Anyone can struggle with excessive facial sweating under the right conditions, but some people struggle more than others. People who consistently deal with sweating of the face and head may be suffering from a condition called craniofacial hyperhidrosis. It is a type of primary focal hyperhidrosis that causes patients to sweat excessively from the forehead, scalp, nose, chin, and sometimes, cheeks. About 3% of the population has some type of primary focal hyperhidrosis, but only 22.8% of those with the condition specifically have craniofacial sweating.[1] If you think you may have craniofacial hyperhidrosis, or you just struggle with facial sweating, check out these treatment options that may help you find some relief.

Antiperspirants

The first-line treatment for hyperhidrosis in general are over-the-counter topical treatments called antiperspirant. Antiperspirants are agents that reduce the body’s production of sweat and they are usually applied to the skin. Most antiperspirants use aluminum chloride or another type of metallic salt as an active ingredient. Unfortunately, these ingredients can be irritating to the skin which makes it hard to choose the right over-the-counter antiperspirant, especially for those with facial sweating.[2] There are some antiperspirants that are made specifically for the sensitive skin on areas like the face and groin. One brand, called Neat Feat 3B Face Saver Antiperspirant Gel for Facial Perspiration and Shine, is available on Amazon and is specifically formulated for facial sweating. Another brand, called Carpe, will be coming out with an antiperspirant specifically formulated for facial use in May of 2019, which is just a few months away. These new facial antiperspirants will give people selection that was not available until quite recently. Antiperspirants can be safely used on the face, but you should be careful about which products you use as irritation can become an issue. If you find that over-the-counter antiperspirant is not enough, there are some prescription options you can discuss with your dermatologist.

Oral Medications

Sometimes, oral medications are used to treat hyperhidrosis. Most often, doctors will prescribe a type of medication called an anticholinergic which causes the body to produce less sweat by interfering with a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine.[1] Anticholinergics can be effective for some people, but they often have burdensome systemic side effects because they affect the entire body. Glycopyrrolate and oxybutynin are the most common anticholinergics prescribed for hyperhidrosis.[2] Anticholinergics are sometimes available in a topical form that can be applied directly to skin with less side effects, but these medications are newer in the treatment of hyperhidrosis.[3]

Botox

Botox, or botulinum toxin A, has been used to treat hyperhidrosis successfully and is FDA approved for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis. It has also been a useful treatment for people with excessive facial sweating when more conservative options haven’t worked. Botox is a toxin made by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum and injected into the skin to stop sweat from being produced.[3] While it is effective, botox does come with some risks when used on the face. Specifically, facial asymmetry is an issue as one side of the face may droop after treatment (ptosis).[4] More studies need to be done to demonstrate how safe and effective botox is for facial sweating, but it is a promising treatment option.

Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is a type of surgical procedure used to treat primary focal hyperhidrosis. It is typically used to treat palmar hyperhidrosis (sweaty hands) and it is sometimes used to treat axillary hyperhidrosis. However, ETS is an invasive surgery and it comes with some big risks. Patients can develop complications, like compensatory sweating, that can occasionally be worse than the original hyperhidrosis. Therefore, ETS should only be considered when all other treatment options have been exhausted. The surgery works by disconnecting the nerves that communicate with sweat glands so that they cannot tell them to produce sweat anymore.[3] In order for the surgery to stop craniofacial sweating a surgeon would have to operate on the T2 or T3 area of the spine, which is quite high up on the spine for this type of surgery. It is not commonly done, but it can be very effective when performed by a skilled surgeon.

If you struggle with excessive facial sweating, keep looking until you find a treatment that works for you. There are new innovations happening every day as the medical field recognizes hyperhidrosis as a common and treatable condition more and more each day.

Sources

1. Nicholas, R., Quddus, A., & Baker, D. M. (2015). Treatment of Primary Craniofacial Hyperhidrosis: A Systematic Review. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 16(5), 361-370. doi:10.1007/s40257-015-0136-6
2. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
3. Craniofacial hyperhidrosis can usually be managed pharmacologically, but surgery may sometimes be needed. (2016). . Drugs & Therapy Perspectives, 32(5), 191-194. doi:10.1007/s40267-016-0282-9
4. Huddle, J. R. (2014). Hyperhidrosis: Causes, Treatment Options and Outcomes. New York, NY: Nova Science.

