Antiperspirant is a great weapon in the fight against sweat, but it does have its limitations.

Many people find that antiperspirant is hard to wash off and it often leaves a waxy residue on skin.

This can be problematic, especially when someone is trying to wash up after a particularly sweaty day.

Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to remove antiperspirant and any waxy residue it leaves behind.

What you will need:

Bowl

Baking soda

Warm water

Washcloth

Shower access

Follow these steps:

1. Pour some baking soda into a bowl. It’s fine to estimate, but try to get roughly ¼ a cup.
2. Add warm water to the bowl until it makes a thick spreadable paste. Just add a little bit of water at a time until it is the consistency you want.
3. Take your mixture into the shower and spread it over the area with the antiperspirant residue.
4. Take a wet washcloth and rub the paste off. Try to exfoliate if your skin is not too sensitive as this will help to remove any remnants of the antiperspirant.
5. Once the paste is off, rinse the area completely in the shower. This should have removed any antiperspirant residue on your skin.

There are other ways to remove antiperspirant from skin, but this method is safe for sensitive skin and it is usually effective.

If you have extreme build-up, you may need to do this a few days in a row in order to completely get the antiperspirant off your skin.

If a particular brand of antiperspirant or deodorant is leaving excessive residue on your skin you may want to switch to another brand.

There are many over-the-counter topical treatments for hyperhidrosis, or heavy sweating, to pick from, so don’t feel like you have to stick with a certain brand or style if it isn’t working for you.

It can be a struggle to choose the right over-the-counter antiperspirant, so try several different types to find what works best for you.

Interestingly, antiperspirant is made to stay on skin and be effective for at least 24 hours.

Some antiperspirants that are made with newer active ingredients, like zirconium trichlorohydrex, have been reported to work for up to seven days.

It actually takes 6 to 8 hours for antiperspirants with aluminum chloride to soak into sweat glands and create a protective plug.

This means that you shouldn’t wash antiperspirant off of your skin if it hasn’t been there for long amount of time.

Apply at Night

Antiperspirant is meant to be applied at night and worn through the next day, so if you are taking a shower in the morning and deliberately washing your antiperspirant off, you may be doing yourself a disservice.

This can be aggravating, as most people want to shower in the morning, but switching up your daily practices could make your antiperspirant more effective.

In case you are wondering, antiperspirant is not bad for you, even though it can have some annoying side effects.[1]

Clothing stains can also be a big problem for people with hyperhidrosis.

Many have trouble with sweat staining the armpits of their clothes and then they get antiperspirant stains on top of that.

If you struggle with these issues, here is how to remove armpit stains and here is how to get antiperspirant out of clothes. If you wear polyester frequently, here is how to get pit stains out of polyester.

Sources

1. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.

Anyone who has hyperhidrosis, a disorder that causes a person to sweat excessively, has had to deal with the unfortunate effects the condition has on their wardrobe. This is especially true for those with axillary hyperhidrosis. In fact, one study of people with axillary hyperhidrosis found that 70% of the participants reported the need to change their clothes at least two times a day.[1] That is a lot of laundry. Another problem people with axillary hyperhidrosis run into are stains caused by antiperspirant, which can be notoriously hard to get rid of. Many people aslo don't know how to remove antiperspirant from skin which can lead to even more stains. All of this adds to the anxiety that comes along with hyperhidrosis in the first place. Luckily, there are some quick and easy methods people can use to get sweat stains out of clothes so they can enjoy their life and get on with activities other than constantly processing laundry.

Prevention

Excessive sweating due to axillary hyperhidrosis can’t always be prevented, but there are steps people can take to keep it from destroying their clothes. First, there are medical treatment options for axillary hyperhidrosis that can help people to reduce the amount of sweat they produce and gain control over their condition. Here are some other ideas that can help prevent pit stains from causing problems:

Use antiperspirant. Many people don’t realize what antiperspirant is and how it differs from deodorants which can cause confusion. In fact, many people aren't even sure whether they need antiperspirant or deodorant. If you have hyperhidrosis you most likely need to use both. Antiperspirants contain an active ingredient that prevents sweat from forming on the skin while deodorants have antibacterial properties and fragrance to mask the smell of body odor. Unfortunately, antiperspirants can cause yellowish stains to appear on clothing but there are effective ways to get antiperspirant out of clothes so that this is not an issue.

