Sweating on the head

introduction

Sweating is a natural reaction of the body - especially when you exercise or in summer when it is particularly hot. The body and head need to be cooled and for that you sweat. Furthermore, people sweat differently - some more and some less. A lot of sweating (hyperhidrosis) without special exertion, especially on the head, can be stressful in everyday life. Usually hyperhidrosis shows up in childhood or adolescence. Primary or idiopathic (hyperhidrosis without a cause) can be differentiated from secondary hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by or accompanies a change in the body.

root cause

The body has to maintain a constant temperature, which in healthy people is between 36 and 37 degrees Celsius, for example ours Enzymes can work properly. Man drives Sports, it uses more energy. If he eats, they will carbohydrates, Egg whites and fats are burned, which leads to heat production, especially when eating spicy foods. Also in the summer heat the body gets heated up, which leads to sweating.

excitement, fear and stress can also lead to increased sweating head lead, as this stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and is responsible for sweating, among other things. In order for the body to function despite these circumstances, it needs to get rid of the excess heat. Almost everywhere in the skin there are sweat glands, also on the head and especially on the forehead. When the body sweats, a salty liquid is secreted, which then evaporates on the surface of the skin and thus cools the body. The sweating is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, especially the Sympathetic. The annoy of the sympathetic nervous system give the sweat glands the impulse to sweat more or less.

Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) on the head can have various causes. One distinguishes the primary of the secondary hyperhidrosis. Primary hyperhidrosis is also known as idiopathic hyperhidrosis - that is with no known cause - and often exists from birth.

The secondary hyperhidrosis is usually one physical or even pathological change underlying. For example, another underlying disease can cause sweating on the head. Play it unhealthy diet (fatty food) or too much alcohol and nicotine a role. Excessive sweating on the head can also cause it Hormonal changeslike them in the Menopause occurs, are caused. Furthermore, a Hyperthyroidism cause increased head sweating. In rare cases, increased head sweating may occur Indication of cancer be.

Sweating in sleep

Sweating in sleep or at night is also called Night sweats designated. Here, too, there are various causes, which can be harmless but also serious in nature. For example, you may experience excessive sweating head a normal one cold To be guilty or one of them Hormonal changes during menopause. Also mental problems and stress can cause head sweating at night. At the Diabetes mellitus sweating during sleep can also occur during hypoglycaemia. Can also be a high ambient temperature be to blame for night sweats on the head. Rare are diseases like cancer, chronic infectious diseases (AIDS, tuberculosis) or neurological diseases (Apoplexy) responsible for night sweats on the head. If the night sweats suddenly appear and persist over a long period of time, a doctor should be consulted to clarify the cause.

Menopausal sweating

In the Menopause (climacteric) it comes to a natural Hormonal changes in the woman's body. By a falling levels of estrogen in the blood some functions are mixed up. So is often the production of sweat. As a result, women feel Hot flashes and Sweatswhich often occur suddenly, mostly with Sweating on the head, in the face, On neck and in the chest area can begin and then spread all over the body. But they can also only occur in the head area. This is a temporary phenomenon. In order to alleviate the symptoms or to reduce sweating on the head, certain herbal remedies or hormone therapies can be discussed with a doctor.

Excessive sweating of the head and upper body

Humans have two different types of sweat glands. The so-called "eccrine sweat glands" are much more common, have existed since birth and are important for the body's thermoregulation. The "apocrine sweat glands" or "scent glands", on the other hand, do not develop until puberty, are much rarer and react to influences from the sympathetic nervous system. While the eccrine sweat glands are distributed over the whole body, the scent glands accumulate in certain body regions. On the head and upper body, these are mainly the forehead, armpits and the area around the navel.

Hyperhidrosis can occur idiopathically as well as secondary to a hormonal or functional disorder. It is divided into three different degrees: mild hyperhidrosis, moderate hyperhidrosis and severe hyperhidrosis.
The so-called "gustatory sweating" or Frey syndrome, in which the head and neck sweat more due to taste stimuli, must be distinguished from this. Excessive sweating should definitely be clarified by a doctor, as various diseases can be behind sweating.

When does sweating on the head become pathological?

Increased head sweating is rather seldom and affects only about 10% of hyperhidrosis. Of the first degree, so the "slight hyperhidrosis" is defined as one increased skin moisture. In addition, this criterion must in quiet situations and at room temperature, i.e. not occurring during exercise or in the heat and occurring at least once a week at the same time. The transition between physiological and pathological sweating is fluid, which is why, in borderline cases, a medical clarification should still be carried out.

Sweating on the throat

Increased sweating on the head and neck can again be primarily a disposition. You should also go to the gustatory hyperhidrosis - also Frey Syndrome called - think when increased sweating in the head and neck area is triggered by food intake or stimuli such as chewing, biting, tasting or sucking candy.

It usually comes to that after an operationthat are close to the salivary glands or that responsible for taste annoy (Facial nerve) was carried out.

