Hyperhidrosis is caused by excessive sweating. It is important to find and eliminate the causes, although not all causes are obvious. Even if there is no known trigger, there are various natural treatment options available for hyperhidrosis.
Treating hyperhidrosis
If you are interested in the concrete definition, symptoms, causes and diagnosis of excessive sweating as well as the different forms of hyperhidrosis, please read our article Heavy sweating: causes and diagnosis
Classic treatment of hyperhidrosis
Conventional medical treatment options for hyperhidrosis can be associated with side effects. Therapy usually starts with methods with fewer side effects and is then extended to include other measures if they are unsuccessful.
Conservative treatment options include
- local application of aluminium chloride (e.g. deodorants)
- Tap water iontophoresis
- Injection of botulinum toxin (Botox)
- Surgical procedures (endoscopic sympathectomy or axillary curettage and liposuction, which removes the sweat glands)
- Medications (e.g. anticholinergics) that are mainly used for generalized hyperhidrosis
Deodorants with aluminum against hyperhidrosis
Deodorants containing aluminum are often recommended for hyperhidrosis . These prevent sweating, which is of course a short-term relief for sufferers, but could also be detrimental in the long term.
Sweating is essential for the body, for example to eliminate toxins. If this elimination is prevented, harmful substances could accumulate in the lymph nodes in the armpits (possibly also harmful substances from the deodorants themselves) and lead to illnesses, especially in these areas but also in the rest of the body.
Natural cosmetic products do not contain any harmful substances. However, natural ingredients such as sage oil inhibit sweat production.
* Here you can find a natural coconut-based DEO
Botox as a treatment for hyperhidrosis
If no cause for the hyperhidrosis is found and the symptoms persist despite other treatment methods, those affected can have Botox injected under the affected areas of the skin. This destroys the nerves to the sweat glands and prevents the production of sweat.
Studies show that hyperhidrosis decreases and quality of life improves with treatment. However, there are often mild and rarely serious side effects. Since Botox is a strong neurotoxin, the correct dosage plays an important role.
Pain at the injection site is very commonly reported after treatments. Common symptoms include headaches, tingling and prickling in the body, hot flushes, pain in the arms and legs, bleeding at the injection site and bruising.
According to the manufacturers, occasional side effects include nausea, muscle weakness and joint problems (
However, in the case of hyperhidrosis of the hands, temporary weakness of the hand muscles after Botox treatment is a common side effect – depending on the dosage, it occurs in 45-77% of those affected, as shown by a study from 2001
In rare cases, Botox can also cause serious side effects such as chronic swallowing difficulties, impaired breathing, muscle weakness, nerve damage or death due to incorrect dosage
Iontophoresis against hyperhidrosis
With so-called tap water iontophoresis, hyperhidrosis is reduced with the help of an electrical device without damaging the sweat glands. The device is usually used at home and the therapy is covered by health insurance in most cases.
Iontophoresis involves immersing feet or hands in water and treating them with pulsed direct current. Ask your doctor whether the therapy is suitable for you, as there are also groups of people who should not undergo iontophoresis, for example if they have a pacemaker or metal implants or are pregnant.
One application lasts 10 to 15 minutes and should be used 4 to 5 times a week for the first few weeks. The device does not produce a cure, which means that the therapy must be used permanently. After the first few weeks, the frequency of applications is reduced to 1 to 2 times a week.
Causal treatment of hyperhidrosis
If the cause of hyperhidrosis is known, attempts should be made to remedy it, which is of course not easy in cases of cancer, mental disorders, depression or hormonal disorders, for example. We provide information on possible holistic and naturopathic measures for common and rarer causes of hyperhidrosis:
Lose weight with hyperhidrosis
A significant weight gain or permanent obesity can lead to hyperhidrosis with heavy sweating and outbreaks of sweating even with minimal exertion, but also in warmer temperatures or when eating. Many other symptoms such as shortness of breath, rapid fatigue, depressive moods or joint pain are associated with obesity ( 17 ) ( 1 ).
