A woman’s head and face are sweating a lot, what should I do? Getting rid of hyperhidrosis is quite difficult in some cases. For effective treatment it is necessary to determine what exactly caused the disease.
Excessive sweating of the head and face can be caused by various reasons.
The human body has a very large number of sweat glands, which constantly secrete up to a liter of sweat per day. On hot days or during physical activity, this figure increases significantly.
But if increased sweating occurs for no apparent reason, it causes inconvenience to the woman - the hair becomes dirty faster, decorative cosmetics “drip” down the face along with sweat, which indicates the development of a disease such as hyperhidrosis.
Primary hyperhidrosis of the head and face, its features
The main distinguishing feature of primary hyperhidrosis is the absence of other diseases among its causes. Excessive sweating is localized in a specific area of the human body. This form of the disease can most often occur due to disorders in the nervous system. May have a genetic predisposition.
Primary hyperhidrosis does not threaten human life and is not capable of causing more serious symptoms other than discomfort and discomfort.
The most common cause of primary hyperhidrosis is the human body’s reaction to stressful situations, psychological stress and anxiety.
If you have symptoms of excessive sweating, you should limit the use of perfumes; in the warm season, you should not overuse hot drinks and spicy foods.
Diagnostics
In order to diagnose the disease, you need to consult a dermatologist or therapist. In the future, if necessary, they can refer you for consultation to a gynecologist, endocrinologist, oncologist, neurologist and phthisiatrician.
If you experience excessive sweating, you should consult a doctor and undergo appropriate tests.
The doctor collects anamnesis and conducts an examination. It is also necessary to undergo a general blood and urine test, have a fluorography or x-ray of the lungs and an ultrasound of the pelvic organs.
Secondary hyperhidrosis of the head and face, its features
This form of the disease manifests itself as a concomitant symptom of any disease. Typically, secondary hyperhidrosis is a side effect of taking medications to help cope with mental disorders.
Increased sweating can also be caused by taking dietary supplements and antibiotics. In women, a similar symptom manifests itself when the hormonal levels in the body change. Secondary hyperhidrosis is often accompanied by redness of the skin, for example, with complications after surgical treatment of the salivary gland or chronic dermatosis.
This form of the disease can also occur after taste irritation. People suffering from Parkinson's disease often experience profuse sweating in the face, which indicates damage to the autonomic nervous system.
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Night sweats
Sometimes heavy sweating occurs at night, and a number of factors can contribute to this:
- Unsuitable sleeping conditions. Unnatural synthetic underwear, uncomfortable clothes, and an unventilated, stuffy room are not only the cause of discomfort, but also sweating at night.
- Diseases of viral origin: ARVI, AIDS, pneumonia and bronchitis of the lungs, tuberculosis.
- Use of certain medications. You can learn about the side effects of the medicine from the instructions.
- Diseases of the nervous system.
- The occurrence of malignant tumors.
- Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, which can be expressed by severe snoring and holding your breath during sleep. This is due to oxygen starvation and intense production of adrenaline.
- Problems with the thyroid gland.
Severe sweating at night should be alarming if it occurs for no apparent reason.
The main causes of severe sweating of the head and face
In general, there are several main factors that provoke increased sweating, which can be the cause of both primary and secondary hyperhidrosis.
Endocrine system disorders
The production of thyroid hormones can affect the functioning of any systems and organs of the human body.
Increased production of one or more thyroid hormones is called hyperthyroidism. This term is a symptom of diseases that in turn can cause hyperhidrosis:
- all degrees of thyroiditis;
- Graves' disease;
- nodular goiter in older people;
- artificial hyperthyroidism in women who take large quantities of hormonal drugs that provoke severe sweating of the head and face;
- excess iodine in the body;
- neoplasms in the body of the pituitary gland.
The correct diagnosis and subsequent course of treatment can only be determined by an experienced endocrinologist. When treating thyroid diseases, many unpleasant symptoms go away, such as nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, weakness and profuse sweating.
Disorders of the nervous system
It is no secret that the emotional state can significantly influence the functioning of the sweat glands. Shy and psychologically constrained people are most susceptible to excessive sweating in difficult emotional conditions.
Also, those who are susceptible to the negative effects of stressful situations suffer from profuse sweating.
Severe sweating of the head and face in women is a kind of vicious circle. Due to increased sweating, the woman becomes nervous, thereby only aggravating the situation
This type of hyperhidrosis is called facial hyperhidrosis. Psychological discomfort can be caused by various phobias, regular nervous tension, various types of mental disorders, and a tendency to panic attacks.
Note! In all such cases, it is necessary to seek qualified medical help, otherwise psychological instability will only worsen.
Hormonal imbalances
The female body is more susceptible to hormonal changes. Due to physiological characteristics, this occurs during pregnancy, breastfeeding, menstruation, and menopause. As a result, women may experience severe sweating of the head and face during periods of significant hormonal changes.