What You Need to Know About Antiperspirant Wipes

Antiperspirant wipes are similar to what their name implies - they are individually wrapped wipes that contain antiperspirant. Traditionally, antiperspirant has been offered as a cream, stick, or gel that can be applied to the body. These forms of antiperspirant application have worked well in the past, but they can be inconvenient as they are often messy to apply and leave behind residue on clothing. Over-the-counter topical treatments for hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes excessive sweating, are the first-line treatment option that doctors recommend to reduce symptoms.[1] This makes over-the-counter antiperspirant a very important tool for those who have hyperhidrosis. Now, several companies, notably SweatBlock and Carpe, have come out with antiperspirant wipes to help those with the condition quickly and easily apply antiperspirant in less time and with less mess. Here is a break down of each company’s product, how to use them, and a comparison of their differences.

In addition to over-the-counter antiperspirant wipes there has also been a type of prescription antiperspirant wipe that has recently come out called Qbrexza created by the company Dermira. Qbrexza is quite different to Carpe antiperspirant wipes, or any other over-the-counter antiperspirant products, due to the powerful medication it contains.

Carpe Antiperspirant Wipes

Carpe antiperspirant wipes are another option on the market for those who struggle with excessive sweating and are interested in an over-the-counter antiperspirant wipe. Carpe wipes use 15% aluminum chlorohydrate as an active ingredient.[4] This is a type of newer generation active ingredient that is used in many clinical strength antiperspirants. The advantage of using aluminum chlorohydrate is that it is a strong antiperspirant that is associated with less skin irritation than products that use aluminum chloride.[1] This is in line with Carpe’s claim that their wipes can be used all over the body. Carpe antiperspirant wipes are marketed for use on the underarms, but their formulation allows for the product to be used on other areas of the body with more sensitive skin. Carpe antiperspirant wipes need to be applied daily in order to keep sweat production low. Each package contains fifteen wipes which should keep users dry for about two weeks if they are used daily. Another advantage of Carpe antiperspirant wipes is that they contain fragrances and antibacterial ingredients to kill bacteria and keep odor at bay.[4] Bacteria on the surface of skin cause conditions that create stinky sweat which can make an already sweaty situation worse.

SweatBlock Antiperspirant Wipes

The company SweatBlock offers one type of over-the-counter antiperspirant wipe. Their product uses 14% aluminum chloride as its active ingredient.[2] The active ingredient a product uses is important to understand when choosing the right antiperspirant as it greatly impacts how a product will work. Aluminum chloride has been used for decades in antiperspirants as a way to reduce the amount of sweat a person produces. It works by forming a shallow plug within sweat glands which prevents sweat from reaching the surface of a person’s skin.[1] While aluminum chloride is known to sometimes produce skin irritation, SweatBlock claims that their wipes only need to be applied once a week on average. They also stress the importance of dabbing the wipes when applying and not rubbing the solution on to prevent irritation.[2] Each pack of wipes contains eight towelettes which are supposed to last for up to a week each. This means that a consumer is supposed to get around eight weeks of sweat protection from one package of wipes.[3] Each wipe is supposed to be applied at night, allowed to air for a few minutes, and then discarded. SweatBlock wipes are only supposed to be used on the underarms and the company encourages users to use deodorant in addition to their product to avoid odor buildup.

The Breakdown

Each company has antiperspirant wipes that can be extremely useful for those with hyperhidrosis. Each company claims that their antiperspirant wipes go on clear and do not leave residue on clothing, which is a big advantage for those who regularly use antiperspirant. Due to the fact that SweatBlock has a product tailored specifically as a treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis with a particularly strong active ingredient, that can be irritating, it may be best for those with extreme underarm sweating. Alternately, Carpe antiperspirant wipes would be better for those who struggle with excessive sweating on other parts of their body like the hands, feet, and back. Carpe antiperspirant wipes are also marketed for those with underarm sweating and can also be a useful treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis. SweatBlock wipes can be used as little as once a week while Carpe antiperspirant wipes need to be used daily which is a factor that should be taken into consideration. However, SweatBlock wipes don’t provide the same odor protection and flexibility that Carpe wipes have. Both products have advantages and each consumer needs to make a decision about which product is best for them based on their own individual needs.

