then, in the absence of the necessary and desired effect, moving on to others - more in complex ways therapy for hyperhidrosis. Naturally, more complex methods of therapy are more effective, but have side effects.

So, modern algorithm The application of treatment methods for hyperhidrosis is as follows:
1. External use of any antiperspirant on areas of skin with excessive sweating;
2. Iontophoresis;
3. Botulinum toxin injections;
4. Taking pills that reduce hyperhidrosis;
5. Surgical methods for removing sweat glands.

Antiperspirants are a variety of products applied to the skin, such as deodorants, sprays, gels, wipes, etc. These products contain aluminum salts, which literally clog the sweat glands, blocking the production of sweat and thereby reducing sweating. Antiperspirants containing aluminum can be used for a long time, achieving optimal levels of perspiration. Previously, drugs containing formaldehyde (Formidron) or methenamine were used as antiperspirants. However, at present their use is limited due to toxicity and relatively low efficiency compared to products with aluminum salts.

When choosing an antiperspirant, you need to pay attention to the aluminum concentration, since the higher it is, the stronger the activity of the product. You should not choose products with maximum concentration, as this can cause severe skin irritation. It is recommended to start using antiperspirants with a minimum concentration (6.5%, 10%, 12%) and only if they are ineffective, take a product with a higher high content aluminum The final choice should be made with a product with the lowest possible concentration that effectively stops sweating.

Antiperspirants are applied to the skin for 6–10 hours, preferably at night, and then washed off. The next application is made after 1 - 3 days, depending on how much the effect of the product is sufficient for that particular person.

If antiperspirants are ineffective in reducing sweating, an iontophoresis procedure is performed, which is a type of electrophoresis. With iontophoresis using electric field Medications and salts penetrate deep into the skin, which reduce the activity of the sweat glands. To reduce sweating, iontophoresis sessions are performed with plain water, botulinum toxin or glycopyrrolate. Iontophoresis can stop sweating in 80% of cases.

If iontophoresis is ineffective, then to stop sweating, botulinum toxin is injected into the problem parts of the skin. These injections eliminate the problem of sweating in 80% of cases, and their effect lasts from six months to one and a half years.

Tablets that reduce sweating are taken only in cases where antiperspirants, iontophoresis and botulinum toxin injections are ineffective. These tablets include products containing glycopyrrolate, oxybutynin and clonidine. Taking these tablets is associated with numerous side effects (for example, difficulty urinating, sensitivity to light, palpitations, dry mouth, etc.), so they are used very rarely. Typically, people take anti-sweating pills before important meetings or events when they need to eliminate the problem reliably, effectively and for a relatively short period of time.

Finally, if conservative methods stopping sweating does not help, you can use surgical treatment methods that involve destruction and removal of sweat glands or cutting the nerves leading to the problem area of ​​the skin.

Curettage involves scraping out the sweat glands directly from the problem area of ​​skin with a small spoon. The operation is performed under local or general anesthesia and eliminates sweating in 70% of cases. In other cases, repeated curettage is required to remove some more glands.

Laser lipolysis is the destruction of sweat glands with a laser. In essence, this manipulation is similar to curettage, but is more gentle and safe, since it allows minimizing skin trauma. Unfortunately, laser lipolysis to reduce sweating is currently performed only in selected clinics.

A sympathectomy involves cutting or clamping the nerve leading to the sweat glands located in a problem area of ​​skin with severe sweating. The operation is simple and highly effective. However, unfortunately, sometimes, as a complication of the operation, a person experiences excessive sweating in the adjacent area of ​​skin.

What is increased sweating, forms (primary, secondary) and degrees of hyperhidrosis, treatment methods, doctor’s recommendations - video

Deodorant (remedy) for heavy sweating

Currently, the following antiperspirant deodorants with aluminum are available to reduce sweating:

• Dry Dry (Dry Dry) – 20 and 30% aluminum concentration;
• Anhydrol Forte – 20% (can only be purchased in Europe);
• AHC30 –30% (can be purchased through online stores);

Hyperhidrosis - medical term, indicating increased sweat production. Symptoms of this unpleasant disease significantly worsen the quality of life. The topic of our discussion is heavy sweating, the causes and characteristics of the disease.