Hormonal levels undergo the most dramatic changes during pregnancy. At this time, a woman cannot take serious medications to get rid of excessive sweating. The best way to combat hyperhidrosis during pregnancy is hygiene procedures.
Contrary to what doctors say, sweating may only become less profuse after childbirth, and return to normal several months after the lactation period.
Hypertension
Human skin is capable of demonstrating a reaction to any physiological changes occurring in the body, while being a secondary sign of the development of pathological processes. Diseases of the cardiovascular system, such as heart failure and hypertension, are no exception.
The main symptoms of such diseases are profuse sweating, rapid contraction of the heart muscle, and increased muscle tone.
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Excess weight
In a medical sense, excessive sweating means an imbalance in the functioning of the sweat glands. This problem most often occurs in people who are overweight. This is often caused by foods that can stimulate the sweating system.
The cause of profuse sweating in obese people is a sedentary lifestyle and impaired metabolism. As a result, the energy that enters the body along with food is not fully consumed and its excess is transformed into adipose tissue.
Thanks to the excretory function of human skin, the body gets rid of excess salt, urea and water. But for obese people this function takes on a negative meaning.
Important to remember! If you are overweight, you can normalize sweating only if you follow the rules of a healthy lifestyle, hygiene, a balanced diet and if you regularly expose the body to physical activity.
Incorrect room temperature
This cause of sweating may seem too obvious and not worth attention. However, due to the heated and stuffy indoor air, sweating becomes more intense in almost any person.
Regular ventilation of the room helps to avoid this. Such a solution to the problem of hyperhidrosis is only advisory in nature, since increased sweating can be associated with various diseases and require comprehensive consultation with various specialists.
Hormonal imbalances
If a woman over 45 years of age sweats heavily on her head and face, this may indicate menopause. During menopause, hormonal levels change, which is why women often experience discomfort.
It is impossible to completely eliminate the symptoms. The only solution is to take medications, phytoestrogens and other means to alleviate the condition. You will first need to undergo tests and consult with specialists:
- therapist;
- gynecologist;
- endocrinologist.
During menopause, a woman’s body is susceptible to the development of chronic diseases, so it is necessary to closely monitor changes in health and well-being.
The main methods of treating severe sweating of the head and face
Hyperhidrosis must be treated, and this can be done not only through conservative therapy, but also through proper nutrition and folk recipes. In more severe cases, surgical treatment may be required.
Proper nutrition as a way to treat hyperhidrosis
Severe sweating of the head and face in women can occur due to poor diet. The list of foods prohibited for consumption for hyperhidrosis includes:
- any types of tomato paste;
- hot spices (garlic, pepper, ginger, excess salt);
- alcoholic, carbonated and energy drinks, coffee, tea;
- chocolate and cocoa;
- legumes.
All these products can influence the functioning of the endocrine system, activate metabolic processes in the body and promote profuse sweating. This list can be expanded with dairy products, red meat and even strawberries.
It is worth noting that the greatest attention should be paid to protein intake. It is this component of food that most progressively affects the development of hyperhidrosis.
The diet should include a small intake of protein and carbohydrates. After all, it is carbohydrates that are directly involved in the synthesis of insulin. This process directly affects the production of adrenaline and, as a result, an increase in body temperature.
You should not get too carried away with diets, since this form of nutrition is dangerous due to the lack of nutrients and vitamins in the human diet. Pursuing the goal of getting rid of excessive sweating, a person risks causing the development of various ailments.
It is not recommended to radically and too quickly change your diet. Regular consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables will have great benefits for your overall health.
It is also necessary to pay attention to foods rich in calcium. It is this microelement that is actively excreted from the body during sweating.
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Conservative methods of treating hyperhidrosis
Conservative treatment methods include non-surgical correction of the sweat glands. The primary task for doctors is to normalize the patient’s nervous system.
Herbal decoctions of lemon balm, mint and motherwort and regular intake of valerian often help. If there are sleep disorders and general nervousness, the doctor will prescribe various tranquilizers.
It is important to know! Tranquilizers can be addictive in women. Therefore, their dosage should be regulated for maximum effect in the treatment of severe sweating of the scalp and face by a qualified physician.
Antiperspirants also help in treating the disease. They should be used only on the recommendation of a doctor, but not more than 3 times a week and strictly before bedtime. Before using antiperspirant, you need to take a shower, let your skin dry for 2 hours and then use a hygiene product.
It is better to use antiperspirants in which the percentage of aluminum chloride is at least 12%.
Traditional recipes for excessive sweating of the head and face
Severe sweating of the head and face in women does not disappear completely when treated only with folk remedies. For more effective treatment, a serious medicinal effect on the body is necessary.
Traditional medicine recipes will only help strengthen the effect achieved in this way. The advantage of traditional methods of treatment is their availability and the absence of contraindications for use.