Sources

1. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
2. Sweat Wipes by SweatBlock. (2019). Retrieved February 21, 2019, from https://www.sweatblock.com/sweat-wipes/
3. Clinical Strength Antiperspirant Wipes. (2019). Retrieved February 20, 2019, from https://shop.sweatblock.com/collections/sweating-products/products/sweatblock-antiperspirant
4. Innovation Counter. (2018). Final Product Profile Carpe Antiperspirant Wipes [Brochure]. North Carolina: Author.

 

Excessive sweating of the face, head, and neck is medically known as cranio facial hyperhidrosis.

This type of sweating is most often a symptom of a skin condition called primary focal hyperhidrosis that causes people to sweat excessively from specific areas of their body for no apparent reason.

 

TREATMENTS

There are several treatments you can explore which range from minimally invasive methods to very invasive treatments like surgery.

Here is a breakdown of the treatments that are currently available:

 

Antiperspirants -

Botox

Oral medications

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS)

Antiperspirants are safe to use on the face, head, and neck, but it is always wise to speak with a doctor before trying a new product. 

Botox is approved by the FDA for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis, but it can also be used to reduce sweating on other areas of the body, like the face.

 However, you need to be careful when selecting a doctor as the injections can be difficult to administer and require specific knowledge. There can be side effects, like mild facial paralysis, associated with treatment.The risks associated with Botox injections are much lower if it is administered by an experienced doctor.[1]

There are some oral medications for hyperhidrosis that can be helpful in the treatment of head and neck sweating.

Oral medication is often helpful when used in combination with other therapies, but some find them effective on its own.

Typically, a type of medication called an anticholinergic, like glycopyrrolate or oxybutynin, is used to treat hyperhidrosis.

Sometimes, less frequently, doctors may use beta blockers, clonidine, or benzodiazepines (anxiety medication) to treat the symptoms of hyperhidrosis. If your hyperhidrosis is exacerbated by chronic anxiety or depression your doctor may also choose to try an antidepressant medication.[1]

There is a type of surgical treatment for primary focal hyperhidrosis,Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS). ETS should not be considered unless sweating is severe and greatly impacts a patient’s quality of life. It is usually used to treat palmar hyperhidrosis but it can also improve sweating of the head and neck.

When performing ETS, a surgeon will cut or disrupt nerves that cause the head, neck, and hands to sweat in order to reduce the symptoms of hyperhidrosis.

Unfortunately, a complication of ETS surgery called compensatory sweating may occur, in which sweating begins to happen on the trunk of the body rather than the areas that were treated by the surgery.

Compensatory sweating is a common side effect and should be taken into consideration when someone is contemplating surgery.[1]

 

 

SECONDARY GENERALIZED HYPERHIDROSIS

Facial sweat can also be caused by secondary generalized hyperhidrosis, a different type of hyperhidrosis that has a known underlying cause ie a medical condition. 

Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis begins suddenly during adulthood and it has a definitive cause.

If your doctor suspects that your symptoms are caused by secondary hyperhidrosis, then your course of treatment will be significantly different.

If you experience all over body sweating and increased sweating at night in addition to excessive head and neck sweating then you are more likely to be suffering from secondary generalized hyperhidrosis and should be treated by a doctor.

Try not to worry, but do seek medical attention if you have other new symptoms in addition to craniofacial sweating.[1]

Treatments:

 In order to treat secondary hyperhidrosis doctors simply need to find the factor that is causing it and fix it. Once the causative agent is removed people stop experiencing the symptoms of hyperhidrosis.

Most of the time secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by certain common medicines.

If this is the case, the person just needs to stop taking the medication that’s causing the issue.

Other times, secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by a physiological condition or disease. Treating the underlying medical issue will clear up secondary hyperhidrosis.[2]

Sometimes, a serious infection or cancer is responsible for excessive sweating.