Local and generalized

Human skin contains 2-2.5 million sweat glands. They are spread over the surface skin unevenly. Why do the palms, feet and skin of the armpits most often suffer from local hyperhidrosis? The fact is that in these areas the concentration of sweat glands can be tens of times greater than in other parts of the body.

The generalized form of the disease affects large areas of the skin. This is a very unpleasant illness that forces a person to focus on his condition. “I’m sweating a lot, why is this happening, what should I do?...” - constant anxiety of a person and attempts to mitigate the manifestations of the disease can lead to neuroses and fear of appearing in society.

Idiopathic hyperhidrosis

Idiopathic hyperhidrosis is a condition in which constantly increased sweating is observed on the skin of the palms, feet and armpits at the same time. In some cases, people notice that only one armpit or palm has begun to sweat a lot. This condition can be corrected surgically when the nerve impulse simply does not reach the sweat gland due to its blockage. As a rule, surgery should only be used as a last resort.

Idiopathic (independent) hyperhidrosis is not associated with general systemic disorders physiology. Why does such sweating occur? Doctors identify the following reasons:

• hyperreaction of the body to external stimuli;
• neurosis;
• food reaction.

External stimuli

Heat and cold, synthetic clothing and shoes made of artificial leather, playing sports, hot weather - all these factors can cause increased sweating of the armpits, feet and palms. Many people experience significant discomfort when wet skin requires constant blotting.

Why do the same stimuli affect different people differently? One person only sweats slightly, while the other is constantly covered in perspiration from socks to armpits?

It's all about the individual reaction of the body's sympathetic nervous system. Just as we cannot control our pulse and heart rate, sweating cannot be controlled. What a pity!

Neurosis

Increased anxiety, insomnia and irritability are classic symptoms of neuroses and depression. People with these conditions often experience excessive sweating. Why is this happening? A person with neuroses of various origins has a constantly elevated level of adrenaline, which accompanies stress and aggression. Increased sweating may be the body's reaction to adrenaline.

Food

Unfortunately, even a banal meal can provoke sweating. Spicy, salty foods and hot drinks - common reason the appearance of perspiration on the forehead and above the upper lip.

What to do if you sweat a lot when eating and why does this happen? As a rule, increased sweating in humans is an individual reaction to famous products. Quitting their use is the easiest way to get rid of psychological discomfort.

Generalized hyperhidrosis: causes

Generalized hyperhidrosis is called generalized because this form of the disease affects not only the armpits and palms, but the entire surface of the skin. This is a more severe form of the disease, causing the patient significant discomfort in everyday life.

“I’m sweating a lot, what should I do?” - thousands of men and women turn to doctors with this question. The reasons that cause profuse sweating are varied, and their identification is difficult even for specialists.

The simplest reason may be a banal allergic reaction to synthetic clothing and uncomfortable shoes. Much more serious and requiring medical intervention are general physiological problems of the whole body. Let's look at the main causes of hyperhidrosis.

Endocrine system dysfunction

Why can dysfunction of the glands cause sweating in the armpits and other areas of the skin? The thing is that the endocrine system is involved in the regulation of many processes and functions of our body. The slightest malfunction in its operation causes a cascade chain reactions. Including excessive sweating.

Thus, dysfunction of the thyroid gland provokes thermoregulation disorders. Producing excess heat causes increased sweating (especially in the armpits) as a cooling mechanism for the body.

Age hormonal disorders in women - menopause. 70% of women develop sweating from the very beginning of menopause. The skin of the armpits, palms, feet, back and chest - almost the entire body becomes covered with sweat... Fortunately, this condition goes away on its own over time. Sometimes hormonal correction helps in such cases.

Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine disease with many manifestations, since it affects the functioning of all organs and systems. In this case, hyperhidrosis may have its own characteristics. Mostly the upper torso sweats, but the palms and feet may be too dry. Why? The thing is that with diabetes, the work of the autonomic nervous system of the upper body is disrupted.

Genetic disorders

Sweating accompanies this genetic disease, like Riley-Day syndrome. The disease can affect all body systems - from the spine to the exocrine glands. Increased sweating is especially pronounced in such patients in stressful situations.

