Causes and features of treatment of profuse sweating. At night while sleeping

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

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're talking about specifically 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 copious discharge sweat 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, a signal is transmitted through the nerve fibers of the sympathetic department of the peripheral nervous system 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 sweat glands also more 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 establish for sure that with 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 influence of somatic, endocrinological and psychological disorders on the sympathetic nervous system is unknown, as a result of which the so-called “trigger” point for sweating has not been established. Since scientists and doctors do not know how exactly the process of active work of the sympathetic nervous system is started, it is currently impossible to regulate the centers of the brain that control the nerve fibers that transmit signals to the sweat glands. Therefore, to treat excessive sweating, you can only use symptomatic remedies, reducing the production of sweat by the glands.

Classification and brief characteristics of various types of severe sweating

Primary or idiopathic hyperhidrosis

Secondary hyperhidrosis

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

Generalized hyperhidrosis

Localized hyperhidrosis

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

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 formed when hygiene is not followed or when consuming foods with a strong odor, such as 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 him 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 menstrual irregularities.

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

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

Excessive sweating under the arms (axillary hyperhidrosis)

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

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

Severe sweating of the head

• 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.

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

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)

Heavy facial sweating

Features of excessive sweating in various situations

Heavy sweating at night (during sleep)

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.);

It should be said that although night sweats can be a 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

To reduce sweating during physical exercise You should 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

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.

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, adenoma thyroid gland etc.), pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal glands) and disruption 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.

With 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

Thus, at present, to improve the quality of life and alleviate a woman’s condition, there is a wide range of medications that stop such manifestations of the decline of menstrual function 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

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 increases 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

Heavy sweating - causes

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;
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar);
• Pheochromocytoma;
• Carcinoid syndrome;
• Acromegaly;
• Pancreatic dysfunction (decreased production of enzymes by the pancreas).

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

• Endocarditis;
• Chronic tonsillitis, etc.

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

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

• Riley-Day syndrome;

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

• Hypertonic disease;
• 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).

• 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

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 nap. 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 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 represent diseases of internal organs, which always manifest themselves in 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)

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).

Thus, the modern algorithm for using methods for treating 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 various means 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 long time, achieving optimal levels of sweating. 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 may cause severe irritation skin. 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 methods treatments that involve destroying and removing 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 ensures the elimination of 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, currently laser lipolysis to reduce sweating is 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

• 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);

The ability to sweat is beneficial in itself. The temperature is regulated, some harmful substances are removed - in a word, a person would be much worse off if the body did not have this property. But everything should be in moderation, including the amount of sweat. What is profuse sweating? We will now discuss the reasons and ways to eliminate this phenomenon.

Not just inconvenience

Profuse sweating also has a specific medical name– hyperhidrosis. Usually a person is concerned about the aesthetic side of this phenomenon:

• unpleasant odor;
• constantly wet palms;
• always wet feet;
• streams flowing down the forehead;
• clothes sticking to the body;
• yellow spots on a blouse or shirt.

Even if we consider excessive sweating solely from an aesthetic point of view, the picture turns out to be sad, mainly because a person develops complexes. He is embarrassed to offer his hand at a meeting, take off his shoes when visiting, and gets lost if he forgot a handkerchief at home or didn’t find deodorant in his bag. In short, a seemingly trivial problem causes serious consequences.

Important! In the most severe cases, this feature leads to failures in personal life and troubles at work. The matter often ends in neuroses or other diseases.

What is hyperhidrosis?

During extreme heat, anyone sweats, just like when you have a fever. Sweating is essential to avoid overheating. The sweat glands work especially intensively.

General hyperhidrosis, when all parts of the body sweat evenly, is rare. Usually this disease is local in nature. Doctors distinguish several types of it profuse sweating— its causes and solutions will also vary:

• plantar;
• axillary;
• palmar;
• chest;
• facial;
• head.

Important! The most common are plantar and axillary. Palmar is somewhat less common, but also bothers many. The chest, face and part of the head covered with hair sweat much less often. But these types of increased sweating can also cause a lot of trouble.

Men or women?

For some reason, it is believed that men sweat more. In fact, this is not true. Doctors note that increased sweating occurs in both equally often. In addition, this feature is inherited, although it is a recessive trait.