Other conditions and diseases that can cause secondary hyperhidrosis include:

• heart disease
• diabetes
• menopause
• stroke
• spinal cord injury
• and several others.[2]

However, diseases that cause secondary hyperhidrosis usually affect a larger area of the body rather than just the head and neck.

 

CHANGE YOUR LIFESTYLE

Whether you have excessive head and neck sweating caused by primary focal hyperhidrosis or secondary hyperhidrosis, there are certain factors that will make your symptoms worse.

AVOID:

• Weather conditions like high humidity and high heat.
• spicy food
• alcohol
• caffeine
• emotional triggers like stress, anxiety, anger, or fear.[2]

In addition to avoiding triggers, you can make some basic lifestyle changes that can help reduce and manage sweating in general.

HABITS TO ADOPT: 

• Apply antiperspirants at night
• Stay well hydrated
• Eat small spaced out meals to aid in digestion
• Limit exercise before social encounters or work
• Clean the skin on you head and neck frequently to keep it healthy and to avoid build up that can lead to breakouts

Excessive head and neck sweating can be devastating, but seeking out treatment can dramatically improve symptoms and lead huge improvements. Don’t be afraid to seek out treatment and advocate for your needs!

Sources

1. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
2. Dix, M. (2018, October 31). How to Curb Excessive Head and Face Sweat. Retrieved April 25, 2019, from https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-stop-sweating-face

What Causes Palmar Hyperhidrosis?

Palmar (hand) hyperhidrosis is caused by a condition called primary focal hyperhidrosis (PFH). It is the most common type of hyperhidrosis and it is a lifelong condition, but hyperhidrosis may get better with age. Hyperhidrosis is fairly common, as about 3% of the population is thought to have it. Symptoms usually appear between the ages of 14 and 25, although some people experience symptoms much earlier. In fact, up to 88% of the people who experience symptoms before the onset of puberty have either palmar or plantar (foot) hyperhidrosis, or both. Palmar sweating is just one manifestation of PFH and it can also affect the feet, armpits, face, and occasionally other areas of the body. One retrospective chart review found that 25% of the people with hyperhidrosis had both palmar and plantar involvement while only 6% had only palmar involvement. That means that most people with palmar hyperhidrosis also have excessive sweating on another part of their body. So, what causes primary focal hyperhidrosis?[1]

The Causes of Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis

There are several factors that play a role in the development of primary focal hyperhidrosis, but the causes of the disorder are not well understood. It is thought that hyperhidrosis is a hereditary condition. This is especially true in the case of palmar hyperhidrosis. One study of families with palmar hyperhidrosis found that 65% of patients had other family members with the disorder. This is significant because it shows that palmar hyperhidrosis is likely to have a genetic link. Getting hyperhidrosis at an earlier age, which is often associated with palmar involvement, was shown to correlate with a positive family history of the disorder - meaning that there may be a genetic component. So, it is suspected that palmar hyperhidrosis may be caused by genetics, at least in part. However, more research needs to be done in order to determine how much genetics play a role in the development of hyperhidrosis.[1]

Primary focal hyperhidrosis may be caused by genetics and other unknown factors, but that does not explain the physiological issue that causes people with hyperhidrosis to sweat excessively from their hands. The sweat glands of people with hyperhidrosis are morphologically the same as an average person, and they have the same number of sweat glands on their body, but their sweat glands are overactive. This is thought to occur due to dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for bodily functions that are not consciously controlled, like breathing. There are two main parts of the autonomic nervous system: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for activating what is known as the “fight or flight” response, while the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for calming bodily functions down. Sweat glands are activated by the sympathetic nervous system, so if a person’s sympathetic nervous system is overactive then it makes sense that they might have overactive sweat glands. Some studies have found differences in parts of the sympathetic nervous systems of people who have hyperhidrosis. More research needs to be done in order confirm that this is the cause of PFH, but it is a promising lead.[1]

While future research and treatments are being developed, there is currently no cure for hyperhidrosis. There are, however, effective treatments for for sweaty hands. By using the treatments that are available people with palmar hyperhidrosis can learn to manage their symptoms and minimize the impact hyperhidrosis has on their life.

Sources

1. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
2. Huddle, J. R. (2014). Hyperhidrosis: Causes, Treatment Options and Outcomes. New York, NY: Nova Science.