Diseases of the cardiovascular system

Heart disease can cause copious discharge sweat in the armpits and the entire surface of the skin in the following situations:

• myocardial infarction;
• shock states;
• a sharp increase or decrease in blood pressure;
• acute pain in the heart muscle.

Tumors

Any neoplasms that develop affecting the lymphatic system can give rise to the development of hyperhidrosis in a person. In addition, tumors of the adrenal glands and intestines are also accompanied by increased sweating.

Drug addiction and alcoholism

Excessive sweating is observed in patients at neurological clinics in a state of drug withdrawal. Difficult condition“withdrawal” is aggravated by the release of such profuse sweat that the patient is forced to completely change clothes day and night. Here, the skin of not only the armpits, but also other parts of the human body suffers.

Why? The reason is the autonomic nervous system, which thus reacts to the stress hormones that the patient experiences during this difficult period.

Neurological disorders

Increased anxiety syndrome is a classic example of a mental disorder in which, from the slightest stress, a person instantly becomes covered in perspiration throughout the body: from the scalp and armpits to the tips of the fingers. In this case, it is necessary to cure the underlying disease, and hyperhidrosis may disappear after recovery from the syndrome.

Temporary states

Infectious diseases and acute poisoning may also cause profuse sweat. Let's consider both of these cases.

Infectious diseases are almost always accompanied by hyperhidrosis. Abundant sweating in a person normalizes body temperature and removes toxins. Specific diseases with increased sweat production include:

• lung diseases - tuberculosis, bronchitis, pleurisy;
• brucellosis;
• malaria.

Acute poisoning with organophosphorus compounds is often accompanied by hyperhidrosis. These substances - insecticides, present in everyday life, rarely cause harm to humans in the doses used to get rid of household pests in a city apartment. Agricultural workers are more likely to suffer from poisoning with such substances. Sweating returns to normal simultaneously with the removal of toxic syndrome.

What to do

The causes of hyperhidrosis are varied. The disease can occur in a mild form. Increased sweating is especially often observed in boys and girls in adolescence. Mostly the armpits, feet and palms are affected. As a rule, this condition does not require correction and goes away on its own by age 20.

The main recommendation for people wondering “what to do if you sweat a lot?” - see a therapist. Be prepared for the possibility that you may need to undergo full examination to find out the causes of your illness.

Methods for solving the problem directly depend on the causes of hyperhidrosis. Modern medicine has many options for getting rid of excessive sweating: drug correction, surgery, Botox injection therapy and many other techniques.

A large amount of sweat with an unpleasant odor ruins clothes and develops a feeling of self-doubt. The cause of increased sweating is not always due to poor body hygiene.

problem heavy sweating cannot be solved with conventional deodorants, since they only hide the unpleasant odor without affecting the process of sweating itself.

It is often a consequence of hyperhidrosis, which indicates serious health problems.

The reasons may be factors such as:
high environment;
physical activity;
psycho-emotional stress.

As at least one of the factors comes into effect, sweat begins to release its product - a liquid consisting of water, salts, urea and others. As soon as sweat is released onto the surface of the skin, it immediately combines with secretion. Thus, the composition of sweat is determined by the intensity of its secretion and the substances contained. Along with sweat, many are excreted from the body. harmful substances. To help the body cleanse itself, you can visit a bathhouse or sauna.

Does being overweight affect how much you sweat?

For obese people question heavy sweating more acute than for people of normal weight. They are especially bothered by sweating in other areas of the body with natural folds of the skin. Palms and palms may sweat.

Coping with the problem sweaty palms You can do this by rinsing them with the solution every day. It is prepared from 1 teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of boiling water.

The sharp, intrusive smell of sweat causes irritation from others and ridicule towards the person who sweats. Staining clothes with sweat stains in red, yellow, blue and green shades is also annoying. This is explained by the release of coloring substances during the metabolic process in the body.

What else can cause severe sweating?

Among other reasons why a person may sweat a lot, it is worth noting such serious pathologies as:
diseases cardiovascular system;
disruptions in the functioning of the endocrine system;
kidney dysfunction;
tuberculosis, etc.

In addition, wearing synthetic clothing and eating spicy foods in large quantities contributes to increased manifestations of hyperhidrosis.