Important! Not everyone experiences hyperhidrosis right away. It can occur at any age. This is usually surprising - a year ago everything was fine with a person, and suddenly at some point moisture began to constantly appear on the palms. Doctors have not yet figured out what the “trigger” is.

How do sweat glands work?

Despite the fact that researchers find it difficult to explain what causes hyperhidrosis to occur, the process of excessive sweating itself has been sufficiently studied. It is the same as all internal systems of the body. It all starts with the brain, or more precisely, with the signal that brain cells receive from the outside world:

1. For example, a signal is received that it is hot now - it does not matter whether this is true or not.
2. Brain cells process this information.
3. They transmit a signal to other systems about how to behave now.
4. The sweat glands are commanded to contract.
5. They carry out the “order” - liquid is released.
6. Water leaves the body.
7. Moisture evaporates, which results in increased sweating.
8. Body temperature drops.

However, there are situations when this clear and very logical chain, for some reason, begins to work not as expected. As a result, the sweat glands begin to contract, including when this is not necessary, and you suffer from excessive sweating. There are many such situations:

• physical activity;
• stress;
• excitation;
• fright;
• excitement:
• hormonal changes;
• taste irritants.

Important! To make the problem of excessive sweating bother you a little less, try using the following tips:

• Find out, .
• Read about it.

Hormonal changes as a cause of increased sweating

Increased sweating very often occurs in women at turning points in their lives:

• during pregnancy;
• after childbirth;
• during menopause.

The work of the entire nerve chain changes at this time. Internal systems do not receive the same commands to which they are accustomed, and accordingly, they begin to act differently than before. Doctors usually do not prescribe any medications at this time - they simply give recommendations that will help reduce excessive sweating.

When are medications needed?

In some cases of profuse sweating, it is impossible to cope without medication to eliminate the phenomenon. And not only for women during pregnancy or menopause, when hyperhidrosis is essentially a temporary phenomenon. Excessive sweating in such situations occurs in almost everyone. It disappears when everything in the body stabilizes. It makes sense to consult a doctor if sweating is too profuse. Drug treatment may also be prescribed.

Important! When else does it make sense to visit the clinic? If sweating is caused constant excitement. Anxious state and in itself is a symptom of many unpleasant diseases, so there are two reasons here at once.

How to deal with the problem?

If you are worried about some phenomenon in your body and would like to get rid of this phenomenon, you first need to establish the cause, and then deal with the symptoms. Let's say you find out when and under what conditions increased sweating occurs. You went to the doctor and found out that you do not have any serious illnesses. What to do next? There may be several options:

• injections;
• antiperspirants;
• surgical intervention;
• careful adherence to personal hygiene rules.

Personal hygiene rules for profuse sweating, regardless of its cause, must be observed in any case. But other methods will have to be chosen.

Important! Usually, with such a problem, things wear out faster, lose their attractive appearance and acquire a persistent, fetid odor. So that you don’t have to spend money on updating your wardrobe too often, we suggest you look through our selection of useful tips:

We give an injection for sweating

Don’t think that you will have to run to the treatment room every day for injections. One injection per year will be enough to relieve you of profuse sweating. The following drugs are used for injection:

• “Botox”;
• "Dysport".

They are widely known in sports medicine, and they have been used in cosmetology for at least a quarter of a century. Both drugs contain a special toxin, which slows down the work of the sweat glands. The process goes something like this:

1. The drug is administered.
2. Nerve fibers are blocked.
3. As a result of blocking, the signal coming from the brain is noticeably weakened.
4. The sweat glands do not contract as intensely as before.

Don't think that you will stop sweating immediately after the injection. The effect does not come so quickly - it usually takes from three days to a week. After this, you can run around, dig beds and take difficult exams for a year - yellow spots there won't be any under the arms.

Important! Injections as a way to eliminate excessive sweating are also good because after treating certain areas of the body, other areas do not begin to sweat excessively.

Antiperspirants for excessive sweating

You can buy antiperspirant even in the most ordinary hypermarket. The effect of such drugs is based on the fact that they temporarily reduce the activity of the sweat glands. Antiperspirants contain metal compounds:

• aluminum;
• gland;
• zirconium;
• zinc;
• lead

In addition to metals, the formulation includes formaldehyde and ethanol. Antiperspirants not only act on the sweat glands, but are also antiseptics and deodorants. A high-quality drug temporarily blocks almost half of the glands, and external signs of increased sweating disappear altogether, as does the smell. The main disadvantage of all antiperspirants is their short-term effect. But, as a rule, they are released in convenient packaging, so nothing prevents you from carrying it with you.