Raynaud's: What is it? Do you have it? 

Cold, clammy hands and feet are often caused by a condition called Raynaud’s.

According to an article in Harvard Women’s Health Watch, Raynaud’s causes the body to have an exaggerated response to cold temperatures.

For people with Raynaud’s, when the body is exposed to even slightly colder conditions, the blood vessels in the skin begin to contract and shunt blood flow to vital organs, leaving the skin with a pale color and feeling cold and clammy.

It sounds extreme, but this is a very common ailment, and it is not usually indicative of a larger health problem.[1]

Hyperhidrosis

A subset of people who experience cold hands and feet also suffer from wet hands and feet.

Clammy is defined as “being damp, soft, sticky, and usually cool” and “lacking normal human warmth” in the Merriam Webster dictionary.[3]

For those that suffer from clammy extremities hyperhidrosis, aka excessive sweat, may be the culprit. 

It is also possible that some people are living with both Raynaud's and hyperhidrosis, as, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute:

• 5% of the population has Raynaud's
• 2.8% of the population has hyperhidrosis.[2][4]
• There is overlap

Hyperhidrosis is a condition in which people sweat in excess of what is needed for thermoregulation.

Thermoregulation is the body’s way of regulating its own internal temperature, even when exposed to cold or hot external environments.[5]

So, people with hyperhidrosis will sweat in any environment, whether it is beneficial or not.

When people with hyperhidrosis sweat in a cold environment, it creates a perfect situation for clammy hands and feet to develop.

Many people who deal with symptoms like have clammy hands and feet are actually suffering from a type of hyperhidrosis called primary focal hyperhidrosis.[6]

This type of hyperhidrosis usually begins during adolescents and it can cause people to sweat profusely from specific body parts, including the hands and feet.[5]

This is why a person may have clammy hands or feet but the rest of their body is not effected the same way.

There are certain clues a person can check for if they want to tell if they have hyperhidrosis, like excessive sweating in certain areas and sweating that is not in response to any known environmental or physiological triggers.

Cold Temperatures

For people who don’t suffer from hyperhidrosis, sweating is a normal physiological process that occurs in order to maintain homeostasis.

There is a good reason why humans sweat: healthy sweating occurs in response to hot temperatures, as a mechanism to keep the body cool.

When a person has hyperhidrosis, they sweat constantly, for an unknown reason.

They have a constant source of sweat cooling their hands or feet down, which can create some very uncomfortable situations.

Another reason that people with hyperhidrosis often sweat from the hands and feet is because there are a high concentration of eccrine (sweat) glands on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

The good news is that primary focal hyperhidrosis is not a dangerous condition, although at times it can be distressing.[5]

Manage and Treat Clammy Hands and Feet

There are a few ways that a person can prevent and treat clammy hands and feet.

These treatments stop hand and foot sweat and its odor which in turn prevents clammy hands and feet from occurring. 

• Over-the-counter topical treatments for hyperhidrosis
• Iontophoresis for palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis
• Oral medications for hyperhidrosis
• Botox treatments for palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis
• Surgical treatments for primary focal hyperhidrosis

Typically, antiperspirants are a good first choice for someone who is just starting treatment for hyperhidrosis.

Each treatment has benefits and drawbacks, and a dermatologist can help an individual with hyperhidrosis figure out which treatment options work for them.[4]

Lifestyle Treatments

• Wear ventilating shoes
• Absorbent, breathable socks
• Antiperspirant wipes
• Handkerchief, or other absorbent cloth

There is a clear correlation between stress triggers and the sweating that is experienced by those with primary focal hyperhidrosis.[5] Some people may find that practicing anxiety reduction methods that can reduce sweating can be beneficial in limiting the amount of sweat they produce.[7]

Other Reasons for Clammy Hands and Feet

While hyperhidrosis and Raynaud's are common reasons that people may have clammy hands and feet, they are not the only possible causes.

Sometimes clammy skin is an indicator of another potential health condition or issue. Speak to a doctor to help diagnose these: 

• Hot flashes
• Fever.
• An overactive thyroid
• Heart Attack

If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in the back or arm, nausea, and lightheadedness along with suddenly clammy skin then you need to seek medical attention.

