Gustatory sweating, or Frey’s Syndrome, is defined as sweating and flushing of the facial region that occurs when a person is eating, or even thinking about food.[5] This is quite different than when your face burns because you are already sweating. Most people experience sweating as a result of eating spicy food, but it is typically generalized and mild. For those suffering from gustatory sweating, the amount of sweat they produce can be copious and the results can be extremely embarrassing. It is well documented that hyperhidrosis and anxiety are often associated, and this is especially true in the case of gustatory sweating. This is because people often socialize while eating meals together, which would naturally trigger stress in those who can’t eat without it causing them to sweat excessively. Interestingly, gustatory sweating is not the same as craniofacial hyperhidrosis, although it could be considered to be a form of it.

Causes of Gustatory Sweating

There are several things that can cause gustatory sweating. The most common cause, by far, is injury to the parotid gland and its surrounding nerves.[5] The parotid gland is a salivary gland that is situated on both sides of the face, it is below and in front of the ear. The glands communicate with the mouth via a duct and aid in the secretion of saliva.[4] The parotid gland is usually injured during a type of surgery called a parotidectomy in which the parotid gland is removed. Injury can also happen during a face lift surgery or due to trauma in that region of the face.[5] It has even been known to be caused by war related injuries and occupational accidents.[2] In some unfortunate cases, the use of forceps during delivery has also been known to damage a baby’s face and later lead to the development of gustatory sweating.[1] Damage to the parotid gland and the subsequent sweating that occurs during eating is what is referred to as Frey’s syndrome.

Gustatory sweating can also be caused by medical conditions that cause secondary hyperhidrosis by damaging the nerves near the parotid gland, like neuropathy caused by diabetes. Diabetes can cause patients to sweat while eating because the disease causes nerve damage. If nerves near the parotid gland are damaged, then diabetes patients are susceptible to developing Frey’s syndrome when their nerves regenerate in an aberrant way. This is very similar to the way surgical patients develop the disease. There have also been cases of gustatory sweating caused by diseases like Parkinson’s, Shingles, Tuberculosis and others, although these cases are less studied.[5]

It is thought that Frey’s syndrome occurs due to sympathetic nerves regenerating in an inappropriate location after trauma caused by surgery. This problematic nerve regrowth is referred to as “aberrant nervous regeneration” in texts describing the disorder. These sympathetic nerves are then stimulated by foods that would normally cause salivation to occur, but instead sweating and flushing happen on the outside of the face because of the the incorrect way they regenerated. This is why sweating happens when a person with Frey’s syndrome looks at, eats or even thinks about certain foods.[5]

A Brief History

Gustatory sweating has been a medically documented phenomenon for the last 300 years. Early researchers wanted to understand why humans sweat under normal conditions, but they also sought to understand the pathological sweating some people experienced. Specific episodes of gustatory sweating have been noted as far back as 1740, but were not explored in detail until 1888 when the first official account was written by Paul Raymond. In the past most cases of gustatory sweating were noted after severe infections, hunting accidents or war injuries to the face. It wasn’t until World War II that German documents were found pertaining to Lucja Frey’s work on the subject. She was the first person to describe gustatory sweating as involving issues with with the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems. Unfortunately, she was a victim during the war and subsequently died but the disorder is named after her for the massive contribution to its understanding that she provided. That is why gustatory sweating is referred to as Frey’s syndrome.[1]

Treatment for Gustatory Sweating

There are limited treatment options for those with gustatory sweating, however, the treatments that are available have been shown to be effective and improve quality of life. Many of the treatments that reduce and stop facial sweating caused by primary focal hyperhidrosis are the same ones that are effective for treating gustatory sweating. Botox injections are the primary treatment option for those with Frey’s syndrome. Botox is used for axillary hyperhidrosis treatment most commonly, and is FDA approved for this purpose and it has been successfully used to treat excessive sweating of the face.[5] One study looked at the connection between Botox treatment in patients with gustatory sweating and their quality of life. It was found that Botox treatment significantly improved how patients perceived quality of life.[6] Botox has the ability to stop gustatory sweating and has even lead to remission in some patients.[5] Botox is also frequently used for patients with craniofacial sweating and can even be used to treat upper lip sweating.

Prior to administering Botox injections a doctor will most likely perform a starch-iodine test to determine where the problem area is located and to confirm a diagnosis of gustatory sweating. Usually, a patient will be given food to eat and then the starch-iodine test will identify where the sweating occurs most. Botulinum toxin A is the most common type used to treat gustatory sweating. It’s effectiveness, as well as Abo-BoNT-A type, have been found to be the most effective in treating Frey’s syndrome. Patients typically need repeat treatments every 15 months or so. Some of the possible side effects include dry mouth, smile asymmetry and temporary weakness of the muscles involved in chewing.[5]

While other options like over-the-counter topical treatments and oral medications for hyperhidrosis can be used, they have not been shown to be affectatious.

The symptoms of gustatory sweating can be frustrating, but there are effective ways to manage them and stop excessive sweating from occuring while patients eat.