Important! Antiperspirants sometimes cause dermatitis when used over a long period of time, and some people may be allergic to these substances.

The most radical remedy

Most effective method Treatment of profuse sweating is, of course, surgical intervention. It is used, however, rarely, strictly according to medical indications. During the operation, areas of the skin where the largest concentration of glands are simply removed. But this extreme method has several very significant disadvantages:

• quite often scars remain;
• as after any operation, complications are possible;
• There are cases when such measures did not produce an effect - compensatory hyperhidrosis occurred.

Correction of the autonomic nervous system

Another method of combating excessive sweating is sympathectomy. At the same time they are destroyed nerve centers, which regulate skin functions. These centers are located in the spine area. In modern medicine, several types of such correction are used:

• open;
• endoscopic;
• chemical.

In the first case, a fairly large incision is made; with endoscopic correction, the instruments are inserted through a small puncture, and with chemical correction, an injection is made with a long thin needle.

Important! None of these methods of combating excessive sweating are harmless. If the procedure is performed by an insufficiently experienced specialist, vascular damage and injury may occur. pleural cavity and other troubles that are much more serious than hyperhidrosis. In addition, compensatory sweating also occurs quite often, especially immediately after surgery.

In short, increased sweating is not always aesthetic problem. Sometimes it becomes medical or psychological, and then you cannot do without the help of a specialist. In any case, you should only contact a trusted clinic with a solid reputation.

IN medical practice excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis (from the Greek hyper - “increased”, “excessive”, hidros - “sweat”), is profuse sweating that is not associated with physical factors, such as overheating, intense physical activity, high ambient temperature environment, etc.

Sweating occurs in our body constantly, this physiological process, in which the sweat glands secrete a watery secretion (sweat). This is necessary to protect the body from overheating (hyperthermia) and maintain its self-regulation (homeostasis): sweat, evaporating from the skin, cools the surface of the body and reduces its temperature.

So, in the article we will talk about such a phenomenon as excessive sweating. We will consider the causes and treatment of hyperhidrosis. We will also talk about generalized and local forms of pathology.

Excessive sweating in healthy people

In the body of a healthy person, sweating increases at air temperatures above 20-25 degrees, during psycho-emotional and physical stress. Physical activity and low relative humidity contribute to increased heat transfer - thermoregulation is carried out, overheating of the body is not allowed. Conversely, in a humid environment where the air is still, sweat does not evaporate. This is why it is not recommended to stay in a steam room or bathhouse for a long time.

Sweating increases with excessive fluid intake, so if you are in a room where the air temperature is high, or during intense physical activity, you should not drink a lot of water.

Stimulation of sweat secretion also occurs in the case of psycho-emotional arousal, therefore increased sweating of the body can be observed when a person experiences powerful emotions, such as fear, excitement.

All of the above are physiological phenomena that are characteristic of healthy people. Pathological disorders sweating is expressed in an excessive increase or, conversely, a decrease in sweat secretion, as well as a change in its smell.

Physiology of the sweating process

Wet armpits, damp soles and palms, Strong smell sweat - all this does not add confidence to a person and is perceived negatively by others. It’s not easy for people who sweat excessively. The reasons for this condition can be found out if you understand the physiology of the sweating process as a whole.

So, sweating is a natural mechanism that cools the body and removes toxic substances, excess fluid, and food from it. water-salt metabolism and decay. It is no coincidence that some medications that are excreted from the body through the skin give sweat a blue-green, reddish or yellowish tint.

Sweat is secreted by sweat glands located in the subcutaneous fat. The greatest number of them is observed on the palms, in armpits and on the feet. By chemical composition sweat is 97-99 percent water and salt impurities (sulfates, phosphates, potassium and sodium chlorides), as well as others organic matter. The concentration of these substances in sweat secretion varies from person to person. different people, and therefore each person has an individual smell of sweat. In addition, bacteria present on the surface of the skin and the secretion of the sebaceous glands are mixed into the composition.