How to deal with the problem of excessive sweating at home

General strengthening baths taken for 30 minutes improve the condition of the body and cleanse the skin, giving it elasticity. To prepare baths, use decoctions of oak bark or sage infusion.

50 g of oak bark can be combined with 200 g oat straw and fill the resulting collection with a bucket of water. Having brought the composition to a boil, it must be allowed to brew for half an hour. An important condition for performing the procedure is to wash the body first, and rinsing after a bath is not recommended.

Severe sweating of the whole body in women is called diffuse hyperhidrosis.

He may have varying degrees expressiveness:

• mild - when sweating is higher than normal, but is not perceived as something abnormal, and does not particularly burden the person;
• medium – if there are some inconveniences and embarrassment in communicating with other people;
• severe - with obvious violation social functioning when, for example, a strong smell of sweat and wet stains on clothes literally interfere with life and protect you from contact.

Diffuse hyperhidrosis is excessive activity of the sweat glands over the entire surface of the body.

Persistent sweating requires careful clinical evaluation and diagnosis because... it may be a manifestation of a serious illness!

We understand physiology - everything is simple and clear

There are many reasons for body sweating in women. Most of them can be explained by the laws of physiology of the human body:

• Environmental factors– when the temperature rises, the secretion of the sweat glands is activated. This allows the body to cool down in the most suitable way for it. Some of the sweat evaporates immediately, while some flows down the face and torso. A person is always very hot when the air humidity is high, because... evaporation of liquid from the surface of the skin is difficult;
• Anger, fear, anxiety– it’s all about special substances that are released during stress. They make the heart beat faster, increase blood pressure and body temperature. Irritation and resentment are normal emotional reactions, but only sometimes. If a woman is constantly nervous, this becomes a problem;
– Sweating during sports exercises is considered an indicator of their effectiveness. The body loses a lot of fluid at this time. You need to remember that you need to drink before, during and after training;
• Fever – when sick, a person’s body temperature increases by several degrees, and cold and chills are felt. In this way, the body tries to cope with the infection. When the temperature drops to 37°C, it becomes warm and sweating occurs;
• Spicy foods stimulate receptors that respond to temperature changes. This means that the body perceives spicy, savory food as a stimulus to activate the sweating process;
• Menopause - During menopause, estrogen levels decrease. The thermoregulatory center in the hypothalamus responds to such hormonal changes. This is manifested by so-called hot flashes, which occur in women regardless of the ambient temperature. Small blood vessels dilate, as a result of which the skin turns red, and the sweat glands actively produce secretions;
• Side effects of drugs– this applies to antidepressants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antihypertensive, antitumor and some drugs used for diabetes;
• Falling in love is a wonderful feeling caused by the effect of hormones like adrenaline on the brain. That's why typical symptoms falling in love are rapid heartbeat, wet palms, etc.;
• Pregnancy - hormonal changes and increased metabolism in women during pregnancy may well cause sweating. Usually it disappears after childbirth, but not immediately, but within a few weeks.

Why is urgent medical examination sometimes necessary?

The cause of increased sweating throughout the body in women is often health problems.

Heavy, night sweats or the acquisition of a strange odor are a signal of various diseases, for example:

• febrile conditions– activation of sweating occurs in response to an increase in body temperature;
• obesity - in all people who are overweight, any movement is accompanied by tension, which contributes to rapid overheating of the body, and, accordingly, active sweating;
• increased thyroid function– characterized by sweating, which increases during the day. Weight loss (despite a preserved appetite), fatigue, nervousness, emotional lability, palpitations, hand tremors, and, in severe cases, bulging eyes are also observed;
• neoplasms of the lymphatic system– leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease are primarily manifested by lethargy and lack of appetite. The skin looks pale, enlarged lymph nodes are palpable, and profuse night sweats are typical;
• tuberculosis - the main symptoms are heavy sweats at night, prolonged cough, weight loss, physical weakness, low-grade fever or temperature fluctuations;
• diabetes mellitus – in situations where the amount of glucose in the blood drops rapidly (this is called a hypoglycemic state), profuse sweating occurs. The skin turns pale, the heart rate accelerates, there is muscle tremors, lethargy, faintness and acute feeling of hunger;
• malignant tumors of the pancreas– symptoms are similar to diabetes mellitus – sweating, nervousness, hunger pangs, trembling;
• defeats central departments nervous system– in such cases, hyperhidrosis is asymmetrical, i.e. observed on one half of the body or manifested in patches;
• Parkinson's disease– characterized by slowness of movement and profuse sweat with an intense odor. Stiffness and trembling progresses;
• acromegaly is an endocrine disease that involves increased production of growth hormone by the pituitary gland. As a result, there is a thickening of the phalanges of the fingers, growth of the feet, skull bones, as well as an increase in sweat glands, which is naturally accompanied by sweating;
• myocardial infarction– varied in its manifestations, but the main symptoms are burning pain in the chest area, heavy sweating, a feeling of fear, anxiety, difficulty breathing, nausea, etc.

