What causes sweat bumps. Heat Rash: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments for Sweat Bumps
What causes heat rash. How to identify different types of heat rash. When does heat rash typically occur. What are the most effective treatments for heat rash. How long does heat rash usually last. Can heat rash spread to other parts of the body. When should you seek medical attention for heat rash.
Understanding Heat Rash: The Basics of Sweat Bumps
Heat rash, also known as prickly heat or miliaria, is a common skin condition that occurs when sweat ducts become blocked, trapping sweat beneath the skin. This trapped sweat leads to inflammation and the characteristic bumpy, irritated appearance of heat rash. While it can affect anyone, heat rash is particularly common in babies, young children, and active individuals, especially in hot and humid environments.
Do all heat rashes look the same? Not necessarily. The appearance of heat rash can vary depending on skin tone:
- On lighter skin, it typically presents as tiny raised bumps surrounded by red, irritated skin.
- On brown, darker brown, black, or darker skin tones, the rash may have little to no redness, appearing instead as gray, purple, or white bumps.
- In some cases of darker skin tones, the affected area may become lighter or darker due to postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, which can last for several weeks or months.
The Science Behind Sweat Bumps: What Causes Heat Rash?
Heat rash develops when sweat glands become blocked, preventing sweat from reaching the skin’s surface. This blockage causes sweat to leak into the surrounding tissue, resulting in irritation and the characteristic prickly sensation associated with heat rash.
What factors contribute to the development of heat rash? Several conditions can increase the likelihood of developing heat rash:
- Hot and humid weather
- Intense physical activity leading to excessive sweating
- Tight-fitting clothing that traps sweat against the skin
- Immobility or prolonged bed rest, particularly in newborns in incubators or individuals with fever
- Certain medications that increase sweating
Identifying Heat Rash: Types and Symptoms
Heat rash can manifest in different forms, each with its own set of characteristics. Understanding these types can help in proper identification and treatment:
Miliaria Crystallina
This is the mildest form of heat rash. It’s characterized by small, clear, fluid-filled bumps on the skin’s surface that can break easily. Miliaria crystallina typically doesn’t cause discomfort and often resolves on its own without intervention.
Miliaria Rubra
Commonly known as “prickly heat,” miliaria rubra presents as small, inflamed bumps accompanied by an itchy or prickly sensation. In some cases, these bumps may fill with pus, a condition referred to as miliaria pustulosa.
Miliaria Profunda
This is the most severe form of heat rash, affecting the deepest layer of the skin. Miliaria profunda is characterized by firm, painful, or itchy bumps that can significantly impact comfort and daily activities.
Where does heat rash typically appear? Heat rash most commonly occurs on clothed parts of the body, including:
- Back
- Belly
- Neck
- Upper chest
- Groin
- Armpits
The Duration and Spread of Heat Rash
How long does heat rash typically last? In most cases, heat rash resolves within 2 to 3 days, provided the affected area is kept cool and dry. However, if symptoms persist beyond 3 or 4 days or seem to be worsening, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
Is it possible for heat rash to spread? Yes, heat rash can potentially spread to other parts of the body. This spread is often due to continued blockage of sweat pathways and is more likely to occur in areas where clothing fits tightly against the skin, especially during sweating. It’s important to note, however, that heat rash is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.
Effective Treatments for Heat Rash
While there’s no standardized treatment for heat rash, several home remedies and lifestyle adjustments can provide relief and promote healing:
- Move to a cooler, less humid environment to reduce sweating.
- Take cool showers or baths to soothe irritated skin.
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing to allow the skin to breathe.
- Keep the affected area dry to prevent further irritation.
- Apply calamine lotion or 1% hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching.
- Avoid scratching the affected area to prevent potential infection.
Are there any treatments to avoid? It’s best to steer clear of products that can clog pores or keep the skin moist, such as:
- Baby powders
- Ointments
- Scented lotions
- Lotions containing petroleum or mineral oils
Preventing Heat Rash: Strategies for Staying Cool
Prevention is key when it comes to heat rash. By implementing certain strategies, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing this uncomfortable condition:
- Opt for loose-fitting, lightweight clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton.
- Use fans, air conditioning, and cool showers to regulate body temperature.
- Plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day to minimize excessive sweating.
- Stay hydrated to help your body regulate its temperature more effectively.
- Use breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics during physical activities.
- Take regular breaks in cool, shaded areas when spending time in hot environments.