Causes of hyperhidrosis

Modern medicine cannot yet give a clear answer to the question of what causes this disorder. But it is known that it develops, as a rule, against the background of chronic infectious diseases, pathologies of the thyroid gland, and oncological diseases. Increased sweating of the head in women, oddly enough, can be observed during pregnancy. Besides, similar phenomenon occurs when acute respiratory viral infections are accompanied by high fever, taking certain medications, or metabolic disorders. Another reason for increased sweating of the head is allergies. Stress can also trigger this form of hyperhidrosis, poor nutrition, alcoholism, drug addiction, etc.

Sweating on the face

This is also quite a rare occurrence. It is also called granifacial hyperhidrosis or sweaty face syndrome. For many people, this is a big problem, since it is almost impossible to mask the sweat in this area. As a result, public speaking, and sometimes even ordinary communication, becomes overwhelming. Excessive facial sweating in severe form can lead to major psychological problems: a person becomes withdrawn, suffers from low self-esteem and tries to avoid social contacts.

This type of hyperhidrosis can be caused by increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system. The problem is often combined with excessive sweating of the palms and blushing syndrome ( sudden appearance red spots), against the background of which erythrophobia (fear of blushing) can develop. Facial hyperhidrosis can appear due to dermatological disorders, hormonal causes, or as a result of a reaction to medications.

Sweating during menopause

In women, excessive sweating may be associated with impaired thermoregulation due to hormonal changes. In this case, so-called tides occur. Incorrect impulses from the nervous system cause blood vessels to dilate, and this inevitably leads to overheating of the body, which, in turn, gives an impulse to the sweat glands, and they begin to actively secrete sweat in order to normalize body temperature. During menopause, hyperhidrosis is usually localized in the armpits and face. It is important to monitor your diet during this period. You need to eat more vegetables, as the phytosterols they contain can reduce the strength and number of hot flashes. It is recommended to replace coffee green tea, which promotes the removal of toxins. Spicy foods and alcohol should be excluded from the diet as they increase sweat production.

When increased sweating occurs in women during menopause, treatment should be comprehensive. You need to take vitamins, lead active life, maintain personal hygiene, use antiperspirants and look positively at the surrounding reality. With this approach, you will definitely win in the fight against hyperhidrosis.

Excessive sweating in a child

Excessive sweating is quite common in children. But this phenomenon should alert parents, since it may indicate the presence of a serious illness. To find out the nature of the symptom, you need to contact your pediatrician. Excessive sweating in a child may be accompanied by restless sleep or insomnia, changes in behavior, crying and moodiness for no apparent reason. What causes this condition?

• Lack of vitamin D. In children under two years of age, excessive sweating may be a symptom of rickets. In this case, during feeding, you can see distinct droplets of sweat on the baby’s face, and at night his head sweats, especially in the occipital region, so in the morning the entire pillow becomes wet. In addition to sweating, the child experiences itching in the head area, the baby becomes lethargic or, conversely, restless and capricious.
• Colds. Sore throat, flu and other similar ailments are often accompanied by an increase in body temperature, which leads to increased sweating in children.
• Lymphatic diathesis. This pathology occurs in children three to seven years old and is manifested by enlarged lymph nodes, high irritability and hyperhidrosis. It is recommended to bathe the child more often and engage in physical therapy exercises with him.
• Heart failure. If there are disturbances in the functioning of the heart, this affects the functioning of all organs and systems, including the sweat glands. One of alarming symptoms in this case - cold sweat.
• Vegetovascular dystonia. This disease in children can manifest itself as essential hyperhidrosis - excessive sweating in the area of ​​​​the feet and palms.

It should be remembered that excessive sweating in children can be a physiological temporary phenomenon. Babies often sweat when they don't get enough sleep, are tired or worried.

Non-surgical treatment

If hyperhidrosis is not a symptom of any disease, then in medical practice it is treated conservatively, using drug therapy, antiperspirants, psycho- and physiotherapeutic methods.

If speak about drug therapy, then can be applied different groups medicines. The prescription of a particular medication depends on the severity of the pathology and existing contraindications.

For people with an unstable, labile nervous system, tranquilizers and sedatives (sedatives) are indicated. herbal teas, medicines containing motherwort, valerian). They reduce excitability and help fight daily stress, which acts as a factor in the occurrence of hyperhidrosis.