Apply antiperspirant at night. This allows the antiperspirant to soak into the skin and dry so it is less likely to stain clothes the next morning.

Use garment protectors or wear an undershirt. These are absorbent pads that can adhere to the inside of a shirt. They can be used to soak up armpit sweat so that it doesn’t affect clothing.

Wear clothes that are good for people with excessive sweating. This means wearing light-weight fabrics like cottons and finding styles that allow skin to breathe. There are several ways people can use their wardrobe to mask, minimize and control sweat. There are specific ways to get pit stains out of polyester, which is especially prone to staining due to the fact that it is not breathable fabric.

Even with the best prevention pit stains happen. If that is the case then know that the quicker you can launder a stain the better the outcome will be.

How to Remove Armpit Stains

If you can launder an armpit stain before it begins to dry then it is very easy to get the stain out. Just run the stain under cold water and rub the area until the stain begins to fade. Once the stain is gone the shirt can be washed with the rest of the laundry like you would normally.

Armpit stains that have had a chance to settle in are much harder, but there are ways to remove them. Often these stains tend to turn yellow because of the mixture of sweat, bacteria, clothing chemicals, and the products produced by the bacteria. Human sweat is actually odorless when it leaves the body. Here are a few methods you can use to get your shirt stain free.

The Quickest Way to Remove an Armpit Stain

This is a good method to use if you don’t think a stain has set in all the way or if you need a quick way to launder you shirt.

1. Invest in a good stain remover. We recommend OxyClean spray as it is quick, easy, and effective, but any stain remover will work.
2. Turn the shirt inside out and spray the armpit stain with the stain remover. Let it sit for about an hour.
3. Once the stain remover has had some time to soak, put the shirt in the wash with the rest of your clothes and wash it on the hottest setting the shirt can take.
4. After running the washing machine check your shirt. If the stain is gone then you are done and you can put your shirt in the dryer. If the stain remains, repeat the process until it comes out. Do not put your shirt in the dryer until the stain is removed as doing so may cause the stain to become permanent.

There are also stain removers that need to be mixed in water in order to work. If you prefer to use one of these the process is still similar. Simply read the instructions on the product and mix the correct amount of stain remover with cold water. Then let your shirt soak for several hours until the stain begins to fade. Then you can wash your shirt and see if the stain remover worked. Remember not to put your shirt in the dryer if the stain remains.

How to Remove a Serious Armpit Stain

This method is best for people who have a shirt with a stain that has dried and set in. It is more work, but it is also more effective.

1. Get Dawn blue dish soap, 3% hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and a toothbrush. Mix about a teaspoon to a tablespoon of each ingredient together in a bowl. Don’t use hydrogen peroxide on colored shirts, use cold water.
2. Turn the shirt inside out and use the toothbrush to gently work the solution onto the stain.
3. Let the shirt sit for about an hour.
4. Put the shirt in the washing machine on as hot of a setting as the shirt can tolerate (read the label to find this out).
5. After the load is done check your shirt. If the stain is gone then go ahead and put it in the dryer. If the stain remains, do not put it in the dryer, repeat the process again.
6. Put the shirt in the dryer once the stain is gone.

Sources

1. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.

If you’re one of the millions of people who’ve used antiperspirant or deodorant you know they both cause one very annoying problem - they stain! Below is some information about each product and several ways you can get rid of the stains they cause.

