An embarrassing condition, having an excessively sweaty face can be downright inconvenient. Depending on where you are at the time of the outbreak, a sweaty face can lead to misconceptions and discomfort. Many sufferers don’t realize that this is a medical condition and there may be an effective treatment available for them.
Sweating is a normal reaction of the body to heat and helps to lubricate and cool areas that retain more heat (such as under arms and between legs). It also occurs during exercise as a way to cool the body. Excessive sweating or sweating when these conditions are not present may be the cause of medical conditions such as nerve disorders.
Frequent and unexplained incidents of sweaty face are caused by a medical condition called hyperhidrosis. Often the sweating occurs simultaneously or spreads to the neck and scalp, causing the hair to appear dirty or greasy. Sufferers complain of an inability to dry their hair thoroughly and often suffer from severe blushing as well.
Imagine the lack of control that would be felt if your face began to sweat suddenly in a social situation. Often sweating is associated with being nervous or deceitful. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may not be able to explain their sweaty face and so risk alienating people or experiencing misconceptions. Some sufferers even develop social disorders due to their condition, refusing to leave their homes. It is a serious problem for many people.
Sometimes sweating can be triggered by emotional situations like stress, embarrassment or fear. These may cause your hyperhidrosis to flare up, but it can also happen in random circumstances. Being even slightly hot can cause excessive sweating, as can light exercising. Keeping your temperature low may help to control the condition, but doesn’t necessarily make you comfortable in other ways.
Females who have frequent occurrences of hyperhidrosis have a difficult time with their makeup and hair products. Often the female will stop wearing cosmetics, as the application can wear off instantly with her sweaty face. Water resistant makeup is not usually effective due to the fact that the moisture comes from under the skin and pushes the makeup off. Sweating causes the pores on your face to dilate, which will break up creams and foundations, causing them to run.
Excessive facial or body sweating can also be a side effect of your medication. Drugs such as corticosteroids have been known to cause hyperhidrosis. Ask your doctor about any side effects of the prescription drugs you are on.
If you have a sweaty face on only one side or it becomes excessively sweaty before or after eating, you may be suffering from Frey’s Syndrome. This is a nerve syndrome that occurs when a person sees or eats a food that produces a lot of saliva, such as a lemon. It is often associated with parotid gland surgery as a potential side effect of the treatment.
It is claimed that hyperhidrosis is genetic and can’t be eliminated, only controlled. There are some prescription medications that will help with the condition hyperhidrosis. Robinul is often given as a treatment. Sometimes treatments such as Prozac or hypnosis will also alleviate the condition, but not in a widespread way. Herbal remedies such as zinc supplements or sage tea are untried and not as popular. Other alternative medicine treatments include hyperhidrosis acupuncture, which is reported to be quite effective.
A socially limiting situation, experiencing unexplained occurrences of sweaty face may have you frustrated. See a dermatologist for a recommendation of treatment. But also don’t be afraid to explain your medical condition to those around you. Educate them on the facts of hyperhidrosis and you will feel less conspicuous and uncomfortable.