Medicines containing atropine reduce the secretion of sweat glands.

Antiperspirants should also be used. They have local action and prevent sweating due to its chemical composition, including salicylic acid, ethyl alcohol, aluminum and zinc salts, formaldehyde, triclosan. Such drugs narrow or even completely block excretory ducts sweat glands, and thus block the excretion of sweat. However, when using them, negative phenomena may be observed, such as dermatitis, allergies and swelling at the site of application.

Psychotherapeutic treatment is aimed at eliminating psychological problems at the patient. For example, you can cope with your fears and learn to keep your emotions under control with the help of hypnosis.

Among the physiotherapeutic methods, hydrotherapy (contrast showers, pine-salt baths) is widely used. Such procedures have a general strengthening effect on the nervous system. Another method is electrosleep, which involves exposing the brain to a pulsed low-frequency current. The therapeutic effect is achieved by improving the activity of the autonomic nervous system.

Excessive sweating in men and women is now also treated with Botox injections. With this procedure pharmacological effect is achieved through long-term blocking of the nerve endings that innervate the sweat glands, as a result of which sweating is significantly reduced.

All of the above conservative methods, when used in combination, can achieve lasting clinical results for a certain time, but do not radically solve the problem. If you want to get rid of hyperhidrosis once and for all, you should pay attention to surgical treatment.

Local surgical methods of treatment

• Curettage. This operation involves the destruction of nerve endings and subsequent removal of sweat glands in the area where excessive sweating occurs. Surgical procedures are performed under local anesthesia. A 10-mm puncture is made in the area of ​​hyperhidrosis, as a result of which the skin peels off, and then scraping is carried out from the inside. Most often, curettage is used in cases of excessive sweating of the armpits.

• Liposuction. This surgical procedure is indicated for overweight people. During the operation, the nerves of the sympathetic trunk are destroyed, due to which the action of the impulse that provokes sweating is suppressed. The technique used to perform liposuction is similar to curettage. A puncture is made in the area of ​​hyperhidrosis, a small tube is inserted into it, through which the nerve endings of the sympathetic trunk are then destroyed and the fiber is removed. If an accumulation of fluid forms under the skin, it is removed using a puncture.
• Skin excision. This manipulation gives good results in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. But at the site of exposure there remains a scar about three centimeters long. During the operation, the area of ​​increased sweating is identified and completely excised.

In this article we will explain what hyperhidrosis is and describe the most common causes that cause it. We will also touch on the main manifestations of excessive sweating and methods of treating this problem, including at home.

Content:

Hyperhidrosis is increased sweating, which is not associated with physiological, that is, normal, provocateurs of increased work of the sweat glands (physical or emotional stress, overheating, high ambient temperature). However, excessive sweating may be individual feature and be inherited, or may have a pathological basis.

Types of hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is classified according to several factors. Based on the reason for its occurrence, there are primary (adolescent) hyperhidrosis, which occurs very rarely during the peak of puberty, and secondary hyperhidrosis, which is diagnosed more often and has a somatic, neurological or endocrine cause. According to the “scale” of the manifestation of the disease, there is local hyperhidrosis, that is, local, when a certain area of ​​the body sweats intensely (armpits, face, feet, groin area, palms), and generalized, when increased sweating is observed throughout the body and is most often consequence of a serious illness.

Armpit hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis of the palms

Increased sweating in the armpits

Hyperhidrosis of the head and face

Inguinal-perineal hyperhidrosis

Local hyperhidrosis

Causes of excessive sweating

It would seem that it is not at all difficult to find the cause of hyperhidrosis. In fact, the true mechanism for the occurrence of this condition is still unknown. What is clear for certain is that the function of regulation, or rather activation of sweating, is assigned by nature to sympathetic divisions nervous system. Scientists have not yet determined exactly when the failure occurs, but they have named the possible factors that could cause it.

These included: lack of personal hygiene, wearing synthetic clothing and underwear, infectious diseases, hormonal disorders, obesity, traumatic brain injury and focal brain lesions, tumor processes, Parkinson's disease, neurasthenia, diseases of cardio-vascular system or kidneys. There is also so-called essential hyperhidrosis, the cause of which cannot be determined.