Sources

1. Daniels, E., & Watchorn, R. (2016). Unilateral facial flushing precipitated by eating. . BMJ : British Medical Journal (Online), 352. doi:10.1136/bmj.i1377
2. Dunbar, E. M., Singer, T. W., Singer, K., Knight, H., Lanska, D., & Okun, M. S. (2002). Understanding gustatory sweating What have we learned from Lucja Frey and her predecessors? Clinical Autonomic Research, 12(3), 179-184. doi:10.1007/s10286-002-0045-7
3. Freeman, G. L. (1998). Gustatory Sweating in the Differential Diagnosis of Food Allergy. . Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, 9(1), 1-2. Retrieved September 4, 2018, from http://ezproxy.co.wake.nc.us/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview/231721476?accountid=14867
4. Medical Definition of parotid gland. (2018). Retrieved September 4, 2018, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parotid gland
5. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
6. Steffen, A., Rotter, N., König, I. R., & Wollenberg, B. (2012). Botulinum toxin for Frey's syndrome: A closer look at different treatment responses. The Journal of Laryngology and Otology, 126(2), 185-189. doi:10.1017/S0022215111002581

Do you struggle with excessive facial sweat? You’re not alone! When someone sweats excessively from their face for no apparent reason it’s called craniofacial hyperhidrosis. This type of hyperhidrosis can cause the scalp, nose, chin, and cheeks to produce more sweat than they typically should.[1] Primary focal hyperhidrosis, a form of hyperhidrosis that has no apparent cause and affects people over a lifetime, is the most common reason that people develop excessive craniofacial sweating. About 3% of the population struggles with primary focal hyperhidrosis, and of those people, around one in five will develop symptoms of facial sweating.[4] That means that there are a lot of people with this problem! It also tends to affect men more frequently than women. Unfortunately, craniofacial hyperhidrosis can have a negative impact on a person’s quality of life if it’s left untreated.[4][1][4] For example, many women are unable to keep makeup on, and sufferers can become very self conscious about their appearance. Many with craniofacial hyperhidrosis go on to develop anxiety because the face is so integral to social interactions and excessive facial sweating leaves people feeling self conscious about one of their most prominent features. It’s a problem that needs to be taken seriously, and treated with respect. Luckily, there are treatments available that can lessen the burden of sweat, and reduce both a person’s sweating and anxiety.[1]

Causes

There are two main subtypes of hyperhidrosis that can cause excessive facial sweating: primary focal hyperhidrosis and secondary hyperhidrosis. It’s important that you know which type is causing your sweating because secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by specific underlying factors that can affect how your condition is treated.[1]

If your doctor determines that your craniofacial sweating is caused by primary hyperhidrosis then it means that your condition has no well understood cause. Doctors are unsure why, but primary focal hyperhidrosis causes eccrine (sweat) glands to be overactive. People with hyperhidrosis have sweat glands that look and function the same as normal sweat glands, but they produce much more sweat. It’s known that stress can cause sweating on the face and neck to worsen, as can heat. It’s also more likely to occur in men and typically begins in early adulthood.[1] While some triggers of facial sweating are understood the cause of primary focal hyperhidrosis is not.

If your doctor suspects that your craniofacial sweating is caused by secondary hyperhidrosis it means that there is an underlying problem causing you to sweat excessively. There are a host of conditions and diseases that cause secondary hyperhidrosis which may be responsible for facial, scalp, and neck sweating. These can include anything from infections, endocrine disorders, ,the use of some medications, and even very serious issues like cancers.[1] If you have secondary hyperhidrosis, don’t panic. In most cases your doctor can treat the underlying problem so that your symptoms improve. Even if it sounds scary, receiving the medical treatment you need is in your best interest. The most common cause of secondary hyperhidrosis is a medication side effect, so make sure you inform your doctor about all the medications and supplements you are currently taking[5]

Many people find that their facial sweating is worse during times of high anxiety.[3] Often those who experience craniofacial sweating also suffer from stress sweating. If this is the case, then measures to reduce anxiety may also help to reduce the amount of sweating you experience. However, it’s important to understand that hyperhidrosis is not typically caused by an anxiety disorder. Therefore, treatment of hyperhidrosis along with stress reduction techniques will be the most effective to minimize symptoms.

Treatments

The type of treatment each patient requires depends on the cause of their craniofacial sweating. For those with primary hyperhidrosis, the goal is to reduce facial sweating and manage their symptoms via treatment. If a patient has craniofacial sweating caused by secondary hyperhidrosis, then the goal is to eliminate the underlying issue, or to manage symptoms if the causative agent can’t be reversed.

Antiperspirants, Creams, and Oral Medications

The first line of treatment when attempting to stop facial sweating is to use topical antiperspirant creams. There are over-the-counter topical creams for hyperhidrosis that contain aluminum chloride, a substance that reduces the amount of sweat eccrine glands produce. If this does not work then patients can move on to the use of a prescription topical cream that contains an anticholinergic, usually glycopyrrolate. According to the most recent research 2% glycopyrrolate cream seems to be an effective treatment for excessive facial sweating.[4]

If topical creams do not work then doctors often move on to a type of oral medication called an anticholinergic. This type of medication works on the entire body to reduce sweat production by interfering with the binding ability of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. There are not many studies on the efficacy of this treatment specifically for craniofacial hyperhidrosis. However, the studies that do exist show that oral medication does tend to help, but can come with side effects. The main side effect that bothered patients in the studies available was dry mouth, although others can occur[4]

Botox

Botox injections are a third line treatment for craniofacial hyperhidrosis. This means that they are used after topical therapies and oral medications have failed to help someone. Botox injections are used for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis most frequently, but they are used for facial sweating on occasion. However, there is no current consensus on the amount and type of botulinum toxin that should be used. Issues can also occur regarding aesthetic concerns due to Botox injections causing facial asymmetry and brow ptosis (drooping).[2] When Botox injections have been studied for the treatment of craniofacial hyperhidrosis Botulinum toxin A was used and it was shown to be a relatively safe and effective treatment. More studies need to be performed to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of this treatment over time, and in a larger group of people.[1]

Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy

This is a type of surgery in which the nerves of the sympathetic ganglia are disconnected from eccrine sweat glands. The sympathetic ganglia is the part of the nervous system that connects to sweat glands to the rest of the nervous system and which is responsible for the flight or fight response. When these nerves are disconnected it prevents the body from being able to sweat in a particular area of the body because it can no longer communicate with the sweat glands in that location. This is a viable treatment option for those suffering from craniofacial hyperhidrosis. Usually, to get rid of sweating on the head and neck, a surgeon will have to work on the T2 or T3 area of the spine. The nerves can be blocked by various means including clipping, transection, ablation and clamping.[4] While ETS is very effective at stopping excessive sweating of the face, it can come with some serious side effects. ETS comes with a potential complication called compensatory sweating, in which the body sweats excessively in areas the surgery was not performed on. Compensatory sweating can be so distressing that some patients decide to have the surgery reversed. There is a type of surgery called a needlescopic thoracic sympathetic block which essentially does the same thing as ETS but the nerves are just clipped. This way, if a patient experiences compensatory sweating, the procedure can more easily be reversed.[3] Surgery should be reserved as a last resort for severe cases of craniofacial hyperhidrosis.

Excessive facial sweating can be an extremely burdensome form of hyperhidrosis. The good thing is that new treatments are being developed each year and many effective treatments are already available. If you are struggling with this, then please, don’t give up! Keep trying treatments to see what works for you - there is hope!

Sources

1. 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
2. Huddle, J. R. (2014). Hyperhidrosis: Causes, Treatment Options and Outcomes. New York, NY: Nova Science.
3. Lin, T. S., & Chou, M. C. (2002). Needlescopic thoracic sympathetic block by clipping for craniofacial hyperhidrosis. . Surgical Endoscopy, 16(7). doi:10.1007/s00464-001-8231-6
4. 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
5. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.

What Causes Underarm Sweat (Axillary Hyperhidrosis)

Are you curious about why your underarms are always sweaty? It’s a pretty common problem, but most people don’t know the reason for it. Excessive underarm sweat is due to a condition called axillary (aka armpit) hyperhidrosis. This is a form of primary focal hyperhidrosis - a condition that causes people to produce excessive sweat on specific parts of the body. The excessive sweating from axillary hyperhidrosis is believed to be caused by a combination of genetics and other factors. Hyperhidrosis is thought to cause overactive sweat glands in the underarm areas to produce more sweat than is necessary to regulate body temperature. For people with axillary hyperhidrosis, the overactivity of their sweat glands can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing problem. Fortunately, there are several specific solutions and treatments you can use to learn how to stop your underarm sweat.[1]

Why Standard Antiperspirants may Not Help Underarm Sweat

Regular antiperspirants are designed to reduce the amount of sweat an average person produces due to environmental conditions, like heat. However, a person with hyperhidrosis sweats significantly more than a person without hyperhidrosis (often regardless of the presence of heat), so people with the condition often need specialized antiperspirants. If you think you might have this hyperhidrosis, it will help to learn everything you need to know about hyperhidrosis.[1]

How to Stop Underarm Sweat

Unsure of how to stop underarm sweat? There are several very effective methods you can use to control your sweat!

Over-The-Counter vs. Prescription Strength Antiperspirants

Many people with hyperhidrosis wonder if they should use antiperspirant or deodorant, or both. The answer is "yes". A good first step to combat axillary hyperhidrosis (underarm sweat) is to apply a stronger antiperspirant specifically tailored to manage hyperhidrosis. It is necessary to understand what antiperspirant does and that it is different from deodorant in order to see why antiperspirant is so important for those with hyperhidrosis.

Antiperspirant reduces the amount of sweat a person produces by blocking sweat glands, while deodorant merely masks the smell of body odor. There are two categories of antiperspirants that can help with excessive underarm sweat: over-the-counter antiperspirants and prescription strength antiperspirants. The biggest difference between the two groups of antiperspirants is the percentage of the active aluminum compounds that work to reduce sweat. Currently, almost all antiperspirants utilize one of these many aluminum compounds to keep the pores from producing sweat. In most cases, an antiperspirant with more than 20-25% aluminum requires a prescription to purchase.[1]

It can be confusing when attempting to choose the right over-the-counter antiperspirant, but understanding the type of active ingredient and its strength for each product can make the process easier. Certain deodorants are better for hyperhidrosis then others and many people benefit from using antiperspirant deodorants, which combine the properties of each product.

Many people begin treating their hyperhidrosis with an over-the-counter topical solution, then seek a prescription from a dermatologist if that method does not reduce their underarm sweat. To help you decide which antiperspirant is going to be most effective we recommend managing your hyperhidrosis with a doctor.[1]

Botox

When antiperspirant alone is not enough to curb underarm sweat, botox injections can be a helpful treatment. Botox for axillary hyperhidrosis is an effective treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis that was approved by the FDA in 2004.