What Antiperspirant Is, Who Uses It, and Why It Stains

Antiperspirant is a substance or formulation that people apply to their skin in order to prevent or reduce sweating. Antiperspirants differ from deodorants because antiperspirants can actually block sweat from forming on the skin, while deodorants contain some antibacterial properties and have a scent to mask the smell of body odor. Antiperspirants are classified as drugs by the FDA because they contain an active ingredient that affects a biological process - preventing the formation of sweat. Most antiperspirants use aluminum chloride as their active ingredient, but other metallic salts like aluminum hexahydrate and aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex are also used. It is thought that these active ingredients block sweat by forming a sort of shallow plug within sweat glands that prevents sweat from escaping to the surface of skin.[1]

These active ingredients are what cause antiperspirants to stain so badly. When a person wearing antiperspirant sweats, the aluminum chloride, or whatever metallic salt is in the antiperspirant, mixes with their sweat and forms a plug. Once this happens the antiperspirant is likely to leave a yellowish stain on any clothes it comes into contact with. We aren’t sure why this happens, but some propose that it is because antiperspirants are very acidic. At any rate, these yellowish stains are often permanent, or at least, hard to remove.

Anyone can use antiperspirant in situations where they want to sweat less, but it’s essential for people with hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis is a condition in which people sweat excessively, even when it doesn’t benefit them physiologically to do so. Unfortunately, people who sweat constantly also need to wear antiperspirants continuously. This means that clothing is prone to staining and often needs to be replaced which adds more financial pressure to people who already have to deal with the hefty cost of treating hyperhidrosis[1]. In order to stop this cycle of clothing destruction people need to understand how to deal with antiperspirants stains.

What Deodorant Is, Who Uses It, and Why it Stains

Deodorant is a substance that’s applied to the body in order to improve a person’s smell and kill bacteria on the skin that cause body odor. It’s considered to be a cosmetic product so it’s not regulated by the FDA like antiperspirant is. Deodorants use various ingredients depending on the brand and what they are made to do. For example, “natural” products tend to use different ingredients than most other commercial products. Some of the common ingredients that can be found in deodorants include sodium stearate, sodium chloride and stearyl alcohol, parabens, or the stronger ingredient triclosan, to kill bacteria present on the skin. Deodorants come in a variety of packaging including roll ons, sticks, spray bottles and lotions.[2] Unfortunately, because of the ingredients it uses deodorant, like antiperspirant, it can stain clothes easily. Luckily, you can learn how to get deodorant stains out of clothes so it doesn’t cause too much of a problem.

Prevention

Preventing a stain is often easier than having to remove a stain. Here are some tips on how to prevent antiperspirant stains so they don’t happen in the first place:

Choose the Right Antiperspirant

Try to find an antiperspirant that does not stain badly. Many people struggle to choose the right over-the-counter antiperspirant as there are literally hundreds on the market. It is hard enough to find one that is effective and non-irritating, but looking for a good antiperspirant that does not stain easily is also important. This process will take some trial and error, but it will be worth it. This same advice applies to deodorants as well, as some formulations tend to stain worse than others.

Apply Antiperspirant Correctly

Antiperspirant is meant to be applied to dry skin. It is also a good idea to apply it at night so that it has time to sink into skin and work efficiently the next day. Doing this can reduce some of the rub off that occurs, although dry antiperspirant can still easily stain. It is not necessary to apply multiple layers, so apply a thin layer that is less likely to rub off.

It is less important to apply deodorant correctly. It is best to apply it in the morning to dry skin after taking a shower, but it can be applied whenever. If you are using it with antiperspirant, apply it in the morning after antiperspirant has had time to sink into the skin. How you apply deodorant doesn’t really affect how to remove deodorant stains or prevent them significantly.

Wear Protection

The biggest place that antiperspirant and deodorant stains accumulate is in the armpit. If someone knows they will be sweating excessively then they can purchase and use garment protectors, also known as garment shields. There are pads made specifically for people with this problem. They are pads the size of an armpit that can adhere to the inside of a shirt and absorb sweat so that it doesn’t show or stain clothes. Remember, it’s easier to prevent stains than learn how to remove deodorant stains or antiperspirant stains!