However, it is important to remember that in the vast majority of cases clammy hands and feet are not indicative of a dangerous condition.[8]

 

Sources

1. Cold fingers, cold toes? Could be Raynaud's. (2009). Harvard Women's Health Watch. Retrieved September 18, 2018, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/cold-fingers-cold-toes-could-be-raynauds
2. Raynaud's. (n.d.). National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Retrieved September 18, 2018, from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/raynauds
3. Definition of Clammy. (2018). Retrieved September 18, 2018, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clammy
4. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
5. Huddle, J. R. (2014). Hyperhidrosis: Causes, Treatment Options and Outcomes. New York, NY: Nova Science.
6. Nordqvist, C. (2017, December). What is hyperhidrosis? Medical News Today. Retrieved September 18, 2018, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/182130.php
7. Shenefelt, P. D. (2017). Use of Hypnosis, Meditation, and Biofeedback in Dermatology. Clinics in Dermatology. doi:10.1016/J.clindermatol.2017.01.007
8. Barrell, A. (2018, July 12). What causes clammy skin? Retrieved April 25, 2019, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322446.php

Do you struggle with groin sweat? If you do, it’s unfortunate, but you aren’t alone! Here are the things that can cause groin sweating and what you can do about it.

Possible Causes of Groin Sweat

One of the most common causes of groin sweat is primary focal hyperhidrosis. When a person has this condition it often impacts specific areas - like the groin. According to an article in the British Medical Journal, about 3% of the population is suspected to have hyperhidrosis, but only 9.3% of that population struggles with excessive sweating of the groin.[1] That means that not only is groin sweating hard to deal with, but that it is not particularly well studied.

Compared to other parts of the body impacted by primary focal hyperhidrosis, the groin has received very little attention. This is most likely due to the fact that there are more people with axillary, palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis, but that should not minimize the issue for those who suffer from sweating in the inguinal region[2].

The most common cause of excessive groin sweating is primary focal hyperhidrosis, but groin sweat can also be a symptom of secondary generalized hyperhidrosis, or even compensatory hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can occur suddenly, and typically causes sweating to occur all over the body, and this can include the groin region. However, sweating is usually not uniformly focused in that one area. So, while secondary hyperhidrosis may cause the groin to sweat more, it would also equally impact other areas of the body.

If you believe your groin sweating is caused by secondary hyperhidrosis then it is important that youmanage your hyperhidrosis with a dermatologist. Secondary hyperhidrosis can be caused by diseases and conditions that may be dangerous if left untreated.[2] Certain common medications can also cause secondary hyperhidrosis to occur.

Compensatory sweating can also could also cause groin sweating to arise. This type of hyperhidrosis is actually a side effect of endoscopic thoracic surgery, which ironically, is used to treat palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis. A large percentage of those who undergo surgery develop this condition and it can often include groin sweat.[2]

Factors that Make Groin Sweat Worse

When groin sweating is caused by primary focal hyperhidrosis there is no exact cause that can be found, but certain factors can make sweating worse. One of the most important factors is stress sweating. Stress will cause even a healthy person to sweat due to natural changes that occur in the autonomic nervous system, but these effects can be exacerbated in those with hyperhidrosis. Stress sweating is often associated with groin sweat, specifically because of the type of sweat glands that are located there. These glands are called apocrine glands and they produce a different type of sweat than eccrine glands.[3]

There are two types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine:

• Eccrine glands occur all over the body and secrete a clear fluid that is primarily made of water and some of the body’s waste products. The sweat from these glands is relatively odorless.
• Apocrine glands are only present on the axilla, perianal region, areola, scrotum, pubic mound and labia. That means apocrine glands are responsible for most groin sweat.

Apocrine glands are located within hair follicles and secrete sweat into hair canals. The sweat produced by apocrine glands is thick and yellowish. It often has a displeasing smell because it has a high concentration of proteins and fatty acids, which bacteria from the skin quickly break down into foul smelling acids. These glands are innervated by the same systems that regulate stress. This means they can be activated by emotional responses.[4] This is why groin sweating and stress are so closely related.