How can you protect infants and young children from heat rash? In addition to the strategies mentioned above, consider these specific tips for little ones:
- Dress infants in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, especially in hot weather.
- Keep the nursery cool and well-ventilated.
- Change diapers frequently to prevent moisture buildup.
- Use breathable, natural-fiber bedding.
- Give cool baths and allow for some “air time” without clothes or diapers in a safe, supervised environment.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Heat Rash
While heat rash is generally a benign condition that resolves on its own, there are instances when professional medical advice should be sought. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:
- The rash is severe, painful, or does not improve within a few days.
- You develop signs of infection in the affected area, such as increased redness, warmth, or pus.
- You experience fever or other signs of illness alongside the rash.
- The rash appears bright red or develops streaks.
- You notice a new rash after starting a new medication or antibiotic.
- The rash begins to leak pus or form scabs.
How do healthcare professionals diagnose and treat severe cases of heat rash? Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and review of symptoms. In severe cases, treatment may include:
- Prescription-strength topical steroids to reduce inflammation
- Antibiotics if a secondary bacterial infection has developed
- Specialized drying powders or lotions to help keep the skin cool and dry
- Recommendations for lifestyle modifications to prevent recurrence
Heat Rash in Special Populations: Considerations and Precautions
While heat rash can affect anyone, certain groups may be more susceptible or require special considerations:
Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts
Active individuals who engage in intense physical activities are at higher risk of developing heat rash due to excessive sweating. How can athletes prevent heat rash?
- Wear moisture-wicking, breathable athletic wear
- Take regular breaks and cool down during workouts
- Shower and change into dry clothes promptly after exercise
- Use anti-chafing products in areas prone to friction
Infants and Young Children
Babies and young children are particularly susceptible to heat rash due to their underdeveloped sweat glands and inability to regulate body temperature effectively. What additional precautions can parents take?
- Monitor room temperature and humidity levels
- Use breathable, natural-fiber clothing and bedding
- Avoid overdressing, especially during sleep
- Provide regular cool baths during hot weather
Elderly Individuals
Older adults may be at increased risk of heat rash due to decreased sweat gland function and potential mobility issues. How can caregivers help prevent heat rash in the elderly?
- Ensure proper hydration
- Assist with regular position changes for those with limited mobility
- Maintain a cool, well-ventilated living environment
- Choose loose-fitting, breathable clothing
The Impact of Climate Change on Heat-Related Skin Conditions
As global temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, the prevalence of heat-related skin conditions, including heat rash, is likely to increase. How might climate change affect the incidence of heat rash?
- More frequent and intense heatwaves could lead to a higher occurrence of heat rash
- Increased humidity levels in some regions may exacerbate conditions favorable for heat rash development
- Changes in seasonal patterns may extend the periods when heat rash is more common
What steps can communities take to mitigate the impact of rising temperatures on skin health?
- Implement public education programs on heat-related health risks
- Increase access to cooling centers during extreme heat events
- Encourage urban planning strategies that reduce heat island effects
- Promote workplace policies that protect outdoor workers from excessive heat exposure
Innovations in Heat Rash Prevention and Treatment
As our understanding of heat rash and its underlying mechanisms continues to evolve, new approaches to prevention and treatment are emerging. What are some innovative solutions being developed?
Advanced Cooling Textiles
Researchers are developing fabrics with enhanced cooling properties that could help prevent heat rash. These textiles may incorporate:
- Phase-change materials that absorb and release heat
- Moisture-wicking nanofibers for improved sweat management
- Photonic structures that reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption
Smart Wearable Devices
Wearable technology is being developed to monitor skin temperature and humidity levels, potentially alerting users to conditions that may lead to heat rash. How might these devices help prevent heat-related skin issues?
- Provide real-time alerts when skin conditions become favorable for heat rash development
- Offer personalized recommendations for cooling and hydration based on individual physiology
- Track patterns of heat rash occurrence to help users identify triggers and make preventive lifestyle changes
Targeted Topical Treatments
Advancements in dermatological research are paving the way for more effective topical treatments for heat rash. What new approaches are being explored?
- Microbiome-based treatments that support the skin’s natural defense mechanisms
- Nanotechnology-enhanced delivery systems for improved penetration of active ingredients
- Biomimetic compounds that mimic the skin’s natural cooling processes
As we continue to face the challenges of a warming climate, these innovations may play a crucial role in managing and preventing heat-related skin conditions like heat rash. By staying informed about these developments and implementing preventive strategies, individuals can better protect their skin health in the face of rising temperatures.