Infectious diseases as a cause of hyperdrosis

Diseases of the endocrine system as a cause of sweating

Oncological diseases as a cause of profuse sweating

Excessive sweating and pregnancy

Main symptoms of hyperhidrosis

• Excessive sweating, accompanied by a feeling of moisture and discomfort at the site of its manifestation.
• An unpleasant odor, which may indicate both untidiness and the addition of a bacterial or fungal infection.
• Skin changes in the area of ​​increased sweating: on the hands - cyanosis, coldness to the touch, in the armpits and groin - irritation, rashes, diaper rash.

Treatment of hyperhidrosis

The main rule for successful treatment of excessive sweating, like any other disease, is identifying and eliminating the cause. And first of all, it is necessary to exclude the most significant pathologies (oncology, infectious diseases and endocrine disorders). Naturally, it is impossible to do this on your own, so you should mandatory consult a doctor who will prescribe (if necessary) additional examinations from specialized specialists.

Treating hyperhidrosis at home

• Sweaty palms can be relieved with salt baths (1 liter hot water+ 3 tbsp. any salt), which must be done twice a day, without removing your hands from the water until it cools.
• Foot sweating can be reduced by using oak bark powder or potato starch powder.
• Sweating of the face and head can be reduced by rubbing them with cucumber juice in the form of ice cubes several times a day.
• An infusion of sage (2 tablespoons of crushed plant in 0.5 liters of boiling water) will help overcome general sweating, which should be taken three times a day no earlier than an hour after meals.

If all of the above factors are excluded, the main treatment regimen for excessive sweating consists of the following conservative methods: psychotherapy, medicines, antiperspirants, physiotherapy (iontophoresis).

At the same time, personal hygiene is a prerequisite for successful treatment of hyperhidrosis: frequent washing problem areas of the body, regularly changing underwear and bed linen, taking baths with soda, string, chamomile, calendula. It is recommended to limit your fluid intake and spicy food, especially when hot. If the cause of excessive sweating is excess weight, then you should get rid of it.

TO modern methods The fight against hyperhidrosis includes the introduction of botulinum toxin-containing drugs - Botox, Dysport - into the problem area. They block the work of the sweat glands, but only for a while (from six months to 8 months).

Laser treatment for sweating

Surgery for hyperhidrosis

The surgical techniques used to treat hyperhidrosis can be divided into 2 types:

1. Local, that is, surgical intervention in the problem area (liposuction, curettage - removal of sweat glands, excision of a section of skin along with the glands).
2. Central(sympathectomy, that is, partial or complete disruption of the sympathetic trunk, which regulates the process of sweating). Such a radical method as sympathectomy is used only in severe cases of hyperhidrosis.

Medications against hyperhidrosis

• Sedatives (calming) and tranquilizers to relieve nervousness and thereby prevent increased sweating.
• Atropine drugs, which affect the sympathetic nervous system, reducing its activity.
• General strengthening agents, these include vitamins, iron, fluorine, and calcium supplements.

Sweating is a natural phenomenon for the human body. People sweat, which helps cleanse the body and lower body temperature. However, some may experience heavy sweating. Then it becomes a big problem. This condition of excessive sweating is called hyperhidrosis. It can occur both as a result of certain physiological disturbances in the functioning of the body, and as a result of diseases.

Increased sweating is a disease that severely affects the palms, armpits and face.

Heavy sweating: characteristics of the disease

Before we figure out how to get rid of women, let’s find out what hyperhidrosis is and why intense sweating occurs.
The term "hyperhidrosis" is usually mentioned to describe excessive sweating in a person. Hyperhidrosis usually does not cause serious or hazardous health consequences. However, this is an extremely uncomfortable syndrome that significantly affects daily life person. Excessive sweating can be caused by anything: heat, stress, change of environment.. In summer the situation worsens and sometimes becomes simply unbearable.

Of course, sweat is an absolutely normal condition for a person. Moreover, along with sweat, toxins and other harmful substances are eliminated. Sweating is the body's protective function against overheating. However, when a person experiences hyperhidrosis, it usually appears due to certain dysfunctions of systems in the body. It is also important to note that with this syndrome, a person often does not constantly sweat throughout his whole body. Excessive sweating affects only some parts of it: palms, armpits, face.

