Excessive Sweating

Dermatologists at the LeoDerm clinic explain how to distinguish normal sweating from pathological sweating, what causes this condition, and which modern treatment method can effectively resolve the problem for a long time.

What is Hyperhidrosis from a Medical Perspective?

Sweating is a normal physiological process aimed at regulating body temperature (cooling). Increased sweating occurs during physical exertion, stress or anxiety, and in high indoor or outdoor temperatures—this is completely normal. However, if excessive sweating happens even at rest, such as intense sweating during sleep in men and women, it is considered hyperhidrosis.

What is Hyperhidrosis? Hyperhidrosis is a pathological condition characterized by excessive sweating either in specific areas or across the entire body, where sweat glands are located:

• localized hyperhidrosis affects specific areas such as the underarms, palms, feet, face, groin, and skin folds;
• generalized hyperhidrosis involves excessive sweating across almost the entire body.

Severe sweating in both men and women is easily treatable, so there’s no need to mask it with deodorants or loose clothing. Consulting a doctor can help identify the cause and find the most effective treatment method.

Causes of Excessive Sweating

Heavy sweating can occur due to external factors or as a symptom of chronic diseases and bodily disorders. Depending on the cause, excessive sweating can be treated as an independent condition or as part of a comprehensive therapy.

The Most Common Causes of Excessive Sweating:

1. Psychogenic Factors. People with a highly sensitive nervous system are more prone to localized hyperhidrosis. Stress, anxiety, fear, or emotional distress can trigger sudden sweating.
2. Hormonal Fluctuations. Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels can disrupt thermoregulation. Excessive sweating is often observed at night, but it can also occur during the day regardless of external conditions.
3. Endocrine Disorders. Thyroid diseases associated with excessive production of thyroxine and triiodothyronine can lead to increased nighttime sweating.
4. Dietary Habits. Excessive consumption of spices, spicy foods, and other products that affect blood circulation can increase sweating.
5. Excess Weight. Severe sweating in overweight men and women is caused by impaired heat exchange processes.
6. Pregnancy. The main causes of excessive sweating in pregnant women are hormonal changes, weight gain, and disrupted thermoregulation. This condition is most common in the first trimester when hormonal shifts are most intense.

Other factors that can trigger hyperhidrosis include genetic predisposition, climate changes, and certain medications.

How to Get Rid of Excessive Sweating?

A dermatologist specializes in treating hyperhidrosis. After diagnosis, the doctor will recommend ways to reduce sweating based on your specific case, as the causes vary for each patient.

Key recommendations:

• maintain proper hygiene;
• work on weight reduction (if necessary);
• adjust your diet to ensure a balanced nutrition.

To reduce the discomfort caused by excessive underarm sweating in both men and women, it is recommended to use special underarm pads and choose clothing made from natural, breathable fabrics. As additional measures, antiperspirants can be used, but they are only effective for mild hyperhidrosis. These products partially reduce sweating for a short period, requiring reapplication 3-5 times throughout the day.

Modern Treatments for Hyperhidrosis

One of the most effective methods for treating hyperhidrosis is Botox injections. Botulinum toxin type A is a neurotoxin that temporarily blocks the transmission of nerve impulses to the sweat glands. Normally, acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter) activates the sweat glands, triggering perspiration. After Botox is injected, this process is interrupted, and sweating stops.

Botox treatment is effective for primary localized hyperhidrosis in the underarms, palms, and soles. This method helps reduce nighttime sweating in men, women, and teenagers within the first 3-5 days after the procedure, with maximum results achieved within a month.

The biggest advantage of Botox is its long-lasting effect—sweating can be significantly reduced for 6-9 months. That’s why it’s a great idea to undergo the procedure in spring to feel confident during the hot season.

Clinical Studies

The effectiveness and safety of hyperhidrosis treatment with botulinum toxin type A have been confirmed by numerous clinical studies. Statistical data and therapy results have been provided by the International Hyperhidrosis Society (IHhS), which focuses on researching the condition and developing safe and effective treatment methods.

Research findings show that excessive sweating caused by axillary, palmar-plantar, craniofacial hyperhidrosis, and excessive sweating under the breasts is reduced by 87% with Botox treatment. This method offers several key benefits:

• the average duration of results is up to 9 months, with some cases lasting 12-14 months;
• repeat treatments provide the same safe and long-lasting effect, allowing the procedure to be performed regularly;
• the temporary blocking of sweat glands does not disrupt thermoregulation, making the procedure completely safe.

Recommendations for Preparing for Botox Treatment:

• do not use antiperspirants 3–5 days before the procedure;
• avoid products and medications that thin the blood for 24 hours before the procedure;
• before the procedure, remove hair from the areas where the injection will be administered.

How the Procedure is Done:

1. Diagnosis — The doctor performs the iodine-starch test (Minor’s test) to identify the area of excessive sweating.
2. Skin preparation — Anesthesia (if necessary) and antiseptic preparation.
3. Botox injection — Microinjections are administered with a fine needle at a depth of 2–3 mm.

If you’re concerned about nighttime sweating or excessive sweating during the day, visit the LeoDerm clinic in Lviv. Botox treatment offered by LeoDerm doctors is a safe, effective, and reliable method for controlling hyperhidrosis, significantly improving quality of life.