If, as a result of the examination, it turns out that increased sweating of the entire body in women is due to a specific disease, the next step will be to draw up a treatment plan.

Only by addressing the underlying cause can you successfully combat symptomatic diffuse hyperhidrosis!

Basic methods to reduce sweating

First of all, you need to pay more attention to body hygiene:

• wash more often, at least twice a day;
• love contrast showers;
• shave your hair regularly armpits;
• use deodorants, antiperspirants, anti-sweat powders and creams;
• take vitamin and mineral complexes
• eat less hot, salty and spicy foods, and also limit caffeine-containing drinks and alcohol to a minimum.

Choose clothes and shoes carefully:

• give preference to underwear and clothing made from natural fabrics. This is especially true for the hot season;
• wear only cotton socks with minimal artificial content;
• shoes should be made of leather, because... this material allows air and moisture to pass through, allowing the skin to breathe.

Always dress appropriately for the weather, do not overheat!

Try safe folk methods:

• baths with sage, oak bark, pine needles, willow. They reduce the activity of sweat glands, disinfect and relax. Do them for 30-40 minutes once a week;
• wiping the body with mint infusion (pour 1 tbsp of herbs with a glass of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes, then strain and wipe the skin);
• make compresses or rubdowns with cool water (temperature no higher than 16-18ºС). The procedure time should not exceed 10 minutes. Cold helps to narrow pores, reducing the secretion of sebum and sweat.

How can a woman deal with the symptoms of menopause?

For many representatives of the fair sex, the problem of sweating begins to bother them precisely during menopause.

That is why I would like to dwell on this topic and consider it in more detail.

The symptom complex, which manifests itself during the period of hormonal changes, is exhausting both physically and psychologically:

• tides;
• profuse sweat;
• nervousness, tearfulness;
• headaches;
• weakness, increased fatigue;
• sleep disorders;
• changes in blood pressure;
• palpitations, etc.

Hot flashes, i.e. paroxysmal sensation of warmth in the head, face and chest (or throughout the body), accompanied by profuse sweating. Their duration is only a few minutes.

Hot flashes usually occur in the morning or evening, but they also occur at night. Most women experience such conditions for several years.

There are medications that help overcome the painful symptoms of menopause. For example, “Phytoclimax” tablets containing only natural ingredients:

• calcium gluconate;
• zinc;
• vitamin E;
• ginger;
• royal jelly;
• sage;
• oregano;
• saffron.

They have a complex effect on the body:

• strengthens the immune system;
• normalizes the functioning of the autonomic system;
• stabilizes emotional state;
• improves memory;
• gives energy;
• improves the condition of skin, nails, hair and bones;
• reduces sweating;
• balances appetite, digestion process, etc.

We must not forget about such a wonderful and simple remedy as mint. It affects the symptoms that accompany excessive sweating:

• has a sedative effect;
• relieves irritability and nervousness;
• improves sleep;
• reduces heart attacks.

1 tsp Steam mint leaves in a glass of boiling water for 20 minutes, then strain. Take the infusion orally 40 minutes before breakfast.

It is better to drink it for at least a year. Your heart and nervous system will be normal.

Increased sweating– this is a natural reflex reaction of the body’s thermoregulation system to high environmental temperatures. The release of sweat helps protect the body from overheating and balance the internal temperature.