How To Remove Antiperspirant Stains

If you can’t prevent a stain, then you’ve got to try and wash it out. Here are a few methods you can use to get an antiperspirant stain out:

Method One:

1. Rinse the stain in cold water.
2. If the garment is delicate or if a stain has had time to settle then soak it in a mixture of baking soda, water and white vinegar solution. This will counter the acidity from the antiperspirant.
3. Wash the clothes and see if it worked.

Method Two:

1. Turn the clothing inside out and find the stain.
2. Pour white vinegar onto the stain and let it sit for a minute.
3. Scrub the stain with a toothbrush until it looks like it is coming loose.
4. Pour more vinegar onto the stain and allow it to sit overnight.
5. Wash the piece of clothing like you normally would in the washing machine. If the stain is still present, repeat the process again.

There is no way to guarantee that these methods will remove all antiperspirant stains, but it will greatly reduce their appearance.

How to Remove Deodorant Stains

Ready to learn how to remove deodorant stains? Here are a few methods you can try.

Method One:

1. Dip a sponge into white vinegar.
2. Apply the vinegar to the stain liberally and let the stain soak it in for a few minutes.
3. Put the shirt into the washing machine and wash it on the hottest setting the manufacturer allows.
4. Repeat this procedure if the stain isn’t gone after the first washing.[3]

Method Two:

1. Create a mixture of these products:

• A quart of lukewarm water
• ½ teaspoon liquid hand-dishwashing detergent
• 1 tablespoon of ammonia

Put the shirt into the mixture and let it sit for 15 minutes.

Rub the stain gently to loosen it up.

Let it soak in the mixture for another 15 minutes.

Wash the shirt in the washing machine. Don’t put it in the dryer if there is still a stain after it’s washed![3]

If you use a spray based deodorant you can use rubbing alcohol to remove a deodorant stain. Rub the alcohol directly onto the stain and then wash it thoroughly.[3]

Now you know how to get deodorant stains out of clothes! Luckily, it isn’t too hard.

What to Do if These Methods Don’t Work

If the above methods don’t help you get rid of antiperspirant or deodorant stains then you can try using a detergent or stain remover with oxygen bleach to try and get the stain out. The sooner you wash a stained item the better your results will be.[4]

One study found that pre-treating with a stain remover like Vanish could reduce the visibility of stains, but interactions between commercial detergents and the stain remover decreased it’s effectiveness.[5]

Unfortunately, antiperspirant and deodorant stains can be hard to remove, but with care most stains can either be prevented or treated.

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. Zirwas, M. J., & Moennich, J. (2008). Antiperspirant and Deodorant Allergy Diagnosis and Management. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 1(3), 38-43. Retrieved November 12, 2018 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3013594/
3. How to Take Deodorant Out Of Clothing. (n.d.). Retrieved June 16, 2020, from https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-hints-tips/cleaning-organizing/how-to-take-deodorant-out-of-clothing.htm
4. Out, Out, Pesky Sweat Stains. (2011, May 11). Wall Street Journal. Retrieved November 5, 2018, from https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703859304576305372447004628
5. A novel washing algorithm for underarm stain removal. (2017). IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 254. doi:10.1088/1757-899X/254/8/082001 Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320940190_A_novel_washing_algorithm_for_underarm_stain_removal

Anatomy and Physiology of the Sweat Gland

The human body contains two types of sweat glands, they are called eccrine glands and apocrine glands. What sweat is made of is determined by the type of sweat gland it was secreted by, as eccrine and apocrine sweat glands each produce a different kind of sweat. Both types of sweat glands can be affected by hyperhidrosis so that they are overactive and produce sweat in excess of what the body needs to maintain homeostasis of thermoregulation. Thermoregulation is the reason why humans sweat.[1]