Heat Rash (Prickly Heat): Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment
Written by Evan Starkman
- What Causes a Heat Rash?
- What Does a Heat Rash Look Like?
- Types of Heat Rash
- How Long Does a Heat Rash Last?
- Can a Heat Rash Spread?
- Heat Rash Treatment
- How Can You Prevent Heat Rash?
- When to Call Your Doctor About a Heat Rash
- More
A heat rash is a common rash on the skin that can show up when you’re hot or you sweat a lot. It can make parts of your skin feel prickly or sting due to overheating. It can itch a lot, but it’s not dangerous.
Some people call a heat rash “prickly heat.” Doctors call it miliaria crystallina or miliaria rubra.
Anyone can get a heat rash, but it’s more common in babies and young children. Active people, newborns in incubators, and people on bed rest with fever also are more likely to get it.
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Heat rashes happen most often in humid, hot weather.
When you sweat too much, the ducts from the sweat glands in your skin become blocked.
This causes your sweat to leak into surrounding tissue, which leads to irritation. You may feel the prickly sensation that gives this condition its name.
On lighter skin, heat rash looks like tiny raised bumps surrounded by red, irritated skin. On brown, darker brown, black, or darker skin tones, the rash may have little to no redness. This might make it less visible and harder to spot.
Instead, the bumps might appear gray, purple, or white. For some people with darker skin tones, the inflammation from the heat rash could cause the affected area to become lighter or darker. Doctors call this postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Typically, it lasts for a few weeks or months.
Heat rash usually happens on clothed parts of your body, like your:
- Back
- Belly
- Neck
- Upper chest
- Groin
- Armpits
There are three types of heat rash:
Miliara crystallina: This is the mildest type. It’s known for little, clear bumps filled with fluid. The bumps can break easily and are on the skin’s surface.
Miliara rubra: You may hear this called “prickly heat” because you may have an itchy or prickly feeling along with small, inflamed bumps on the skin. If the bumps become filled with pus, your doctor will call it miliara pustulosa.
Miliara profunda: This type affects the skin’s deepest layer. The bumps in this type of heat rash are firm and painful or itchy.
Heat rash usually lasts about 2 to 3 days. Call your doctor if it doesn’t go away after 3 or 4 days or if it seems to be getting worse.
Yes, it’s possible for a heat rash to spread to other parts of your body. That happens due to clogged sweat pathways.
Rashes are more likely to spread on parts of your body where your clothes are tight against your skin. That’s extra true when you sweat.
You don’t have to worry about spreading a heat rash to other people, though. It’s not contagious.
There’s no standard treatment to get rid of a heat rash. It usually gets better once your skin cools off.
You can do some things at home to get relief:
- Move to a cooler, less humid place.
- Take a cool shower or bath.
- Wear fewer layers of clothes, and loosen your clothes.
- Resist the urge to scratch your skin, or it could become infected.
- Keep your affected skin dry.
- Try calamine lotion, 1% hydrocortisone cream (not hydrocortisone ointment), or a prescription cream to ease your itching.
Don’t use ointments or creams that keep your skin moist. Also skip products that could clog your pores. Avoid using things like:
- Baby powders
- Ointments
- Scented lotions
- Lotions with petroleum or mineral oils
The key is to try to stay cool and avoid sweating a lot. Some tips that can help are:
- Wear loose, lightweight clothes made of cotton.
- Cool off with fans, cool showers, and air conditioning when you can.
- Try to do things outdoors during times of the day when it’s cooler.
Call your doctor about a heat rash if:
- The rash is severe or painful or does not go away on its own within a few days.
- You get an infection in an area where you recently had heat rash.
- You have a fever or any other signs of illness.
- The rash is bright red or has streaks.
- The rash starts after you have been taking an antibiotic or new medication.
- The rash leaks pus or forms scabs.
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Heat rash — also known as prickly heat, summer rash, or wildfire rash — happens when the sweat gland ducts become blocked. Triggers include exercise and hot weather. Cooling or gently patting the rash may provide some relief.
The medical name for heat rash is miliaria. It happens when sweat becomes trapped due to a blockage in sweat glands in the deeper layers of skin.
Inflammation, redness, and blister-like lesions can result. Sometimes, an infection can develop.
People with overweight or obesity and people who sweat easily are more likely to get prickly heat. Also, babies and children are more prone to it because their sweat glands are still developing.
Symptoms include:
- small bumps or spots, called papules.