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

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

Causes of increased sweating

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

The reasons for increased sweating may be the following:

• disorders of hormonal balance in the body during puberty, menopause, hyperthyroidism and toxic goiter, diabetes, obesity;
• neuropsychic and psychosomatic disorders, diseases of peripheral vessels and nerves;
• illnesses infectious nature accompanied by a sharp rise or fall in temperature (various types of tuberculosis, septic conditions, inflammatory processes);
• cardiovascular pathologies (blood pressure disorders, heart failure);
• some cancers, especially brain tumors;
• pathologies of the urinary system (pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, calculous pyelonephritis);
• congenital abnormalities of the thermoregulation system;
• result of acute or chronic poisoning alcohol, chemicals or drugs, food.

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

The causes of sweating are an individual question; it is best to find out after receiving the results of the examination and determining the underlying disease.

What causes increased sweating?

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

The temperature of the body can vary significantly depending on the external and internal influence of many factors, however, to maintain the optimal temperature in the body, a thermoregulation system exists.

Thermal receptors located in many tissues of the body, including the skin and vascular wall, constantly receive information about temperature fluctuations in the internal environment of the body and the surrounding space. Such information comes from receptors through spinal cord to the head, and reach the immediate central regulation departments, which are located in the hypothalamus - the highest balancing center vegetative functions in the body.

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

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

Symptoms of excessive sweating

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

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

The secretions of the sweat glands do not have any odor as such. Sweat acquires a repulsive “aroma” thanks to bacterial microflora, which lives on the skin and feeds on skin secretions. True, in some cases, bacteria may have nothing to do with odor: the release of sweat may be accompanied by the excretion through the skin of certain substances that have a peculiar odor (toxic components tobacco products, alcohol toxins, processed products of garlic, onions, chemical compounds).

IN in rare cases The sweat released can be colored in different colors: this manifestation of sweating is sometimes observed in people working in hazardous chemical plants.

Increased sweating of the armpits

Increased underarm sweating becomes a real problem for some people, especially in the summer heat. Sometimes the situation is so serious that you even have to see a doctor. Why is this happening?

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

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

Sometimes, to get rid of armpit sweating, it is enough to reconsider your diet, stop eating too spicy and salty foods, and alcohol. However, we should not forget that this symptom can also be a sign of more serious disorders, for example, metabolic disorders or hormonal imbalance.

Increased sweating of the feet

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

The thing is that the feet contain numerous sweat glands, which begin to work intensively in an unfavorable environment, in their opinion: tight shoes, hot socks, long walking, etc. The presence of sweat and the lack of oxygen access inside the shoes contribute to the increased proliferation of bacterial flora present on the skin. The vital activity of such microorganisms occurs with the release of organic gas, which is the cause of such a repulsive odor.

There are situations when sweating of the feet is accompanied by changes in the condition of the skin between the toes: cracks, folds, blisters may appear on it, and sometimes the tissues may become inflamed due to infection. In such cases, it is better to visit a dermatologist who will prescribe treatment and get rid of the unpleasant problem.

Increased body sweating

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

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

There can be many reasons for an increase in the amount of sweat produced:

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

An increase or sharp decrease in body temperature, febrile conditions caused by the presence of an inflammatory or infectious process in the body also contribute to increased sweating of the body. In such cases, it is enough to measure the body temperature to understand the reason. If there are no temperature changes, you can suspect some endocrine diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, increased thyroid function, diseases of the peripheral nervous system. To diagnose such pathological conditions you need to visit a doctor and undergo certain tests.

Increased sweating of the head

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

Sweating on the forehead is often associated with emotional experiences and stressful situations, and this is especially true for shy and modest people, or those who endure such conditions, as they say, “within themselves.” The release of sweat during excitement and anxiety is the body’s response to irritations of the nervous system.

The next factor in increased sweating of the head may be a dysfunction of the sweat glands themselves, or the thermoregulation system. Such disorders may be the result of an imbalance in the basal metabolism, or a consequence of traumatic brain injury. Often, basal metabolic disorders occur in overweight people, regardless of the time of year and ambient temperature.

Increased sweating at night

Why does excessive sweating happen at night? This patient complaint is quite common. The autonomic nervous system does not play any role here; the reason should be sought much deeper.