Eccrine Glands

Eccrine glands cover the entire surface of the skin, except for the tympanic membrane, life margins, nipples, labia minora, clitoris and penis. They are most densely concentrated on the soles of the feet, the palms of the hands, the armpits, and the face. An eccrine gland is a long tubular structure that begins in the deep layers of the dermis and opens at the surface of the skin. Sweat produced by eccrine glands is predominately made of water, although it also contains substances the body has removed from the blood. These other substances are waste products that the body no longer needs, and typically consist of sodium chloride, urea, uric acid, proteins and immunoglobulins. This type of sweat can be described as watery and odorless. Eccrine glands are innervated by the sympathetic nervous system and are controlled by the hypothalamus in the brain.[1]

Apocrine Glands

Apocrine glands are larger than eccrine glands, and are located within hair follicles in the deep layers of the dermis. They secrete sweat directly into the hair canal. Unlike eccrine glands, apocrine glands are only present on a few areas of the body. These areas include the armpits, perineal region, areola, scrotum, pubic mound and the labia minora. Apocrine glands secrete sweat that is thick and yellowish. This is due to the composition of the sweat they produce, as it contains high concentrations of proteins and fatty acids. The sweat produced by apocrine glands tends to give off an unpleasant odor because of bacteria living on the surface of the skin. They break down the fatty acids and proteins from the sweat into isovaleric acid and androsterone, which give off a bad smell. Apocrine glands receive adrenergic innervation which means they are sensitive to adrenaline and noradrenaline, a factor that causes them to be activated by emotional stimuli.[1]

The Cause of Overactive Sweat Glands

Overactive sweat glands can be explained by a condition called hyperhidrosis. In short, hyperhidrosis is a chronic medical condition in which the body constantly produces more sweat than it needs. The two most common types of hyperhidrosis, primary focal hyperhidrosis and secondary generalized hyperhidrosis, are responsible for most cases of overactive sweat glands. The type of hyperhidrosis a person has will determine the cause of their excessive sweating. Interestingly, the sweat glands of those with hyperhidrosis are morphologically the same as an average individual. So, the cause of hyperhidrosis is not related to an issue within the sweat gland. If someone is experiencing overactive sweat glands, it is advisable that they understand what there is to know about hyperhidrosis, so that they can better understand their condition and the options available to them. In some instances, alcohol and caffeine are known to cause excessive sweating and make symptoms of hyperhidrosis worse.

Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis

Primary focal hyperhidrosis usually arises during adolescents, and it is localized to specific areas of the body. People who have this type of hyperhidrosis most often have excessive sweating of one of more of the following areas: the palms, soles, armpits, craniofacial region, and groin area. Currently, doctors do not completely understand the etiology of the disease and there is no cure for hyperhidrosis. However, there are several treatments options that are able to help people manage their sweat, and researchers are beginning to better understand the underlying causes of the disease.[1]

It is thought that primary focal hyperhidrosis is a disease caused by dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for unconscious bodily functions that keep a person alive, like breathing, temperature regulation and heartbeat. There are two subsections of the autonomic nervous system called the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system activates the “fight or flight” response and the parasympathetic nervous system calms it down. It is thought that the excessive sweating response seen in primary focal hyperhidrosis is actually caused by hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system. This understanding is crucial, because it allows researchers to understand that even though primary hyperhidrosis affects sweat glands and causes them to be overactive, it is the nervous system that is most likely at the root of the issue. That is why people with hyperhidrosis find that sweating is worse during times of stress. Further research needs to be done in order to establish how and why the nervous system is dysfunctional in this way, as it is poorly understood. In the future, a better understanding of the relationship between the nervous system and hyperhidrosis may lead to better treatment options, or even a cure.[1]