Although it is typically associated with cosmetic surgeries, botox is a compound with an impressive ability to reduce underarm sweat. When botulinum toxin (Botox) is injected into the dermis of the underarms, the neurotransmitters that control the reception and execution of neural messages are essentially paralyzed. Botox is widely used for a myriad of treatments and surgeries, but it is important to realize that botox is actually a very strong toxin that can easily paralyze human cells. For this reason, it is important to make sure that you get botox treatments from an experienced doctor. Repeat Botox injections are needed every 6 or 12 months to maintain results. Botox can also be used as a treatment for palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis.[1]

Electromagnetic Energy (MiraDry)

One of the newest technologies to emerge in the fight against excessive underarm sweat are electromagnetic energy treatments like MiraDry. These treatments utilize electromagnetic energy to eliminate sweat glands in the underarms. They are one of the local permanent treatment options for axillary hyperhidrosis, meaning that results should last forever. The treatment works by cooling the epidermis (the first and most exterior layer of the skin) while using the electromagnetic energy to heat and destroy the sweat glands found in the dermis (the second layer of skin). Electromagnetic treatments are emerging as one of the more effective treatments for individuals with axillary hyperhidrosis. Most people undergo either two to three treatment sessions over the course of a year in order for the electromagnetic treatments to be most efficacious. As this technology was developed within the last decade, the long-term results are still unknown. However, all current tests, studies, and uses have shown that electromagnetic energy treatments appear to be a legitimate and safe operation.[2]

Other Treatments

If one type of treatment is not entirely effective, it can be combined with other treatments to make it more effective. In some cases, doctors may prescribe oral medications for hyperhidrosis alongside one of the more targeted treatments.[1]

It may also be helpful to look into new products that have come out recently, like Qbrexza, made by the company Dermira. Qbrexza is a medicated wipe that can be used to prevent sweat production on certain areas of the body. It is known to be especially effective for treating underarm sweat.[3] Future treatments and research are actively being developed, and hopefully, in the next several years there will be even more comprehensive treatment options for people who have hyperhidrosis.

Other Considerations

Oftentimes, people with axillary hyperhidrosis struggle with armpit stains, which can be hard to get rid of. There are some effective ways to remove armpit stains that can keep clothes from being destroyed. If you prefer to use synthetic fabrics, there are specific ways to get pit stains out of polyester. It can also be difficult to remove antiperspirant from skin if you don't know how, but by using a paste in the shower which can be easily washed off, it is simple to do.

Excessive underarm sweat is highly treatable; in fact, it’s one of the easiest types of hyperhidrosis to get under control! So, don’t give up, explore your options, and you will see results.

Sources

1. 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
2. MiraMar Labs, O'Shaughnessy, K., & Melkerson, M. (2011). 510(k) Summary. Division of Surgical, Orthopedic And Restorative Devices. Retrieved May 23, 2018, from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf10/K103014.pdf.
3. Qbrexza. (2018). Retrieved May 13, 2020, from https://dermira.com/our-medicines/

Wondering how to stop sweaty feet? One of the most common causes of excessive foot sweating is called hyperhidrosis.[1] Let’s take a look at what hyperhidrosis is and explore the options for those who are facing sweaty feet caused by it.

A Look at Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive sweating. While, on the surface, excessive sweat may not seem like a big deal, this condition can be life-changing for those who have it. Most of the time, sweaty feet are caused by primary focal hyperhidrosis, the most common type of hyperhidrosis..[1]

If you are wondering how much your feet should sweat in a day because excessive foot sweat is interfering in your life then you most likely have a problem. While everyone sweats at some point or another, there is usually a reason for it - like fever, exercise, or hot weather. When someone has hyperhidrosis, their body doesn’t need that kind of stimuli to begin sweating heavily. It sweats excessively on even when there are no stimuli because it has overactive sweat glands.[2]

People with hyperhidrosis have the same size and number of sweat glands as anyone else and their sweat is made of the same products, but they produce a lot more sweat. There are various causes for excessive sweating but whatever the cause it is a big inconvenience.[1]

The feet are frequently affected by hyperhidrosis. You will experience excessively sweaty feet, and for some people, you might find your hands are often sweaty as well. In addition to these locations, you may also experience craniofacial (face and head) hyperhidrosis, axillary (armpit) hyperhidrosis and excessive sweating of the groin.[1]

It’s easy to see why someone would experience excessively sweaty feet when they have hyperhidrosis because feet contain 250,000 sweat glands.[1]

Why Are Sweaty Feet a Problem?

Although sweaty feet aren’t life-threatening, they can cause a number of problems for people who suffer from hyperhidrosis. These problems give many affected by hyperhidrosis anxiety and can impair a person's quality of life.[1]

Let’s examine all the reasons sweaty feet can be an issue.

• Sliding:A simple pleasure, such as wearing flip flops in the summer, can turn into an ordeal for someone with hyperhidrosis. The flip flops turn wet from sweat and can cause the wearer to slip and slide around on them.
• Smelly feet:Wet shoes can easily become smelly shoes. Sweaty feet lead to all kinds of odors in your shoes because the sweat encourages bacterial growth. This can be extremely embarrassing, whether you’re in the locker room at school, changing at your local gym after an exercise class, or kicking off your shoes in order to cuddle up with your significant other and watch a movie at home.
• Foot infections and rashes:Having constantly sweaty feet can lead to rashes and infections such as athlete’s foot, yeast infections, nail fungus, and warts. These conditions can be uncomfortable, and over time, can be expensive to treat, especially if they keep recurring.
• Extra money for replacements:All that excessive foot sweating can cause your shoes to break down faster than they ordinarily would. Plus, if they smell bad, you’ll want to replace them anyway. That can become expensive after a while.[1][3]

How to Stop Sweaty Feet

There are treatments you can seek out to stop sweaty feet and their odor. However, there are also ways to manage hyperhidrosis at home when it is primarily affecting your feet. One of the simplest ways to deal with sweat is to find clothes and shoes that aid people who sweat excessively.

• Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight:Tight footwear will just make your problem worse. Not only will your feet be sweatier, but they’ll be rubbing against the ends and sides of your shoes too. This can cause skin irritation. In order to tell if shoes are loose enough, give them a wiggle test. If your toes aren’t free to wiggle around in your shoes, then they are too tight.
• Wear breathable shoes:When wearing athletic shoes, look for a pair that has breathable mesh on the upper part of the shoes. That will allow air to circulate better in your shoes and help your feet dry out a bit. Breathable fabric can go a long way in preventing sweaty feet.
• Try to alternate shoes:If you’re a heavy sweater, you should have two pairs of shoes you can alternate on a day-to-day basis. This will allow the shoes to dry between usages, which should help cut down on the smell.
• Use odor eaters:Putting a pair of inserts into your shoes can help keep them fresh longer. It’s cheaper to spring for a pair of inserts than it is to buy a whole new pair of shoes.
• Use powder:To help fight moisture, you can use foot powder on your feet before putting on your socks and shoes. Once you understand the ins and outs of applying foot powder, it can be an easy and helpful part of your daily routine.
• Choose your socks carefully:The best sock material for sweaty feet is breathable and keeps moisture away from the skin. You might want to consider some moisture-wicking socks to wear, either on their own or underneath another pair of socks. Look for socks made for runners – they absorb sweat well and dry quickly. Merino wool socks are another good choice for sweaty feet.
• Give your feet time to breathe:When you’re at home, don’t wear shoes at all. This will help your feet breathe after spending time in shoes all day while you’re at work. This will also ward off fungal infections.
• Wash your feet twice a day:Because of all the sweat they are producing, your feet are at a greater risk of having athlete’s foot and other fungal issues. Washing your feet with antifungal foot washes may help you avoid some of those fungal complications. After you wash them, dry them thoroughly, including between the toes. Sometimes there is confusion about whether athlete’s foot causes excessive sweating, but it is actually the other way around as sweating often worsens athlete’s foot.[1]

Medical Sweaty Feet Treatments

If you’re wanting to do what you can to stop sweaty feet from happening instead of only minimizing symptoms, you have a few options that will help.

Antiperspirant

The most commonly prescribed sweaty feet treatment is antiperspirant. When you want to make your armpits less sweaty, you turn to antiperspirants - the same theory applies to your feet. Using antiperspirant is one of the easiest ways to control foot sweat.[1]

Antiperspirant is an inexpensive and easy way to cut down on that soggy sock feeling. It’s simple to apply and over-the-counter topical treatments for hyperhidrosis can be bought almost anywhere.

Before consulting a doctor for a prescription-strength antiperspirant, you should try an over-the-counter brand to see if it’s strong enough to help you. It can be challenging to choose the right over-the-counter (OTC) antiperspirant so it is important to learn about the ingredients and strengths before investing in a specific brand. An OTC antiperspirant might be enough to get the job done, especially when combined with some of the moisture-control methods we discussed earlier. A big reason you might want to try out OTC options before asking for the clinical-strength stuff is that it is generally less irritating on the skin.

To make sure your antiperspirant is doing all it can for you, put it on at night at bedtime. This works because people with primary hyperhidrosis don’t produce sweat while they sleep. This will help antiperspirants stay on so it can be more effective. There are specific methods to remove antiperspirant from skin if that has become an issue for you.[1]

If you are in the 10% of hyperhidrosis sufferers who don't’ have primary focal hyperhidrosis, you most likely have secondary hyperhidrosis.[4] This means you don’t want to apply antiperspirant to sweaty feet at night because you may be sweating more heavily then. If this is the type of hyperhidrosis you have, your best bet is applying the deodorant right after you wash your feet. Just make sure to thoroughly dry them first.

If antiperspirant is helping somewhat, but you’d still like to pursue another treatment to keep your sweaty feet at bay you may need to manage your hyperhidrosis with a doctor. [5]

Iontophoresis Machine

An alternative treatment for sweaty feet is to use iontophoresis as a treatment for palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis. Iontophoresis is a procedure in which a machine that sends mild electrical currents through your feet is used. The mild electrical currents cause your feet to sweat less. This procedure will take you several sessions before it begins to offer relief from sweaty feet – it can be as many as 10 before you see maximum results.

During an iontophoresis session, a machine will deliver low-voltage currents of electricity into a pan of water in which your feet are resting. Each session for your sweaty feet will take about 30 minutes.[1]

This isn’t a foolproof method of reducing sweat, but iontophoresis really does work for most of the people who use it. Your sweaty feet might not completely disappear, but you should experience noticeable relief. After your initial sessions cut back some on the sweat, you’ll just have to do maintenance sessions whenever you notice the sweat production starting to ramp up again. For some people that may be every few days, but for others, it might be a couple of weeks between sessions. If you are struggling to make it work, there are some specific things you can do to make iontophoresis more effective.[1]

While it is an effective treatment for many, the cost can be prohibitive to some people. However, if you find yourself replacing your shoes frequently because of your sweaty feet, buying a machine will still save you money in the long run. The cost of hyperhidrosis in general can be hard for many people to handle, but iontophoresis is typically a good investment.[5]