Decoctions of chamomile, sage, and mint have the highest effective effect. They are recommended to be used as an external product for application to problem areas of the skin and as a rinse for the scalp after washing it.
Another available remedy is freshly squeezed lemon juice, which is also applied to the face and scalp. Compresses and rubdowns can be made with an aqueous solution with the addition of diluted vinegar and a small amount of lemon juice.
A significant reduction in sweating is observed after taking herbal baths. To do this, prepare 500 ml of concentrated infusion, which includes lingonberry, birch, rowan leaves, yarrow stems and oak bark.
All components are added in equal proportions. The broth must be filtered and added to a bath of water. In the same way, you can use infusions of wormwood and sage. In addition to stopping the sweat glands, this recipe will help strengthen the hair and have a beneficial effect on the skin of the face.
Surgical methods for treating hyperhidrosis
Surgical treatment is the most effective among other methods of influencing the source of the disease. Hyperhidrosis is no exception.
| Main types of surgery for hyperhidrosis | Description of surgical methods |
| Traditional surgical treatment is manipulation of the neck and chest area | Traditional surgery targets the sympathetic nerve. This is done with the help of chemicals, electric current or crossing the nerve column. It can be blocked permanently or with the possibility of subsequent recovery. The decision is made by the surgeon during the operation. |
| Endoscopic surgery for severe sweating of the scalp and face in women (is the least traumatic intervention for the patient) | It is endoscopic operations that have achieved maximum effect in facial hyperhidrosis. After treatment, there are no scars or other signs of surgical treatment on the patient’s skin. A person can be discharged from the hospital literally on the day of surgery. All manipulations are carried out through small punctures in the skin, through which an endoscope and a miniature video camera are inserted. |
| Percutaneous operations | Performed directly under the skin |
If excessive sweating is only a symptom of another disease, surgery is not performed. In this case, doctors treat it specifically so as not to harm the patient with surgical intervention.
Also, surgical treatment is not suitable for patients with heart diseases and lung pathologies of varying severity.
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Prevention
To prevent sweating, it is recommended to wash your hair as often as possible. Choose a cosmetic product based on herbal extracts that will not cause irritation, because frequent washing has a negative impact on the condition of your hair. Organize a good rest and get ready for a restful sleep. Proper nutrition also plays an important role. Avoid stress and support your nervous system with calming herbal remedies.
Set the temperature in the bedroom not exceeding 22 degrees, strengthen your immune system and take a contrast shower. Direct a stream of warm and cold water onto your head alternately - this tones the glands and normalizes their activity. A good way is to massage the head with a special brush or fingers.
Advice! Always have wet wipes with you that will ease your condition, eliminate the current sweat and allow you to freshen up!
Other predisposing factors
How often does excessive sweating of the head occur in women, caused by excessive impressionability and strong excitement? Yes, “excited” people actually sweat noticeably more often. But experts say "alarming" sweating is not classic hyperhidrosis. However, these two factors can occur simultaneously in some “lucky” people. Medicines can also cause excessive sweating . However, the list of such drugs is limited (again, everything depends on the characteristics of a particular organism):
- Some psychiatric drugs.
- Many drugs used to regulate blood pressure.
- Medicines to treat xerostomia (pathological dry mouth caused by a lack of saliva).
- Some antibiotics.
- Drugs used to stimulate metabolism.
Treatment for Excessive Sweating
Let us immediately note that primary hyperhidrosis, especially congenital hyperhidrosis, is practically untreatable. But there are many techniques that weaken its manifestations. These include:
- Deodorants . Even the simplest cosmetics available in any store (if used correctly) can greatly help in eliminating sweating.
- Iontophoresis . The technique involves the use of low-level electrical pulses. They can temporarily shut down your sweat glands.
- There are special medications that completely block the sweating process. Dispensed exclusively by prescription and only as prescribed by a medical specialist.
- Botox . Injections can permanently solve the problem of increased sweating. The disadvantage is the painfulness of the procedure and its high cost.
- Surgical techniques . The most common technique involves cutting the nerve trunks responsible for innervating the sweat glands of the head. A less popular method is surgical removal (scraping) of the sweat glands.
The secondary form of the disease can be cured only by completely eliminating the root cause that caused its appearance. For example, sweating caused by problems with the thyroid gland can be eliminated by treating the latter (by prescribing synthetic hormones, for example). Excessive sweating, which inevitably develops with diabetes, will disappear once blood sugar levels normalize. When it is triggered by taking some medications, your doctor will probably be able to select analogues that do not cause such an effect.
To improve the condition of the scalp (it can be “steamed” and inflamed), cosmetologists recommend daily washing of hair with nettle decoction . In addition, a decoction of oak bark has proven itself very well . Both of these compositions are prepared in approximately the same way: take a handful of dry raw materials per liter of water, then bring the liquid to a boil and leave until it cools to room temperature.
