Excessive sweating on the face: what it could be (and what to do)

Excessive production of sweat on the face, which is called craniofacial hyperhidrosis, can occur due to the use of medications, stress, excessive heat or even be a consequence of some diseases, such as diabetes and hormonal changes, for example.

In this situation, the sweat glands become more activated, leading to excessive sweat production on the face, scalp, neck and chest, which can be quite uncomfortable and have a negative effect on self-esteem due to the visibility of the region.

The production of sweat is natural and corresponds to the body’s attempt to balance body temperature through the release of liquids. However, in some situations, sweat production occurs excessively and without the person being in a very hot environment or having practiced physical activity, for example. Therefore, in case of excessive production of sweat on the face, it is important to go to the general practitioner or dermatologist so that the cause of hyperhidrosis can be identified and treatment can be started with the aim of improving the person’s self-esteem and quality of life. .

Main causes of excessive sweating on the face

Excessive sweating on the face can be quite uncomfortable and can even cause embarrassment and, in some cases, depression. Excessive sweating on the face can happen to anyone, but it is more common in people between 30 and 50 years old, and the main causes of primary facial hyperhidrosis are:

• Excessive heat;
• Practice of physical activities;
• Genetic changes;
• Use of some medications;
• Use of facial products that clog pores, resulting in hyperactivation of the sweat gland due to increased skin temperature;
• Spicy foods, such as pepper and ginger, for example;
• Stress;
• Anxiety.

Furthermore, facial hyperhidrosis can occur as a consequence of some disease, being called secondary hyperhidrosis. The main causes of secondary hyperhidrosis are diabetes, thyroid and cardiovascular problems, hormonal changes and decreased blood sugar levels, for example, and it is important to go to the doctor so that the cause can be identified and appropriate treatment can be started.

How the treatment is carried out

If facial hyperhidrosis occurs as a consequence of some other disease, treatment is aimed at the disease, making it possible to reduce symptoms and treat hyperhidrosis. However, it may also be recommended to use face creams containing Aluminum Chloride, for example, which is capable of reducing the amount of sweat on the face, and should be used as instructed by the dermatologist.

In the case of primary hyperhidrosis, the doctor may recommend the regular application of botox to regulate the production and release of sweat. Botox treatment usually lasts between 6 and 8 months and must be carried out by a specialized professional, as it is a delicate area. See what botox is and when it can be used.

In some cases, the doctor may also recommend the use of antiperspirant medications or cholinergic medications, which are those that have the ability to stop sweat gland activity, however this type of treatment is not yet scientifically proven.

It is also important that people who have excessive sweating on their face wear comfortable clothes, avoid using a lot of makeup or creams and have a balanced diet that is low in spicy foods and iodine, as they are capable of stimulating the sweat glands. Find out which foods rich in iodine should be avoided.