Secondary Generalized Hyperhidrosis

Secondary hyperhidrosis usually has a sudden onset, and is typically seen in adults who have not previously suffered from excessive sweating. Most people with secondary hyperhidrosis suffer from generalized sweating all over the body, rather than the loclaized sweating that occurs in primary focal hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis has a definitive underlying medical cause, which can make it easier to identify the problem. The side effects of many common medications can cause secondary hyperhidrosis, and this is the most frequent reason that people suffer from it. In other cases, there are specific diseases and conditions that cause secondary hyperhidrosis, which may need to be addressed. If someone suspects that they have secondary hyperhidrosis, it is important for them to manage their hyperhidrosis with a doctor to ensure that they get proper care. Some of the underlying medical issues that can cause secondary hyperhidrosis are dangerous, so that is why it is important for people to seek medical attention in this situation.[1]

Overactive sweat glands can cause a great deal of psychological and physical discomfort, but there are effective treatment options available, and future treatments and research for hyperhidrosis are being developed every day.

Sources

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

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

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is a type of surgery used to treat primary focal hyperhidrosis. While hyperhidrosis itself is not dangerous, the effects of the condition can be so devastating that some people consider surgery. During an endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy a surgeon makes a small incision between a patient’s ribs and then uses a tiny camera to search for the nerves that control sweat production in the upper extremities.They then attempt to sever or destroy these nerves so that the nervous system can no longer use the neural pathways associated with creating extra sweat. This prevents the patient from sweating in specific, undesirable areas, depending on where the nerves were disabled. Usually, these areas include the palms and sometimes the axillary region. The surgery is usually very effective in alleviating sweat in these areas, however, it comes with a heavy price. There is also a type of surgical procedure called endoscopic lumbar sympathectomy that can also lead to compensatory sweating, but most doctors don't recommend getting it because of the serious adverse effects it can cause.[3]

Between 3% and 98% of patients who have undergone ETS develop compensatory sweating. It is the most likely side effect associated with the surgery and, in some cases, its effects are so bad patients assert that it is worse than the original condition. For those with severe compensatory sweating, it can cause as much anxiety as the hyperhidrosis problem they originally had. Compensatory sweating occurs because the body is attempting to make up for the lost sweat production in the treated areas. It redirects sweating to other, broader parts of the body. These parts of the body often include the abdomen, chest, back, legs and gluteal area. In some cases excessive sweating of the groin occurs. Sweating from this side effect is more generalized and can be debilitating, depending on its severity.[3] Besides finding ways to manage their sweat, there are medical interventions that can help those who develop compensatory sweating.

Who is At Risk of Developing Compensatory Sweating

Anyone who undergoes ETS surgery is at risk of developing compensatory sweating. However, there are some factors that make some people more prone to developing it than others. It has been shown that children undergoing a transaction not involving T2 have the lowest rates of compensatory sweating. That is why it is actually a recommended medical treatment for children with hyperhidorsis. Adults who already have a propensity to sweat in inguinal folds, buttocks, back or upper thighs are considered to be at the highest risk of developing the condition.[3] One study showed that the higher a patient’s bmi (body mass index) the more likely they were to develop compensatory sweating. This same study also suggests that the higher the resection is performed on the sympathetic chain the more afferent fibers would be harmed and that this would increase the intensity and occurrence of compensatory sweating. Other factors like age, sex, family history and the co-occurrence of plantar hyperhidrosis are also thought to increase the likelihood of an individual developing compensatory sweating.[1]

Compensatory Sweating Solutions

Due to the fact that compensatory sweating can be so devastating there have been multiple attempts to correct this unfortunate side effect. It has been associated with a decrease in quality of life and it is important for patients to find ways to manage their sweat and eliminate it, if possible. One easy way to manage compensatory sweating is to use antiperspirant, there are antiperspirants that can be used on the groin, and other sensitive areas that may be affected by compensatory sweating. If you are worried about what antiperspirant will do to your body then you don't need to be overly concerned as many studies have shown that it is quite safe. You may also want to consider using baby powder which can help with sweat related issues like chafing.