Botox Injections on the Soles of the Feet

Botox is another treatment for plantar (feet) hyperhidrosis. It can be used for more than just softening the appearance of wrinkles. When used on the soles of the feet by an experienced professional, it can provide temporary, but fairly long-lasting, relief from sweaty feet. [6]

Medications

Certain types of oral medications – those known as anticholinergics – may be used as a sweaty feet treatment. They are typically only used for those who haven’t had any luck with antiperspirants, iontophoresis, or Botox. Often, doctors use anticholinergic medications called glycopyrrolate or oxybutynin to treat excessive sweating.[1]

While these medications can reduce sweat, they can be unpredictable when it comes to how much they help any particular site. They could drastically cut back on one location of excessive sweat, while not helping another location much at all.[6]

They can also cause side effects. People looking for relief from sweaty feet should look at their other treatment options first before turning to medication. [6]

What About Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy Surgery?

Although surgical treatments for primary focal hyperhidrosis can sometimes be used as a last resort for people suffering from palmar (hand) hyperhidrosis, it isn’t recommended for sweaty feet.[1]

There is a procedure called endoscopic lumbar sympathectomy, but the benefits of the surgery do not outweigh the risk. So while you may hear about ETS surgery being sometimes used to treat hyperhidrosis, it shouldn’t be explored as an option for treating sweaty feet.[7]

Sweaty Feet Can Be Managed

Sweaty feet can be a big nuisance, and they can develop complications such as athlete’s foot. It will take some attention on your part, but you can help stop the sweat by using the sweaty feet treatments discussed in this article. You may be able to manage the symptoms of hyperhidrosis at home or you may need to learn about managing hyperhidrosis with a doctor but you can find strategies to lessen the impact of sweaty feet.

With attention and treatment, your sweaty feet can be more nothing more than an inconvenience rather than a full-blown issue.

Sources

1. 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
2. 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
3. Nordqvist, C. (2017, December 21). Hyperhidrosis: Symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Retrieved May 14, 2018, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/182130.php
4. Two Types of Hyperhidrosis. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.sweathelp.org/home/types-of-hyperhidrosis.html
5. Kamudoni, P., Mueller, B., Halford, J., Schouveller, A., Stacey, B., & Salek, M. (2017, June 8). The impact of hyperhidrosis on patients' daily life and quality of life: A qualitative investigation. Retrieved May 21, 2018, from https://hqlo.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12955-017-0693-x
6. Melissa A. Doft, MD;, Jeffrey A. Ascherman, MD, & Krista L. Hardy, BS. (2011, July 8). Treatment of Hyperhidrosis With Botulinum Toxin. Retrieved May 21, 2018, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22328694
7. Reisfeld, R. (2010). Endoscopic Lumbar Sympathectomy for Focal Plantar Hyperhidrosis Using the Clamping Method. Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech, 20(4), 321-236. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20729691

Are you struggling with sweaty hands? You are not alone! Approximately 3% of the US population has a condition called hyperhidrosis that causes them to sweat excessively. Of the people who have hyperhidrosis, 90% experience hand, foot, or armpit involvement.[1] Here are some signs that your hand sweating may be excessive:

You sweat even when it isn’t hot

Your sweating interferes with your ability to do what you want

You feel self conscious about shaking hands because of your excessive sweat

You sweat so much that it causes you discomfort on a regular basis

If you can identify with the above statements, then you may be struggling with hyperhidrosis. Here are some of the causes of excessively sweaty hands and the things that you can do to help stop sweaty hands.[2]

How Hyperhidrosis Causes Sweaty Hands

The reason why humans sweat is to cool down the body and maintain a healthy internal body temperature (thermoregulation), but for people with hyperhidrosis, sweating occurs much more frequently than is necessary to keep the body cool.[1]

Hyperhidrosis causes sweat glands to be overactive which leads to excessive sweating, even in the absence of sweat triggers like heat. It doesn’t matter what the weather is like, people who have hyperhidrosis will experience excessive sweating even when there are no external reasons for it.[1]

The hands are one of the most common areas of the body affected by hyperhidrosis.[1] If you have hyperhidrosis, you may find that your hands are constantly sweaty and have no idea why. The skin on your hands may be white and peeling from the constant moisture.

Most people who struggle with sweaty hands have a form or hyperhidrosis called primary focal hyperhidrosis. Primary focal hyperhidrosis can also cause you to sweat excessively from your feet, armpits, face, or groin. Hyperhidrosis that affects the hands is known medically as palmar hyperhidrosis. Many times people with hyperhidrosis are affected on several parts of their body. Therefore, it is likely that you are dealing with excessive sweating on another part of your body in addition to your hands. If this is the case then don’t worry, there are several effective sweaty hand treatments you can use to help stop sweaty hands and improve your quality of life.[1]

Factors that Make Sweaty Hands Worse

If you are struggling with sweaty hands you’ll know just how debilitating and embarrassing this condition can be. There are several surprising factors that can cause palmar (hand) hyperhidrosis or worsen the condition.

Your Genes

Unfortunately, those constantly sweaty palms could be the result of some bad luck with your genes. One famous study carried out at the University of California in 2002 demonstrated that many debilitating cases of palmar hyperhidrosis are indeed the result of ‘faulty’ genes passed down from generation to generation. It is now thought that hyperhidrosis is hereditary, at least in part.[3]

This highlights the fact that your symptoms aren’t necessarily the result of stress or emotional issues, although hyperhidrosis and anxiety are often related. However, don’t think that healing is an impossibility - there are many treatments that can make a big difference.[1]

You’re Battling Stress

Most of us have experienced sweaty palms when something stressful happens, such as an examination, a marriage proposal or speaking in public.