Features of excessive sweating

The signs of hyperhidrosis are extremely easy to identify. Doctors identify the main signals. The main thing is to increase the volume of sweat. It is also important to note that sweat is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Therefore, another sign that you are sweating too much may be an unpleasant odor that you can hardly get rid of.

At running forms syndrome, skin irritation may occur, and even ulcers may occur. Therefore, do not ignore the problem and do not start the process to quickly begin to treat the unpleasant disorder. If you notice the first symptoms of the disease and that you have increased sweating, consult a doctor.

Causes of hyperhidrosis

Severe sweating of the body is a sign that describes the hyperfunction of the human sweat glands. A condition in which a person sweats profusely occurs, as a rule, due to impaired functionality of the sweat glands. Most often, the problem of not working correctly is a consequence of extreme emotional excitability.

Classification of types of hyperhidrosis

Most often, severe sweating is an independent disease and is called primary. Then excess sweat occurs for no apparent reason, literally out of nowhere. However, sometimes constant heavy sweating is a concomitant symptom of certain diseases. In this case, it is called secondary. But there are a number of other forms and types of pathology, which are determined by doctors.

Primary or idiopathic hyperhidrosis

Primary hyperhidrosis does not occur due to any other disorder and is not associated with a side effect of medications. With it, sweat constantly appears only in certain areas of the skin: hyperhidrosis is recorded on the hands, feet, palms, and face.

Excessive sweating in this case often begins and develops in childhood or adolescence, and not in the elderly, especially when it comes to sweating hands and feet. It is interesting to note that although people with this type of disease experience increased sweating at least several times a week, they usually do not suffer from it while sleeping.

The cause of this syndrome is often heredity. However, patients do not always know if they have relatives suffering from this syndrome in their family, as many are embarrassed to talk about the problem.

Secondary hyperhidrosis

The other main type is secondary hyperhidrosis. Its peculiarity is that increased sweating is caused by another disorder or is a side effect of taking medications. This is why it is called secondary - it is not the main symptom.

Secondary hyperhidrosis occurs in adulthood or old age, while primary hyperhidrosis begins in childhood or adolescence. Since it is associated with another disorder, this suggests that treatment is based primarily on eradicating the underlying cause. The causes of this syndrome are:

• side effect from taking certain medications;
• diabetes;
• menopause, menopause, elderly age among women;
• low blood sugar;
• hyperfunction of the thyroid gland;
• some types of cancer;
• heart attack;
• neurological disorder;
• infections respiratory tract(tuberculosis, ARVI).

Forms of the disease

The general classification suggests dividing the pathology into two forms: generalized hyperhidrosis and local.

Generalized hyperhidrosis

When sweating occurs on all areas of the skin, this form of severe sweating is called generalized hyperhidrosis. Profuse sweating observed throughout the body. This kind of sweating requires full diagnostics and treatment. Most often, sweating on all areas of the skin is caused by another serious illness that you are suffering from. This form requires immediate treatment.

Local hyperhidrosis

The term “local hyperhidrosis” is used when sweating occurs only in certain areas of the body: feet, palms, armpits.

Flavoring

This type of hyperhidrosis involves severe constant sweating in the lips, near the mouth and occurs mainly after eating spicy or hot food.
Sometimes gustatory hyperhidrosis occurs due to Frey's syndrome. Frey's syndrome (sometimes also called auriculotemporal nerve syndrome or parotid-temporal hyperhidrosis) involves a sharp temporal pain accompanied by heavy sweating in this area.

Axillary (excessive sweating under the arms)

The most common type of excessive sweating is axillary hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating in the armpits. Most often, the cause of this type of increased sweating is strong emotional arousal. Axillary hyperhidrosis is almost always a form of primary hyperhidrosis.

Cranial (excessive sweating of the head)

Cranial hyperhidrosis, or profuse sweating in the head area, is also very common. Most often, cranial hyperhidrosis is primary, but sometimes it is caused by certain diseases, for example, diabetes mellitus, cavernous tumor, and facial herpes.

Plantar (sweating feet and legs)

This form of hyperhidrosis can be either primary or secondary. For example, plantar hyperhidrosis is often provoked by wearing tight, rubber shoes or socks made of synthetic materials. In addition to the sweat itself, such an environment is ideal for the growth of bacteria. That is why, under such conditions, a person is susceptible infectious diseases, irritation and inflammation.