- an itching or prickling sensation
- mild swelling
On white skin, the spots are red.
On darker skin, they can be harder to see, but if a doctor uses dermoscopy — a kind of lighted microscope for examining the skin — the spots may show up as white globules under the skin with darker halos surrounding them.
Heat rash often affects areas where sweating is more likely, including the:
- face
- neck
- under the breasts
- under the scrotum
It can also appear in skin folds and areas where skin rubs against clothing, such as the back, chest, and stomach.
If bacteria enter the plugged sweat glands, it can lead to inflammation and infection.
Why do some people sweat more than others?
Heat rash often goes away on its own within about 24 hours.
To help it resolve, move to a cool area with less humidity, if possible, and remove any clothing and other items that may increase sweating.
Other tips include:
- Wear light, loose cotton clothing.
- When exercising, choose a cool place or a cooler time of the day.
- Use showers, fans, and air conditioning to reduce the body’s temperature.
- Avoid any irritants that make symptoms worse, such as some synthetic fabrics.
- Avoid staying in wet clothing, such as after swimming.
- Apply a cool compress, such as a damp cloth or an ice pack wrapped in a towel, to the rash for up to 20 minutes at a time.
- Use light bedding.
- Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water, to prevent dehydration.
- If the rash is itchy, tap or pat it instead of scratching it.
Here, learn about home and natural remedies for heat rash.
Some over-the-counter preparations can help soothe and resolve persistent heat rash. They include:
- Topical preparations — such as calamine, menthol, and camphor-based creams or ointments — can help ease the itching. Use an emollient with calamine, however, as it can dry the skin.
- Steroid creams can reduce itching and inflammation in people aged over 10 years.
- Antibacterial products can help manage or prevent an infection.
Some of these products are available online. Antibacterial handwash is also available for purchase online.
There are three types of heat rash, or miliaria:
Miliaria crystalline: This is the most common form. It causes small, clear or white bumps filled with sweat to form on the skin’s surface. The bumps measure 1–2 millimeters across. It causes no itching or pain and is more common in babies than adults.
Miliaria rubra: This type is more commonly known as prickly heat, and it causes larger bumps, inflammation, and a lack of sweat in the affected area. It occurs in deeper layers of skin and is more uncomfortable. If the bumps fill with pus, the medical name becomes miliaria pustulosa.
Miliaria profunda: This is the least common type of heat rash. It forms in the deepest layer of skin, and it can recur and become chronic. It causes relatively large, tough, flesh-colored bumps.
Heat rash, or miliaria, happens when sweat gland ducts become blocked.
This may be due to:
- sweat glands still developing, as in newborns
- a hot and humid environment
- physical activity
- a fever
- wearing synthetic fabrics close to the skin
- wearing a nonporous bandage
- prolonged bed rest
- the use of some medications, especially those that reduce sweating
- radiation therapy
- some health conditions, such as toxic epidermal necrolysis
Heat rash usually disappears without treatment. However, see a healthcare provider if:
- the rash persists or becomes more severe
- there are signs of an infection, such as open blisters or pustular lesions
- there are signs of heat exhaustion and an inability to sweat
- there are other symptoms, such as a fever
Many illnesses cause rashes, which may look similar to heat rash. A doctor can determine the underlying cause.
Learn about the many other types of rash and their causes.
Heat rashes are not often dangerous, but if symptoms last longer than a few days or signs of an infection appear, see a healthcare provider.
They will examine the rash, possibly using dermoscopy for a closer inspection.
If necessary, they may also take a skin punch biopsy or use imaging technology to identify the cause of the rash.
Skin changes are a common symptom of many conditions. Heat rash can resemble other health issues, including:
- viral infections, such as chickenpox or measles
- bacterial infections, such as impetigo
- hives, due to an allergic reaction
- fungal skin infections, such as candidiasis
- insect bites
- folliculitis, due to a blockage in hair follicles
- acute HIV
- a response to HIV treatment
If any of the following symptoms occur, they may indicate that the cause of the rash is more serious:
- a fever
- a cough
- a runny nose
- fatigue
- enlarged lymph nodes
- muscle aches
To reduce the risk of prickly heat or heat rash, try to:
- Avoid activities or locations that increase sweating.
- If possible, use air conditioning or a fan.
- Wearing light clothing made from natural fibers, such as cotton.
- When possible, minimize exposure to hot and humid weather.
- Gently exfoliate the skin to remove dead skin cells and sebum that may clog the sweat glands.