This is because the stress has triggered our fight-or-flight response, releasing the stress hormones epinephrine and cortisol. These hormones help us cope with the stress, but also raise our body temperature.[4] Naturally, our bodies work to reduce this temperature in the way they know best - by activating your sweat glands. If you’re under chronic stress, your body is constantly on high alert and you are likely to continue to sweat around the clock and experience what is known as stress sweat.[5]

Social Phobia

It’s often hard to tell which came first - social anxiety or sweaty hands. However, there’s no doubt that the two feed a vicious cycle. Hyperhidrosis and anxiety often go hand in hand.

The scenario is a familiar one - you feel terribly ashamed about your sweaty hands and feel that other people will look at you in disgust and judge you negatively. So, when the bank manager goes in for the formal handshake, you feel yourself becoming insecure. Or when your gorgeous date reaches for your hand affectionately, that familiar dread rises up. Scenarios like these trigger your fight-or-flight response, your stress hormones kick in, and your palms get sweaty.[5] This will only reinforce your social phobia and make you more likely to avoid this kind of scenario in the future.

Low Blood Sugar

If you constantly crave sugary snacks and often skip meals you could be suffering from low blood sugar. This can also happen if you are suffering from diabetes.

Blood sugar issues could be worsening your palmar hyperhidrosis. Your body needs a constant supply of energy in order to work efficiently. However, when you eat these kinds of sugary foods or go for a long time without eating, your blood sugar levels can fluctuate wildly. In order to cope, it releases stress hormones like epinephrine which stimulate the release of sugar from your body stores. It also triggers symptoms of stress like sweaty palms and shaking.[6]

Too Much Alcohol

Many of us enjoy a glass or two of something alcoholic to help us wind down at the end of a long day. There’s nothing wrong with that!

Nonetheless, alcohol can be a big problem if you’re vulnerable to sweaty palms. Alcohol can cause excessive sweating, and it can worsen, or even trigger symptoms to begin. This is because alcohol causes your blood vessels to dilate which has a warming effect on your skin. This causes your parasympathetic nervous system to kick in, releasing plenty of sweat to help bring your body temperature back down.

These symptoms get worse the more alcohol you consume, and can hit chronic levels for those who become addicted.[7]

Spicy Foods and Coffee

While spicy foods and coffee are unlikely to cause severe sweaty palms, they can have an effect on the body’s ability to maintain its internal temperature. These substances can worsen sweating symptoms you might already be suffering, especially if you are sensitive to spice or caffeine. Caffeine can be a trigger for excessive sweating, so it is a good idea to use it in moderation.

Both spices and caffeine can activate neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, which cause your sweat glands to overreact and produce excessive amounts of sweat. They can also trigger the release of stress hormones which can further worsen the problem.[8]

Secondary Generalized Hyperhidrosis

Certain underlying diseases, conditions, or medications can cause a subtype of hyperhidrosis called secondary generalized hyperhidrosis. If you have one of these conditions it can increase your likelihood of experiencing sweaty hands, although sweating caused by secondary hyperhidrosis tends to affect the whole body rather than specific areas.[1]

Thyroid diseases are known to cause excessive sweating. Hyperthyroidism is an autoimmune disease which causes your immune system to attack your healthy cells, which then increases your body temperature.[9] This is similar to the way your body reacts when you are fighting off the flu. In an attempt to bring your temperature down, your parasympathetic nervous system will kick-in, releasing yet more sweat.

Hormonal fluctuations related to menopause can also cause excessive sweating. Hot flashes and night sweats are a well-known part of the menopause and can cause excessive sweating on the palms, hands, feet, and the rest of the body. This is due to fluctuating levels of the reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone, which interfere with the body’s temperature regulation process. These hormones trigger those hot and sweaty moments. If you’re especially hormone-sensitive, this process can lead to severe symptoms that can last many years if not addressed.[10]

Sweaty palms are not your fault or a sign of weakness! There are many potential causes of sweaty hands, including lifestyle factors, genetic factors, and health conditions and none of them should be considered to be a personal failing.

What are Some Tips for Dealing with Sweaty Hands?

There are both medical and nonmedical approaches to dealing with sweaty hands and help stop sweaty hands embarrassment. Deciding which method works best for you is a personal choice that depends on your preferences and needs. Here are some options you may want to consider!

Practical Tips

There are a number of sweaty hand treatments you can pursue to reduce your sweating. Before we get to that, let’s look at some of the alternative methods you can use to manage hyperhidrosis of the hands:

• Wearing gloves:While this clearly isn’t a permanent solution, it can be a temporary fix that will let you pursue some recreational activities with more confidence. Batting gloves can be worn during softball or baseball to let you get a better grip on your bat to help with your hitting. You won’t look out of place because many athletes wear these kinds of gloves. When kayaking, you can wear gloves to help you hold on better to the paddle. As an extra perk, the gloves will help you avoid any blisters you might get from longer paddling sessions. There are many instances where wearing the right clothes can help people who sweat excessively.
• Finding your happy place:Finding ways to relax can alleviate some of the sweating. It isn’t a cure-all, but people with hyperhidrosis sweat more often than when they are anxious, so relaxing can help. Whether it’s meditation or yoga, using anxiety reduction methods can lessen excessive sweating and help you avoid some avoid and control anxiety.[5]

Medical Treatments for Sweaty Hands

If you’re looking for something to help you substantially reduce the sweat on your hands here are some medically proven treatments you may want to consider. You don’t have to simply put up with sweaty hands for the rest of your life – there are measures you can take to banish this problem, or at least significantly reduce your symptoms.