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

Here's a short list possible pathologies with profuse sweating at night:

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

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

Increased sweating during sleep

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

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

It is also important to take into account external factors for the appearance of profuse sweating during sleep. This is a high temperature in the room, the location of heating devices in close proximity to the sleeping area, bedding made of synthetic fabrics, and a blanket that is too warm.

Sometimes a person “breaks into a sweat” directly from the content of his dreams: scary dreams, especially reinforced by real events that took place the day before, provoke the release of adrenaline into the blood, which contributes to sharp increase sweating. In such cases, it is recommended to take sedatives During the day and especially at night, you need to sleep in a well-ventilated room and not on a full stomach.

Increased sweating in women

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

The most common cause of female sweating is a hormonal disorder, which can occur at various periods of life: puberty, manifestation of premenstrual syndrome, menstruation, pregnancy, menopause. This is usually due to an increase in estradiol synthesis during these periods of time. Sweat may appear on the hands, face, and armpits, sometimes accompanied by facial redness and bouts of heat.

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

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

Increased sweating in men

How does increased sweating in men differ from the same manifestation in women? Yes, practically nothing: men also have hormonal surges, albeit along a slightly different development path. Estrogen hormones play an important role in the male body, but their amount is disproportionately small compared to female body. Increased growth of estrogen can be observed with a lack of testosterone production, the main male hormone. This condition often causes excessive sweating and sudden flushing of blood, which may be accompanied by a transient feeling of heat.

Men are most likely to engage in heavy physical labor and active power loads, which cannot be imagined without signs of increased sweating. And this is quite normal.

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

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

Increased sweating in a child

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

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

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

If increased sweating in a child still causes concern, you should consult a pediatrician, since sweating can be a sign of many pathological conditions:

• diseases of the cardiovascular system (heart defects, heart valve insufficiency, vegetative-vascular dystonia);
• lymphodiathesis, vitamin D deficiency, initial signs of rickets, endocrine pathology;
• use of medications not agreed with the doctor, both by the child and the mother (if the child is breastfed).

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

Increased sweating during pregnancy

Symptoms of sweating during pregnancy are a natural phenomenon associated with a dramatic change in hormonal levels in a woman’s body. Hormone levels change throughout the entire gestation period, so increased sweating during pregnancy can be observed in any trimester.

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

Pregnant women, as a rule, do not need to worry about increased sweat production; they just need to introduce additional hygiene procedures: take a shower more often, change their underwear, both underwear and bed linen. Try not to wear synthetic clothing and ventilate the room more often, especially in the bedroom.

Increased sweating in teenagers

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

Peak puberty occurs between 12 and 17 years of age. At this time, the body’s endocrine system is activated, involving the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, which are responsible for the development of the physique, in the process. metabolic processes, reproductive function.

Hormones synthesized by the pituitary system stimulate the formation of mammary glands, follicular growth, steroidogenesis, and provoke active activity of the testes and ovaries. Hormonal levels increase many times during this period, which significantly contributes to the appearance of excess sweating.

Increased hormonal activity also affects the adolescent’s psycho-emotional balance, which enhances the effect on the parasympathetic nervous system and further increases sweat production.

Excessive sweating during adolescence causes a lot of unpleasant moments, manifested in the release of sweat onto visible parts of clothing and the appearance of an unpleasant odor. This issue can be successfully resolved by observing hygiene rules, using antiperspirants and carrying a change of underwear, especially in the summer heat.

Increased sweating during menopause

Climax – difficult period in a woman's life. The production of estrogen gradually decreases, hormonal activity subsides. The moment of perestroika hormonal system manifested by irritability, mood swings, increased sweating, and hot flashes of the skin.

Increased sweating during menopause is a very common occurrence: during this period, the balance of the thermoregulatory system is disturbed, the body does not always react correctly to changes in the temperature of the surrounding and internal environment. The vascular system also suffers from disharmony: blood vessels narrow and dilate, and thermoreceptor signals do not keep up with the constant change in body temperature.

It is known that menopause is a temporary phenomenon; all its manifestations will go away on their own as soon as the excess hormonal activity subsides. You just need to survive this period of life. Very often, when sweating increases at this time, certain hormonal drugs are prescribed that soften changes in activity. It may also be sufficient to use infusions and decoctions of various herbs recommended traditional medicine. If sweating bothers you too much, it makes sense to consult a doctor.