- Take cool showers frequently and be sure to pat the skin completely dry.
Exfoliators are available online.
Heat rash is common, especially among babies and anyone in a hot, humid climate.
It usually goes away without treatment, although home remedies can help ease the rash and relieve any discomfort.
If heat rash seems to be involving deeper layers of skin, if there are signs of infection, such as blisters, or if it just lasts for more than a few days, seek medical attention.
Many health issues can cause rashes that resemble heat rash, so if a person has other symptoms, such as a fever, it is important to receive a diagnosis.
Eucerin: Sweating | Excessive sweating
Signs And Symptoms
Excessive sweating is normal
Sweating is a natural function of the body. Everyone sweats when the weather is hot or during physical activity such as sports: A salty, clear liquid (99% water, 1% salt) is produced and expelled through the passages of the exocrine sweat glands, thus performing the important physical function of cooling the body.
Sweat glands secrete sweat through our pores.
In addition, sweating may increase in case of emotional stress or nervous tension: in addition to the eccrine sweat glands, the so-called apocrine sweat glands are activated, which produce a relatively small amount of sweat of various composition, rich in proteins and lipids. Bacteria on the skin break down apocrine sweat, which leads to unwanted body odor.
Most people have also been exposed to excessive and unpredictable sweating, eg after exercise, in heat, etc. In such situations, the body produces and releases more moisture. If this occurs even under conditions that do not normally cause sweating (i.e. at a moderate temperature or when the body is at rest), this condition is called hyperhidrosis. People with hyperhidrosis may sweat profusely, and even changing the environment, such as exposure to the sun, may not help. The sweat glands of such people are hyperactive.
Am I Excessive Sweating or Hyperhidrosis?
You may sweat excessively if…
You get large wet patches under your arms, sweat drips off your face, and/or your socks get damp during exercise or in hot weather
Normal antiperspirants don’t protect you enough from sweating
You feel better after use antiperspirant designed to prevent excessive sweating
Changes in your lifestyle reduce sweating
Excessive sweating may present with moderate to profuse droplets, resulting in large wet patches on clothing, wet and smelly feet and shoes, and clammy and damp hands.
About 1% of the population sweats excessively for no apparent reason.
Two types of hyperhidrosis
Medications can trigger symptoms of hyperhidrosis.
Hyperhidrosis can lead to stress, and stress can trigger these symptoms again – try to break the cycle and find a solution.
The term hyperhidrosis is used when excessive sweating is beyond the normal level. There are two main types.
• If excessive sweating is felt on some parts of the body, such as the arms, legs, parts of the face, or under the arms, this is called primary (idiopathic) or localized hyperhidrosis .
• Although excessive sweating is not considered a disease, it may be a symptom of another disease. Sometimes even serious enough. In this case, it is called secondary hyperhidrosis , which means that increased sweating is a side effect of another disease or has a hormonal cause (for example, pregnancy or menopause).
People suffering from primary or secondary hyperhidrosis may feel awkward, anxious, sometimes even exhausted. Thus, heavy sweating can have serious psychological consequences, such as depression and anxiety caused by concern about other people’s reactions.
Symptoms – manifestations of excessive sweating
There is no established way to evaluate excessive sweating in terms of “amount of sweat”. However, if heavy sweating interferes with daily life and normal activities, it may be hyperhidrosis.
Hyperhidrosis can also cause shyness, try to participate in social activities such as playing sports.
Hyperhidrosis is always noticeable.
Consider a method that can help diagnose hyperhidrosis:
Primary hyperhidrosis most likely occurs when excessive sweating has been observed for more than six months. It mostly occurs in the armpits, palms, soles, or craniofacial areas. This process is quite symmetrical, does not happen at night and in most cases occurs at least once a week. Hyperhidrosis is genetically determined and manifests itself before the age of 25 years.
In case of primary or localized hyperhidrosis (when only certain parts of the body are affected), the areas of risk are:
• armpits (axillary hyperhidrosis)
• back
• palms (hands hyperhidrosis)
• face (facial hyperhidrosis)
• soles of the feet
• chest
• back of knees
These areas have an unusually high concentration of exocrine glands responsible for sweating. Bursts of local sweating, however, can occur simultaneously on several parts of the body.
Frequency of hyperhidrosis
One or more episodes of excessive sweating per week is normal for most of those who suffer from primary or localized hyperhidrosis (but not during sleep).
For those who suffer from secondary hyperhidrosis (when such a condition has a definite cause), the frequency of sweating depends on the development of the disease that caused it.