Also one Inflammation of the nerve, of the Parotid gland (Parotid gland) as well as the Submaxillary gland (Submandibular gland) can result in Frey syndrome. This leads to malformations of the nerves, which then no longer exclusively affect the Salivary glands end, but also on sweat glands, which are then stimulated by acetylcholine in the case of taste, chewing movements, etc. and trigger sweating on the head and neck.

In some cases, this syndrome can be triggered by trauma after birth. Of course, it is also quite normal that you start to sweat on your head and neck with hot or spicy food without an underlying illness. Sudden sweats on the head and neck often occur during the menopause as well, caused by a change in hormones - especially the estrogen concentration in the blood - to be triggered.

Head sweating in toddlers and babies

With the baby it is Temperature regulation in the body not yet well developed and it dissipates excess heat mainly through the head. Through the lack of heat balance control the baby also sweats a lot. It should therefore always be ensured that the baby is not dressed too warmly and does not sweat too much on the head. Even if the baby begins to sweat on the head while breastfeeding, this is not a cause for alarm. Sucking is an effort for the baby, which in turn generates heat in the body that is dissipated through the head.

Care should be taken to support the baby while breastfeeding or in general no hats in the apartment so that the heat can be dissipated well. Even while sleeping, the baby should not too much clothing wear.

Even with small children, excessive head sweating - or what is perceived as excessive - does not mean anything bad at first. Toddlers sweat different degrees and at different speeds. Again, of course, it's about the excess heat, for example while running around and playing is produced to eliminate. It also comes during sleep through intense dreams often causing sweating on the head and body.

Head sweating in toddlers can problematic be if it starts to sweat quickly and heavily during smaller activities and for example Shortness of breath added. A pediatrician should do this Lung disease or an innate one Heart defect exclude. Also should with a lot Sweat to a Metabolic disease such as a Hyperthyroidism be thought.

Is it a sign of teething in the baby?

Teething occurs no earlier than the 4th month, but on average from the 6th month. Increased head sweating is not a direct symptom when teething, however, can be a Note because babies regulate their body temperature mainly through the scalp. Teething can also often lead to a fever. The increased exertion and stress caused by teething can also lead to an increased body temperature and thus to sweating. In principle, however, when teething should be based on more classic signs, such as increased drooling, reddened gums and Restlessness be respected.

Is it a sign of a heart defect in a baby?

Increased head sweating in babies can be a Note a congenital heart defect and should therefore be monitored and clarified by a doctor. Other symptoms are one Blue discoloration of the mucous membranes, Fingers and toes, as well as a Poor drinking, Vomit, Shortness of breath and a poor growth.
However, if only increased sweating occurs, other causes, such as too much clothing or vigorous activity on the part of the baby, should first be considered. Since the heat regulation in babies and toddlers is not yet very well developed, Babies sweat differentlywhy a appropriate clothing is of great importance.

therapy

Above all, you should consult a doctor if you suddenly experience increased sweats on your head. The cause is often a previous illness that needs to be treated. With the treatment of the disease, the sweating on the head usually disappears.

For example, is it a Hyperthyroidism (Hyperthyroidism), become Medication which block thyroid hormone production and thus curb excessive sweat production.

Should the increased sweating in the Menopause caused by natural hormonal changes herbal remedies can be used. These include, for example Black cohosh, in the form of tablets, or also Red clover, soy (for example soy yogurt), Lady's mantle or sage. These can help reduce head and body sweating and hot flashes during menopause.

Also can Alternating baths be able to stifle the sweats. With a doctor you can Hormone replacement therapies be discussed. However, side effects such as Breast cancer, Cardiovascular disease or Thrombosis considered and discussed.

Furthermore, the Refraining from alcohol, tobacco, tea or coffee help reduce sweating. Obesity can cause hyperhidrosis. A Weight reduction can thus help to reduce sweating on the head.

The cause of head sweating is one primary hyperhidrosis, one can use the face, scalp and neck with Antiperspirantscontaining aluminum chloride (20%). Care should be taken that the agent does not get into the eyes or swallowed. When treating the face, care should be taken to apply additional care or Antiperspirants to buy that contain such care products. When using the product, it should be applied to the scalp in parting so that it is well distributed.

Furthermore is a surgery possible that as Endoscopic thoracic sympathetic block (ETS) referred to as. Here the sympathetic nerve, which is responsible for sweating in the face, is blocked or cut. The chances of success are 90%. Since this requires general anesthesia, this operation involves typical risks and should be discussed with the doctor.

Can also be a Botox treatment on the face help reduce sweating. However, this treatment should only be carried out by an experienced doctor, as this can quickly lead to unwanted muscle paralysis.

How can I prevent head sweating?