Increased sweating after childbirth

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

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

The hormonal changes that occur with a woman during this period also contribute to the etiology of excessive sweating: now main role Prolactin plays in the body, which promotes the production breast milk mammary glands.

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

Sweating after childbirth is a completely natural phenomenon if it does not appear along with some other symptoms: hyperthermia, fever, headache, weakness, which may be a sign of a postpartum infection.

In no case should you limit the amount of fluid you drink in order to reduce body sweating: this can lead to a decrease in the amount of breast milk, or to its complete disappearance.

Diagnosis of increased sweating

Increased sweating can be a symptom of many diseases, so diagnosis must be comprehensive. You may have to visit several specialists: a cardiologist, endocrinologist, neurologist or therapist.

A thorough history taking will allow the doctor to explore the problem more broadly and, possibly, make a preliminary diagnosis, which can be confirmed or refuted in the future. Additional symptoms, which are present in the clinical picture of the disease along with excessive sweating, are of great importance in the diagnosis process. The doctor will carefully examine the patient and interview him to clarify some points.

From laboratory methods diagnostics is mandatory general analysis blood. Additional techniques may include testing venous blood for the content of certain hormones and the amount of glucose in the blood.

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

Treatment of excessive sweating

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

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

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

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

Remedies for excessive sweating

Among the numerous remedies for getting rid of excessive sweating, several of the most common are:

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

However, sometimes the effect can be observed from the use of conventional antiperspirants.

Use of antiperspirants

Antiperspirant is a cosmetic product that reduces the manifestations of excessive sweating. An antiperspirant against excessive sweating can be produced in the form of a spray, a ball or a solid version, containing mainly different amounts of aluminum compounds (chloride or hydrochloride), or a combination of aluminum and zirconium. Products with difemanil methyl sulfate have the most gentle effect.

The action of most antiperspirants is based on blocking the work of the sweat glands: sweat continues to be produced, but has no outlet. skin surface. Difemanil acts differently: it blocks the sending of an impulse to secrete fluid from the sweat glands.

Any deodorants, including antiperspirants, contain the substances triclosan or farnesol, which have a detrimental effect on microbes that give sweat an unpleasant odor. Triclosan copes well with this, but can also destroy the natural microflora of the skin. Therefore, for sensitive skin it is better to use products with the active ingredient farnesol.

Sometimes the effect of antiperspirants can provoke allergic reaction or skin irritation, therefore their application to damaged or sensitive skin prone to allergies is not recommended.

Treatment of excessive sweating with folk remedies

Traditional medicine can also help get rid of excess sweat.

If you are concerned profuse sweating in the axillary area, you can use the following remedy: treat the armpits every day with horsetail tincture (one part of the raw material to 10 parts of alcohol, leave for two weeks). You can also use the tincture on walnuts in the same proportions.

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

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

Total sweating can disappear by using mint infusion, which is used to rinse the body after taking a shower or bath.

Sweaty palms can be eliminated by rubbing your hands lemon juice, or just a slice of lemon. You can wipe your palms boric alcohol, which is sold at the pharmacy.

Treatment of excessive sweating folk remedies usually quite effective, so don't neglect it.

choose shoes according to the season, according to size, and those made from natural materials;

avoid if possible stressful situations, take care of your mental and emotional health; Yoga and meditation are encouraged;

do your own thing physical health, do not allow the appearance excess weight; watch your diet, eat less sweets and starchy foods, so as not to provoke metabolic disorders.

Prediction of increased sweating

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

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

When found primary disease, which causes increased sweating, you should take the treatment prescribed by your doctor. When qualified therapeutic interventions are prescribed and medical prescriptions are followed, relief from excessive sweating usually occurs within the first month after the start of treatment.

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

Excessive sweating during pregnancy and breastfeeding also stops without a trace after the end of the data life periods and normalization of hormonal levels.

This article was written to once again show that many symptoms that cause us some discomfort are completely treatable. Increased sweating in some cases can be treated simply by following preventive measures. Be attentive to your body and your health, and life will give you more joyful feelings.