Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Facial Hyperhidrosis?

Allison Boelcke
Allison Boelcke

Facial hyperhidrosis, also known as craniofacial hyperhidrosis, is excessive sweating of the face and scalp. It is the least common form of hyperhidrosis, which more often occurs in the hands, feet, and armpits. Facial hyperhidrosis is localized sweating of the face that occurs frequently without explanation. It usually happens at least once a week and can disrupt an individual’s normal activities.

There are two types of facial hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary. Primary hyperhidrosis is caused by emotional stimuli, such as stress or anxiety, and is thought to be genetic. Secondary hyperhidrosis is sweating as a side effect of other medical conditions, such as infections, neurological disorders, or overactive thyroid. It can also be a reaction to medication.

Facial hyperhidrosis may occur as a result of stress.
Facial hyperhidrosis may occur as a result of stress.

Sweating is the body’s way of regulating its temperature. When the temperature increases, the automatic nervous system sends a signal to the sweat glands to release sweat, a combination of mostly water and salt. Sweat is intended to cool off the skin’s surface; however, hyperhidrosis occurs when the sweat glands are stimulated even when the body’s temperature is normal.

Facial hyperhidrosis may occur as a result of an overactive thyroid.
Facial hyperhidrosis may occur as a result of an overactive thyroid.

The sweat gland system is comprised of eccrine and apocrine glands. Eccrine glands are located all over the body and release sweat directly onto the skin’s surface, while apocrine glands are located near areas with hair follicles, such as the face, armpits, and groin. Facial hyperhidrosis occurs when the apocrine glands are stimulated and release excessive amounts of sweat.

Facial hyperhidrosis may be a side effect of certain medications.
Facial hyperhidrosis may be a side effect of certain medications.

Facial hyperhidrosis can potentially cause physical and emotional complications. It can contribute to bacterial infections of the hairline caused by clogged hair follicles. If sweat glands become clogged, they are more susceptible to heat rash in humid weather.

Hyperhidrosis often interferes with an individual’s lifestyle. It can cause embarrassment or anxiety in social environments. Excessive facial sweating can prevent women from wearing makeup because it smears off due to the moisture. If untreated, it can even lead to depression.

Women suffering from facial hyperhidrosis may be unable to wear makeup.
Women suffering from facial hyperhidrosis may be unable to wear makeup.

The condition is typically diagnosed with a thermoregulatory sweat test. A doctor applies a yellow-green powder to the skin’s surface in a normal temperature room. If the powder is exposed to sweat, it will turn purple to indicate abnormal sweating. A doctor may also perform a medical examination and blood tests to determine if the cause is due to another medical condition.

Botox injections may help treat facial hyperhidrosis.
Botox injections may help treat facial hyperhidrosis.

Facial sweating caused by an underlying medical condition will generally subside when the other condition is treated. Sweating caused by anxiety or other emotional stimuli can be treated with anticholinergic medication that blocks the sweat gland stimulator, acetylcholine. Anticholinergic medications will usually affect the entire body and not just the face, and may cause side effects like dizziness, dry mouth, or constipation.

People suffering with facial hyperhidrosis may experience embarrassment and anxiety in social situations.
People suffering with facial hyperhidrosis may experience embarrassment and anxiety in social situations.

If facial sweating occurs in localized areas of the face, it can be treated with botulinum toxin injections. Botulinum toxin, or Botox, is a neuromuscular blocking agent that can prevent sweat gland stimulation in small areas of the face. Injections are not usually used if the sweating occurs all over the face and scalp. In cases of severe facial hyperhidrosis, sympathectomy surgery may be performed. Sympathectomy involves cutting the nerves of the sweating area to block sweat glands.

Discussion Comments

Animandel

I have considered having the Botox injections. I know people who have had them. Anxiety is a problem for me and when I am in an uncomfortable situation I begin to sweat. The first sign is one cold drop of sweat rolling down my side. Then before long I have the sweat rings on my blouse, and I have to keep my arms pinned to my sides, so the wet spots don't show.

Laotionne

I have read about people having Botox injections to stop them from perspiring under their arms. This sounds dangerous and unnecessary to me. We all perspire under our arms. That's why we have deodorant.

Feryll

I sweat more than the average person when I do physical work and when I play sports. I simply get hot and my body starts sweating overtime. This isn't really a problem. After all that's what the entire sweating process is all about--keeping your body safe and cool, and no one really thinks much of all the sweating when I am on the basketball court or the baseball diamond.

However, sometimes I start sweating in situations when I am not physically active, and like the article says, this can be embarrassing. Once I was in typing class and the sweat starting popping out on my forehead. The more I wiped at it, and the more I worried that I was sweating too much, the more I sweated.

This hasn't happened often, but like I said, when it does happen I get very self conscious and that seems to make the sweating even worse. I don't know whether what I have is considered hyperhydrosis, but I'd say it's not normal or average.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Facial hyperhidrosis may occur as a result of stress.
      By: eunikas
      Facial hyperhidrosis may occur as a result of stress.
    • Facial hyperhidrosis may occur as a result of an overactive thyroid.
      By: CLIPAREA.com
      Facial hyperhidrosis may occur as a result of an overactive thyroid.
    • Facial hyperhidrosis may be a side effect of certain medications.
      By: klaikungwon
      Facial hyperhidrosis may be a side effect of certain medications.
    • Women suffering from facial hyperhidrosis may be unable to wear makeup.
      By: Leonid & Anna Dedukh
      Women suffering from facial hyperhidrosis may be unable to wear makeup.
    • Botox injections may help treat facial hyperhidrosis.
      By: Subbotina Anna
      Botox injections may help treat facial hyperhidrosis.
    • People suffering with facial hyperhidrosis may experience embarrassment and anxiety in social situations.
      By: Riccardo Piccinini
      People suffering with facial hyperhidrosis may experience embarrassment and anxiety in social situations.
    • Excessive sweating of the face and scalp is referred to as facial hyperhidrosis.
      By: Rido
      Excessive sweating of the face and scalp is referred to as facial hyperhidrosis.
    • Sweating is the body's way of regulating its temperature.
      By: camrocker
      Sweating is the body's way of regulating its temperature.