Antiperspirant

Surprisingly, antiperspirant is another type of sweaty hand treatment. Your armpits aren’t your only body parts that can benefit from wearing antiperspirant - you can use it on your hands to help stop sweaty hands as well. It is also important to understand what antiperspirant does and how it differs from deodorant. Antiperspirant actually blocks sweat glands so that sweat can't reach the surface of the skin. This is unlike deodorant which masks the smell of sweat and contains some antibacterial properties.[1]

The good thing about antiperspirant is that it is widely available and noninvasive. You can start off by trying over-the-counter antiperspirants, but you may end up needing a prescription antiperspirant. It can be confusing for people to figure out how to choose the right over-the-counter antiperspirant, but understanding the ingredients in antiperspirants can help. Before you upgrade to the next level of antiperspirant, you’ll want to make sure you’re applying the over-the-counter products correctly to give it the best chance of being successful. Here is how you should be applying it:

• Put it on at night:This is a good strategy to follow because most people with primary focal hyperhidrosis find they don’t sweat while they’re sleeping. And to give antiperspirant time to set, it should be applied while hands are as dry as possible.
• Wash your hands first:By washing and drying your hands right before applying your antiperspirant, you’ll be getting your hands dried off so the antiperspirant will adhere to your skin better.[9]

Some have had concerns that antiperspirant is not safe, but no studies have found that to be true. However, if you’ve tried antiperspirant for a while with limited or no success and you want to try another treatment, you’re in luck. There is more you can be doing. [11]

Iontophoresis Machine

Iontophoresis is a treatment for palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis that can be very effective. This low-intensity sweaty hands treatment sends low-voltage electrical currents into a pan of water in which your hands or feet are sitting.[1]

The electric current can reduce how active your sweat glands are. However, it won’t work right away. You might have to do as many as 10 sessions before you notice a real improvement. After that, you can reduce the frequency of the treatments and just set up a maintenance schedule.[1]

This procedure can be performed in a doctor’s office or at home after your doctor writes you a prescription for the equipment. Iontophoresis really does work, and if you’re struggling and unable to get results, there are ways to make iontophoresis more effective.[1]

Although it may take a few sessions to see results, iontophoresis does work. Some studies have shown it helps stop sweaty hands and feet by as much as 81 percent. Although it doesn’t offer total sweat control, that 81 percent can be a life-changing amount for someone suffering from hyperhidrosis. [1]

Botox Injections

Botox treatment for palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis can be extremely helpful. The same compound that immobilizes people’s foreheads and is frequently used as a way to look younger can help with your sweaty hands as well. Botox injections can decrease the amount of sweat your palms produce for up to six months.[1]

The biggest drawback to this type of treatment is that it can be uncomfortable when receiving the botox injections.

Before consenting to botox injections you should find an experienced dermatologist. You should look for a doctor who is experienced in treating hyperhidrosis. To find a suitable professional, you might want to use the Physician Finder function on the International Hyperhidrosis Society’s website. [12]

Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy Surgery

Many people have success in managing their sweaty hands by using a combination of sweaty hand treatment options. For some, however, these treatments are not enough. In that case, surgical treatment for primary focal hyperhidrosis may be necessary. This type of surgery is called endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.[1]

This surgery should only be performed as a last resort though because it does carry side effects, like compensatory sweating, that may be worse than dealing with sweaty hands. [1]

Keep A Positive Outlook

Although having sweaty hands isn’t easy, there are many things you can do to improve your symptoms and help stop sweaty hands. There are better treatments on the horizon as future treatments and research for hyperhidrosis are being developed. One day in the near future, you may not even give your hands a second thought as you move through your day-to-day life. Until then, do what you can to limit the impact hyperhidrosis has on your life and do your best not to let your sweat get you down.

Sources

1. 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
2. “Hyperhidrosis and Sweating: When Should You See a Doctor?” WebMD, www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hyperhidrosis-sweating-when-should-you-see-doctor#1.
3. University Of California - Los Angeles. (2002, March 6). UCLA Study Finds Evidence That "Sweaty Palms" Syndrome Is Genetic And Underreported. ScienceDaily. Retrieved May 5, 2020 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/03/020301071230.htm
4. The Effects of Stress on Your Body. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/stress/effects-on-body#1
5. Stress Sweat Is Real, Here’s How to Manage It. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/stress-sweat
6. How does diabetes cause abnormal sweating? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317366
7. Are night sweats a sign of alcohol withdrawal? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324104
8. What Makes You Sweat. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/ss/slideshow-sweat-causes
9. Hyperthyroidism. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/hyperthyroidism
10. Suszynski, M. (n.d.). Menopause and Sweating. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/menopause/features/menopause-sweating-11#1
11. Nordqvist, C. (2017, December 21). Hyperhidrosis: Symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Retrieved May 14, 2018, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/182130.php
12. Kamudoni, P., Mueller, B., Halford, J., Schouveller, A., Stacey, B., & Salek, M. (2017, June 8). The impact of hyperhidrosis on patients' daily life and quality of life: A qualitative investigation. Retrieved May 21, 2018, from https://hqlo.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12955-017-0693-x