What Causes Excessive Sweating?

Excessive sweating, called hyperhidrosis, affects about 3% of adults. While sweating is normal and helps cool your body, some people sweat much more than needed. Understanding what causes excessive sweating can help you find the right treatment.

Two Types of Excessive Sweating

There are two main types of hyperhidrosis. Primary hyperhidrosis happens without an underlying cause and usually affects specific areas like the hands, feet, underarms, and face. It often runs in families and starts during childhood or teen years.

Secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by a medical condition or medication. This type typically causes sweating all over the body and usually starts in adulthood.

Causes of Primary Hyperhidrosis

Doctors believe primary hyperhidrosis comes from overactive sweat glands. The nerves that signal sweating become too active, even when your body doesn't need cooling. Stress, anxiety, heat, and certain foods can trigger sweating episodes.

Medical Conditions That Cause Sweating

Several health conditions can cause excessive sweating, including diabetes, thyroid problems, menopause, infections, and heart disease. Some cancers, like lymphoma, can also cause night sweats. Certain medications, including antidepressants and diabetes drugs, may trigger sweating as a side effect.

How to Stop Excessive Sweating

Treatment depends on the type and severity of your sweating. For mild cases, clinical-strength antiperspirants with aluminum chloride can help. Apply these at night when sweat glands are less active.

For more severe cases, doctors may recommend prescription antiperspirants, Botox injections, iontophoresis (a treatment using mild electrical current), or oral medications. Learning how to stop excessive sweating on face areas often involves prescription topical treatments.

When to See a Doctor

See your doctor if sweating disrupts your daily life, causes skin problems, or starts suddenly. Night sweats or sweating with weight loss, fever, or chest pain need prompt medical attention to rule out serious conditions.