Why do some people sweat excessively in their armpits?
Excessive sweating in the armpits, a condition known as hyperhidrosis, can be attributed to several factors and types of hyperhidrosis. Here are the key points:
Primary Hyperhidrosis
This is the most common type and is often referred to as focal or essential hyperhidrosis. It causes excessive sweating in specific areas, including the armpits, palms, face, and feet, without any identifiable medical cause. Primary hyperhidrosis is thought to result from a minor malfunction in the sympathetic nervous system, which regulates sweat gland activity. This condition often runs in families and can be triggered by emotional states such as anxiety or stress245.
Secondary Hyperhidrosis
This type of hyperhidrosis is generalized and can be caused by various medical conditions, medications, or other factors. While it typically affects larger areas of the body, it can also include excessive sweating in the armpits. Medical conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, certain infections, or central nervous system diseases can lead to secondary hyperhidrosis25.
Triggers and Contributing Factors
- Medications: Certain medications can cause excessive sweating as a side effect124.
- Clothing: Wearing tight or snug clothing can exacerbate sweating in the armpits3.
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking and consuming caffeine can increase body temperature and heart rate, leading to more sweating3.
- Emotional States: Anxiety, stress, and other emotional states can trigger excessive sweating in people with hyperhidrosis25.
Treatment Options
For those experiencing excessive armpit sweating, treatments can include prescription-strength antiperspirants, medications to reduce sweat gland activity, and in some cases, medical procedures like Botox injections to block nerve signals to the sweat glands134.
In summary, excessive sweating in the armpits is often due to primary hyperhidrosis, which involves an overactive sympathetic nervous system, but can also be caused by secondary hyperhidrosis resulting from medical conditions or medications.