You may have hyperhidrosis if…
You sweat a lot more than most people
You have at least one episode of excessive sweating per week
Have a history of hyperhidrosis in your family
You suspect that you have a sweating disorder
Fighting flare-ups of excessive sweating can impair the quality of daily life:
Frequent showering or changing clothes in one day is time consuming, reluctance to take off jacket or feeling awkward when shaking hands, for example, can lead to awkwardness in public, loss of desire to attend sporting events . This can even affect professional activities (for example, the maintenance of tools or the use of a keyboard can become problematic in case of localized hyperhidrosis on the hands). The result can be social self-isolation of people suffering from hyperhidrosis.
High sweating – should it be treated and how?
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Excessive sweating – should it be treated and how?
Excessive sweating of the whole body or certain areas of it – this may be a completely natural reaction of the body to heat or stress. But if suddenly high sweating is observed in a cool room and in a calm emotional state, most likely this is already a disease called hyperhidrosis. What is this disease and how to deal with it we will tell in this article.
Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating caused by a functional disorder of the sweating system. It manifests itself throughout the body or in a separate area. This disease can be aggravated by a negative emotional state – stress, excitement, or simply with increased physical exertion.
The disease has several degrees of severity. The first, mildest degree, a person does not recognize as a disease at all, and accordingly does not take any action aimed at treatment. High sweating is attributed to natural causes. Meanwhile, the disease progresses.
Severity of hyperhidrosis
I degree. Sweating is almost imperceptible and does not interfere with normal life.
II degree. It is characterized by increased sweating, which can cause some discomfort. II degree of hyperhidrosis is tolerated relatively easily.
III degree. High sweating causes serious inconvenience.
IV degree. Significantly interferes with a person’s daily life, causes problems in communication, which entails psychological problems, nervousness, anxiety. There may be redness, swelling, pain in the affected areas of the body. A severe form of hyperhidrosis can cause a person to be unfit for work.
Therefore, do not take hyperhidrosis lightly, it is better to make an appointment with a dermatologist in advance and get expert advice. This can prevent serious complications in life. Even if sweating is not perceived as a disease, and even if it is, a consultation with a dermatologist will never be superfluous.
Causes of hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis can be primary or secondary (generalized). The causes of primary hyperhidrosis are the individual characteristics of the organism. This may be a large number of sweat glands or high sensitivity to factors that cause sweating. Often this type of hyperhidrosis is hereditary.
Secondary hyperhidrosis may be due to certain diseases of the endocrine system, chronic infections (eg tuberculosis, malaria) or disorders of the nervous system.
The real cause of excessive sweating can only be determined by a doctor after an examination and additional tests. But whatever the reason, modern methods of treating hyperhidrosis allow you to get rid of this unpleasant disease.
How to get rid of excessive sweating
Deodorant | Antiperspirant |
Protects against sweat odor by attacking odor-causing microorganisms. | Blocks the secretion of sweat by acting on the sweat glands. |
Validity is limited to a few hours. | Valid during the day |
Used anywhere on the body | Used in the underarm area. |
Can be used multiple times throughout the day | Used once a day. Recommended to use in the evening. |
Not a drug – only a care product. | Can be used as a drug providing a therapeutic effect of one to several days. |
However, although an antiperspirant can be regarded as a drug for hyperhidrosis, its effectiveness will be sufficient only at the first degree of severity of the disease. More severe cases may require other treatments.
Intradermal injections of botulinum toxin
This is an effective and popular method for the treatment of local hyperhidrosis without significant adverse reactions, in the absence of an effect on external therapy. The effect of the procedure is based on the long-term gentle blocking of nerve impulses to the sweat glands by botulinum toxin, which reduces sweating to a minimum.
Indications for the procedure are axillary, palmar, plantar hyperhidrosis, as well as excessive sweating in the face, lower back, buttocks, inguinal folds, etc.
Contraindications to the procedure can be:
Absolute
- Myasthenia gravis, myasthenic syndromes
- Local inflammation
- Acute phase of infectious diseases
- Pregnancy/breastfeeding
- Hemophilia
- Hypersensitivity to components of the formulation
- Under 18
Relative
- History of neurological diseases
- Chronic diseases in the acute stage
- Taking antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants
- Period of menstruation
Surgical treatment
In case of failure of conservative therapy in patients with axillary (axillary) hyperhidrosis, surgical removal of sweat glands is performed by open excision or closed subcutaneous curettage (liposuction).