Stress and fear. Sweaty like a mouse

Our body constantly produces heat, it is associated with metabolic processes. When, for example, as a result of exercise or heat, its temperature rises significantly, the body tries to protect itself against overheating. The blood vessels dilate, allowing more blood to reach below the surface of the skin, where it cools. If this is not enough, we start to sweat, by evaporating sweat, it takes away heat and the skin and the blood flowing under it. Sweat is secreted by the sweat glands, we have about 2-3 million of them. They are divided into eccrine and apocrine. The former are spread over the entire surface of the skin, although the most of them are found on the feet and hands. They are used for thermoregulation and the excretion of metabolic products. The functioning of the eccrine glands is also influenced by the work of the central nervous system, so in stressful situations, when we are overcome or afraid, our palms sweat. In turn, the apocrine glands are located in the armpits, in the groin and on the scalp. They are not involved in thermoregulation. They begin to be active in adolescence. When the hormones rage in young people, the sensitivity of the nervous system responsible for sweat secretion increases.

It is assumed that the human body produces on average about 800 ml of sweat per day, although on hot days it can produce up to several liters. When the sweat glands produce too much of it – above average, we are dealing with excessive sweating. It is not entirely clear why some people sweat less and others more intensely. There can be many causes of excessive sweating. Professor Wojciech Baran from the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology of the Medical University in Wrocław explains: – We distinguish primary and secondary hyperhidrosis. The former has no apparent cause, the latter may be related to some systemic problem. The most common are endocrine diseases, e.g. hyperthyroidism, cancer (especially lymphomas), infectious diseases (tuberculosis), arterial hypertension, neurological diseases, such as damage to the nerve plexus. Secondary hyperhidrosis may be associated with taking medications, incl. cholinergic drugs. But it can also be caused by an excess of alcohol, caffeine, nicotine or even some types of tea. Excessive sweating can also be a sign of menopause in women or andropause in men. It can be caused by obesity or stressful situations and strong emotions – fear, emotion, even joy. Stress causes the blood in our body to circulate faster, adrenaline is produced, which translates into an increase in body temperature.

Many people do not treat the problem of hyperhidrosis as a disease, although it can be a serious obstacle in social contacts or work. Because constantly wet hands, feet or armpits are not only troublesome, but also embarrassing. We are afraid to shake hands to greet us, we are afraid to raise our hands up because we are hiding that the clothes under the armpits are wet. This affliction can take away the joy of life and self-esteem. – The problem concerns, according to research by American scientists, 3 percent. population – says professor Wojciech Baran. – Excessive sweating is defined as sweating beyond what is necessary to maintain body temperature. Since there are no clearly defined standards for proper sweating, it is recommended that you visit your doctor if sweating has increased for no apparent reason, or if sweating becomes bothersome and interferes with daily functioning. Professor Baran adds: – Secondary hyperhidrosis disappears after eliminating the cause. The primary form requires symptomatic treatment. In such situations, topical preparations containing aluminum salts, urotropine, methenamine are used. In resistant cases, physical methods can be proposed, such as iontophoresis, surgical procedures to remove sweat glands or injections with botulinum toxin.

The treatment is used in the case of excessive sweating of the feet and hands, it is painless. An electric current is used for this, which damages the sweat glands and thus reduces the secretion of sweat. The parts of the body undergoing therapy are immersed in a vessel filled with water through which direct current flows. The current is increased until the patient experiences a tingling sensation. – Iontophoresis is a good and effective method to reduce excessive sweating of hands and feet. It requires the right equipment, but is available at many beauty salons. However, this treatment should be repeated regularly to maintain the effect – says professor Wojciech Baran.

– The injection of botulinum toxin is an effective method, although it is expensive, because this procedure also needs to be repeated – says the dermatologist. Small amounts of Botox are administered to the places of perspiration, which block the nerve impulses that stimulate the sweat glands to work. Unfortunately, despite the anesthesia, injecting botulinum toxin into the feet and hands is not pleasant. The effect of the first botox injection lasts for 6-8 months. The next ones last longer – from 11 to 12 months. Although it seems short, we get rid of the problem for a while.

Surgical treatment of hyperhidrosis is a more serious matter. – There are many methods of surgical treatment of excessive sweating. These include sympathectomy (endoscopic transthoracic sympathectomy), surgical excision of the skin together with excessively active sweat glands and subcutaneous destruction of sweat glands with liposuction cannulas – says Prof. Wojciech Baran. – Complications after the procedures may include hematomas, skin necrosis, temporary hardening of the subcutaneous tissue or relapses of the disease – the doctor explains. However, these invasive methods are only used in extreme cases.

Sweat is odorless, only when it comes into contact with bacteria present on the skin (especially in the armpits) it acquires a characteristic, unpleasant smell. People with these inclinations should therefore remember about the rules of daily hygiene. Shower should be the basis – at least twice a day. It is good to use antibacterial soaps to help get rid of the smell of sweat. Epilation of the armpits will help. Some doctors recommend herbal baths, especially from sage, oak bark, chamomile, mint. These herbs inhibit the growth of bacteria. You should use 2 – 3 such baths a week for about 20 minutes.

The sweat glands in the armpits do not have access to air like the rest on the body. So sweat doesn’t evaporate as quickly. In order to absorb it and prevent the growth of bacteria that are responsible for the unpleasant smell, you should wear clothes made of natural materials – cotton or linen. The skin will then breathe freely. Clothes should be loose and should be changed frequently. We should choose only cotton socks and change them more often than once a day, if necessary. Antiperspirant preparations are recommended for the feet (there are many of them on the market), you also need to regularly wipe the callous epidermis.

Deodorants prevent the growth of bacteria, thus eliminating the cause of unpleasant odors. However, people who suffer from excessive sweating are advised to use antiperspirants that reduce perspiration. Antiperspirants contain chemicals that react with sweat to form a substance that plugs the orifices of the sweat glands. There is a large selection of this type of preparations in drugstores – they are offered in a spray, stick or ball. They can be lightly perfumed (these usually contain alcohol) or unscented (alcohol-free). The latter are intended for very sensitive skin. Athletes often use antiperspirants, but not all doctors support it – some believe that blocking sweat secretion traps toxins in the body.

Sweating can be intensified by excess alcohol, coffee, nicotine or even some types of tea. Like stress, they increase circulation and thus increase body temperature. If you have a problem with excessive sweating, limit their consumption. Spicy, warming spices (pepper, chili, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric) work in a similar way – avoid them. Change your diet, eat more fruits, vegetables and poultry. Avoid eating onions, leeks or garlic as they enhance the smell of sweat. If eaten in excess, they can make sweat really unbearable. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis should also drink a lot of water, because they lose a lot of water as a result of excessive sweating. You should drink a minimum of 1,5–2 liters of water a day. To balance the electrolyte balance, it is good to drink tomato juice rich in potassium (preferably fresh tomatoes). It is also good to drink infusions of mint, nettle and sage or lemon balm, if excessive sweating is caused by stress. Lemon balm will have a calming effect on us.