Excessive Sweating Causes & Symptoms of Excessive Sweating

It is not yet known exactly why some people suffer from excessive sweating, but researchers agree that the most likely cause is a genetic predisposition to over-activity in the sympathetic nervous system. The sweat glands are controlled by the nervous system, specifically by a chain of nerves that run along the spine inside the chest cavity, and when these are over active sweat can be triggered randomly and in large quantities, even when there is no physical need.

Excessive sweating can be divided into two main types, generalized hyperhidrosis, in which sweating can occur over all of the body and focal hyperhidrosis which means that you sweat in specific places such as the armpits, hands, feet or face. Generalized hyperhidrosis has been linked to obesity, thyroid disorders and some neoplastic disease (cancer), and can also be a symptom of some psychiatric disorders. Some medications can trigger excessive sweating such as antibiotics and antidepressants, and if you are suffering from the unpleasant symptoms of drug- related hyperhidrosis, you should seek further medical advice to find out if there are alternative medications you could try.

Focal hyperhidrosis is less likely to be a symptom of an underlying condition, and is usually attributed to the genetic cause. Sweat glands known as apocrine and eccrine glands, are over stimulated by the nervous system, causing excessive sweating, especially in the hands and soles of the feet, where the eccrine glands are heavily concentrated. It is less usual for the apocrine glands in the face and armpits to be affected, but often facial hyperhidrosis can occur in combination with excessive blushing, when you blush more intensely and for a longer duration than normal.

Commonly, excessive hand sweating (palmar hyperhidrosis) has been linked to anxiety, and most people do experience some symptoms of clammy, sweaty hands in emotionally disturbing conditions. However true palmar hyperhidrosis also occurs randomly, even when people are feeling relaxed and the extent of the sweating is usually more extreme, with sweat literally dripping off of the hands. People who suffer from palmar hyperhidrosis may find that their hands are constantly damp and sweaty, which can make even simple tasks, such as writing, getting dressed or putting on make up, very difficult.

Excessive sweating can be an embarrassing and socially debilitating disease, and many people who suffer from the condition find they have to make significant compromises in both their professional and private lives. As hyperhidrosis can be a life long condition, many people can also suffer from significant psychological symptoms, such as social phobias, a lack of intimate relationships and even depression. Therefore often there can be a significant underlying emotional cause to individual hyperhidrosis attacks, as nervousness and anxiety can trigger the condition, and increase the severity and duration of the symptoms.

There are some preventative treatments available over the counter for hyperhidrosis, including strong antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride, which work to block the sweat glands and prevent them from excreting large quantities of sweat. There are also a number of more permanent procedures, including Botox injections, which work to numb the sweat glands in specific areas for up to 10 months, and prevent them from over excretion. There are also some surgical options available, such as ‘endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy’, which involves completely severing or clamping the nerves responsible for triggering excessive sweating.

If you do suffer from any kind of hyperhidrosis, then you should discuss treatments in more depth with your medical advisor.