At a secondary hyperhidrosis especially should the Cause fights become. In most cases this means a adequate adjustment of hormones.
However, if the sweating occurs idiopathically, i.e. for unknown reasons, one can Change of diet help. Frequent small meals instead of infrequent large meals, as well as a healthy eating and above all the Renouncing Luxury ingredients, like nicotine, alcohol and coffee. A Weight reduction can also help, as obesity leads to increased sweating.
Alternating baths (cold and warm) as well as that Avoiding stressful situations and tension can also produce positive effects.

In addition to the conservative methods, there are also some more radical therapies such as the application of Ointments with aluminum salts, Astringents (Tannins), Antihydral, Urotropin, Glycopyrronium bromide or AHC20. Both of these procedures close more or less that Exit of the sweat gland and thus prevent the secretion. Other options include taking medication and herbal medicinal products such as sage. In the case of very severe hyperhidrosis, treatment with botulinum toxin (Botox) in question.

What tablets and means are there?

A drug treatment of hyperhidrosis can be done among other things Anticholinergics, Psychotropic drugs or Beta blockers respectively. The signal transmission to the eccrine sweat glands takes place via the messenger substance "acetylcholine".

At this point the so-called Anticholinergicssuch as methanthelinium bromide, bornaprine hydrochloride or atropine. Accordingly, these drugs are particularly effective in increased sweating due to eccrine glands.
Against Sweating through scent glands on the other hand help above all Psychotropic drugswhich, however, should only be prescribed by a psychiatrist because of the many side effects. These drugs suppress emotional stressful situations and thereby reduce the activation of the glands by adrenaline.

Antihypertensive agents such as beta blockers can also have positive effects in individual cases. However, since there is little scientific evidence on this, these are rarely prescribed for sweating.
Another option is taking herbal medicinal products, such as sage or valerian.
At this point, however, it should be mentioned that there are only studies for the anticholinergics that confirm the clear effect, which is why only these drugs are regularly prescribed for hyperhidrosis.

Homeopathy and Globulis

Homeopathy is in principle possible with hyperhidrosis. There are several individual reports of successful globule treatment. In this case, however, a homeopath or alternative practitioner should be consulted, as the choice of globulis can vary greatly depending on the patient's anamnesis and diagnosis and there is a huge selection of different ingredients and concentrations. A experienced homeopath so is the Prerequisite for a possibly successful treatment.

Is there a shampoo for head sweating?

There are some suppliers whose shampoos are supposed to reduce increased sweating on the head, but opinions are divided regarding the effects and side effects. Provide an alternative to chemical sweating shampoos Care products containing sage. Sage can reduce sweat production with both oral ingestion and topical application. Another important aspect is that frequent hair washing can lead to increased perspiration and therefore care should be taken in any case, despite increased sweating not washing hair too often.

How effective is botox against sweating?

An injection of botulinoma toxin A is one invasive measure for hyperhidrosis. Botox prevents the transmission of signals from acetylcholine to the sweat gland, which is why there is no secretion. With this procedure, the injection needle must be inserted as often as possible in order to switch off as many sweat glands as possible. The full effect occurs mostly after two weeks at the latest on and lasts for several months. Then the Treatment repeated become. The procedure is very effective because botulinum toxin is a very potent and toxic substance. That is why the poison is only injected into the top layer of the skin to avoid paralysis or intoxication.

Acupuncture against sweating on the head

Acupuncture is a method from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been used for centuries. Treatment is also possible for hyperhidrosis. Acupuncture can be very helpful, especially when conventional methods are ineffective. Unfortunately, this treatment works not covered by the health insuranceas there is no solid evidence of its effect on hyperhidrosis. The testimonials of individual patients differ in the results. If acupuncture is being considered, then, as with homeopathy, one is the best option experienced TCM therapist or physician to visit, as the This increases the chances of success tremendously.

Sweating on the head during exercise

When exercising, the muscles are more stressed and convert carbohydrates and fats into energy and exercise. However, this also generates heat, which the body gives back to the environment via various systems. The most important system is sweating. Therefore, it is completely normal during sporting activity to sweat more often and has absolutely no disease value. The different people sweat differently during exercise depends on the number and activity of your sweat glands, as well as your level of training. Only increased sweating at rest can have a pathological background.

Head sweating while eating

The effect of eating is similar to that of exercising. Ingesting food represents a certain amount of effort for people, as the carbohydrates, proteins and fats that are consumed have to be absorbed, processed, broken down and stored. In addition to the conversion of energy, heat is also released. This is particularly pronounced, if added more protein as they consume most of the energy in digestion.

Head sweating from vitamin D deficiency

If you sweat too much, especially on your head, you should definitely consider a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is responsible for the mineral and fluid balance in the body, among other things. It ensures that electrolytes and minerals are built into bones and muscles. If there is a defect, it often occurs Poor concentration and muscle weakness. The latter has the effect that there is a greater exertion when moving and thus to increased sweating comes. There is also one increased production of sebumwhich is deposited over the pores of the hair cells and causes increased sweat production.