Treatments and Products Available to Stop Groin Sweat

One of the simplest means of controlling groin sweat is to keep the area as clean and dry as possible. This can be difficult and time consuming for hyperhidrosis sufferers, but it can prevent skin breakdown and reduce odor.[2] One option that can be used to keep groin skin dry is the use of absorbent underwear. These are available at most large clothing retailers and can give sufferers a sense of security that sweat will not show through clothing and it will keep moisture away from sensitive skin. Using absorbent underwear can also keep the groin area more comfortable and reduce irritation.

Antiperspirants

Antiperspirants can be used to control groin sweat! There are many antiperspirants available on the market. These differ from deodorant in that they contain an active ingredient that can reduce sweat production. Topical aluminum chloride is present in many of the over-the-counter topical treatments for hyperhidrosis, but it can be irritating in such a sensitive area.

A new formulation of 15% aluminum chloride in salicylic acid gel has been found to reduce irritation and was found to provide between good and excellent results in 100% of patients with groin sweating.[5] Look for products specifically made for use in sensitive areas. Many antiperspirants can be used in the treatment of craniofacial hyperhidrosis which also involves areas with sensitive skin. If regular strength antiperspirants are not enough, then try using clinical strength over-the-counter antiperspirants. There are prescription antiperspirants you can get from your doctor, but often a clinical strength over-the-counter antiperspirant is just as good. Talk to your doctor if you are struggling to find an antiperspirant that works for you.[2]

Botox

Botox injections are an option for patients who do not receive enough symptom relief from topical treatments. There have not been many studies done on the efficacy of botox in the treatment of groin sweat, but it is a viable solution. Before botox can be administered, a doctor will perform a starch-iodine test to determine where sweating is the worst. After this, the doctor will mark the areas that need to be treated and begin giving the botox injections. Patients can expect relief from symptoms to last for three to six months before another session is needed. There have been few recorded side effects, but some reports have mentioned temporary edema (swelling) and small hematoma (clotted blood under skin) formation near the injections sites. Botox can provide patients with a relatively reliable and safe method to stop groin sweating without having to worry about daily or weekly treatments.[2]

Oral Medications

Depending on the severity of a patient’s sweating a doctor may choose to put them on an oral medication for hyperhidrosis. The most common medications doctors use are called anticholinergics and they can reduce the amount of secretions the body produces. Glycopyrrolate and oxybutynin are used to treat sweating in most cases. Both are anticholinergics most suited for the treatment of hyperhidrosis. These medications may also be used in conjunction with another localized treatment to keep sweating to a minimum.

Less frequently, doctors may use other types of medications to manage sweating. These medications include beta blockers, clonidine, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants. When excessive sweating is exacerbated by chronic anxiety a doctor will often use an antidepressant to treat the psychological symptoms. Alternatively, benzodiazepines and beta blockers can minimize the physical symptoms of anxiety and stress which also reduces sweat production.[2]

Groin sweat makes life hard, so don’t stop looking for a solution until you find what works! There are many ways to control sweat so that you can feel comfortable in your own skin - never give up on that.

Sources

1. Benson, R. A., Palin, R., Holt, P. J., & Loftus, I. M. (2013). Diagnosis and management of hyperhidrosis. British Medical Journal (Online), 347. doi:10.1136/bmj.f6800. Retrieved September 5, 2018, from https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/4064/16bd4a9ba1fe433e59c95e0aab9d3dd83cb5.pdf
2. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Amsterdam: Elsevier Pub. Co., 2014. Retrieved from https://www.elsevier.com/books/hyperhidrosis-an-issue-of-dermatologic-clinics/pariser/978-0-323-32607-0
3. Harker, M. (2013). Psychological Sweating: A Systematic Review Focused on Aetiology and Cutaneous Response. . Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 26(2), 92-100. doi:10.1159/000346930. Retrieved September 5, 2018,from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262042314_Psychological_Sweating_A_Systematic_Review_Focused_on_Aetiology_and_Cutaneous_Response
4. Huddle, J. R. (2014). Hyperhidrosis: Causes, Treatment Options and Outcomes. New York, NY: Nova Science. Retrieved from https://www.bookdepository.com/Hyperhidrosis-Janine-R-Huddle/9781633215160
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