Medications

One way doctors have attempted to treat compensatory sweating is through the use of oral medications used to treat hyperhidrosis. The most common types of medications used are called anticholinergics. These drugs act by blocking the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. This is the neurotransmitter responsible communicating with sweat glands, so taking the medication reduces sweating. These drugs have a systemic effect which is desirable when treating a condition that affects multiple areas of the body like compensatory sweating does. They do have side effects, like dry mouth, among others. The most commonly prescribed anticholinergics are glycopyrrolate and oxybutynin.[3] One study found that combining the use of oral oxybutynin while treating the affected area with Botox greatly relieved suffering.[1]

Botox

One ways doctors seek to improve patient’s symptoms is through the use of Botox injections. Botox is used for axillary hyperhidrosis, and in many cases, botox is used for the treatment of palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis. Botox can be helpful for those suffering from compensatory sweating, especially when combined with medication.[1] Between 60% and 90% of patients who undergo ETS for axillary hyperhidrosis will develop compensatory sweating. In these cases, Botox is especially useful. Before beginning a procedure the doctor will have a patient identify the problem areas affected by compensatory sweating. Then, the doctor will perform a starch-iodine test, a painless test that shows areas of sweat, to confirm where the problem areas are located. After an anesthetic is given and injection sites are mapped out, Botox injections will be delivered throughout the problem areas. Unfortunately, due to the large surface area that is typically affected by compensatory sweating, Botox alone is usually not enough.[3] However, in combination with oral medication, Botox can provide much needed relief from compensatory sweating and can an important part of a patient’s treatment plan.

Surgery Reversal

Some surgeons who perform ETS surgery use clips to prevent nerves from communicating, rather than destroying the pathways. They do this with the intent that if a patient does experience severe compensatory sweating, they will be able to remove the clips and reverse the surgery. In these surgeries doctors often attempt to regraft the nerve as well. In one study of patients who had clips removed due to compensatory sweating, 48% reported a large reduction in their sweating while 42% reported that their compensatory sweating remained the same. This is due to the fact that nerves may still be damaged even when clips are used.[3] Another study done on patients who opted for a reversal of their ETS surgery found that those who had reversal procedures done were less satisfied than patients who received iontophoresis therapy for their compensatory sweating.[4] Treatment with iontophoresis is for palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis in most situations. It is usually not an option for those with compensatory sweating due to the fact that large areas of the body are required to be submerged in water, but it is an interesting idea for the future. Overall, surgical reversal can be quite helpful for some but does not offer a consistent benefit to all patients. The outcome is prone to chance, depending on whether or not a patient’s nerve was damaged irreversibly or not.

Prevention is Key and Management is Possible

Up to 94% of patients who undergo ETS surgery say that it improved their quality of life, regardless of compensatory sweating.[3] However, for the other 6%, compensatory sweating is the most likely reason they regretted having the procedure done. It is extremely important that patients know the risks of ETS and other similar surgical procedures so they can make an informed decision about the risks. There is a very high chance that those undergoing surgery will develop some level of compensatory sweating. If a patient has certain risk factors for developing severe compensatory sweating they need to be made aware before a procedure is performed. For those that have irreversible compensatory sweating, hyperhidrosis can be managed with a doctor and satisfactory results can be achieved.

Sources

1. Karlsson-groth, A., Rystedt, A., & Swartling, C. (2015). Treatment of compensatory hyperhidrosis after sympathectomy with botulinum toxin and anticholinergics. Clinical Autonomic Research, 25(3), 161-167. doi:10.1007/s10286-015-0278-x
2. Milanez de Campos, J. R., Wolosker, N., Takeda, F. R., Kauffman, P., Kuzniec, S., Jatene, F. B., & De Oliveira, S. A. (2005). The body mass index and level of resection Predictive factors for compensatory sweating after sympathectomy. Clin Auton Res, 15, 116-120. doi:10.1007/s10286-005-0259-6
3. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
4. Stefaniak, T., Cwigon, M., & Laski, D. (2012). In the Search for the Treatment of Compensatory Sweating. The Scientific World Journal. doi:10.1100/2012/134547