It is therefore worth losing a few kilos by adopting a healthier lifestyle, which may include a change in diet and regular exercise, or by contacting a nutritionist who can help you. You can find tips for losing weight that you can integrate into your daily routine under the previous link. You can also find a * diet plan for losing weight here .
Reduce alcohol consumption in case of hyperhidrosis
Because the body perceives alcohol as a poison, it tries to excrete it after consumption via the liver, urine and sweat glands. So if you drink a few glasses of wine or beer in the evening, you may sweat more in the hours that follow.
Hyperhidrosis can also occur in people who are addicted to alcohol or drugs. This can happen, for example, if no alcohol has been consumed for a long time and withdrawal symptoms occur.
Liver cirrhosis, which can be caused by long-term alcohol abuse, is also associated with hyperhidrosis in some sufferers. However, liver cirrhosis also causes other symptoms, such as fatigue and reduced performance, weight loss or a feeling of pressure in the upper abdomen (1) ( ).
Many natural methods that can help you to get your addiction under control if you abuse alcohol can be found in the previous link, such as kudzu root, acupuncture or a ketogenic diet. The measures mentioned there make withdrawal and the associated symptoms easier.
Reduce stress in hyperhidrosis
A little stress occasionally does no harm. However, in the case of chronic stress, for example because one is overwhelmed with work, a relationship or family or because of other psychological stresses, frequent, sudden outbreaks of sweating are not uncommon. In addition to hyperhidrosis, stress can also be accompanied by depressive moods, sleep disorders, nervousness or dizziness (1) ( ).
In this case, try to find ways to reduce your stress . For example, you can incorporate relaxation into your daily routine through meditation or yoga, make sure you exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet, or incorporate activities into your daily routine that bring you joy.
A conversation with a psychologist or psychotherapist can often be helpful in developing individual strategies for dealing with stress or in changing the situations that cause stress.
Natural remedies for pregnancy and menopause
Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause can cause increased sweating, among other symptoms (1) (18). Sage has proven to be a natural treatment for hot flashes during menopause. We’ll go into more detail about this in the section on tips for hyperhidrosis below.
A healthy lifestyle and herbal remedies can also help you with other symptoms of menopause and pregnancy . Read more about this in the previous links.
Sweat-inducing teas for fever
Infections associated with fever, such as the flu virus , a cold , or mononucleosis , can lead to increased sweating, which occurs when the fever subsides (1).
Sweating is desirable when you have a cold or flu. It promotes blood flow to the mucous membranes, so that the immune system can work faster and easier. In this situation, people like to drink sweat-inducing teas, such as lime blossom tea or fever tea .
* Here you can find a natural coconut-based DEO
Treating hormonal and metabolic diseases naturally
Some hormones are involved in heat regulation, such as thyroid hormones, insulin from the pancreas and hormones from the pituitary gland. If there are disturbances in these areas, this also affects the heat regulation in our body, which can lead to hyperhidrosis with increased sweating or outbreaks of sweating.
This is the case with thyroid diseases such as hyperthyroidism , Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (1) (18). Holistic measures such as a diet rich in vital nutrients, detoxification, antioxidants or vitamin D can be helpful. Read more about this under the previous links.
Increased sweating can also occur as a concomitant symptom of type 1 or type 2 diabetes . It is often an indication of hypoglycemia.
In men over 40, hyperhidrosis can also be caused by a deficiency of the sex hormone testosterone, which is called hypogonadism.
Treating circulatory disorders and heart disease naturally
Circulatory disorders such as orthostatic hypotension (a sharp drop in blood pressure after standing up) or fainting can be accompanied by sweating.
Hyperhidrosis, or sudden excessive sweating, can also occur in heart diseases such as endocarditis, coronary heart disease, or a heart attack (1) ( ).
For good heart health, it is important, among other things, to follow a healthy lifestyle – that means exercising regularly, eating healthily, slowing down life and integrating relaxation phases into everyday life. Strophanthin or hawthorn can help as natural alternatives to heart medications with many side effects.
Alleviate diseases of the nervous system
Diseases of the nervous system are particularly associated with hyperhidrosis when the autonomic nervous system is involved. This system controls vital body functions such as digestion, circulation, hormone balance and heat regulation.
These diseases include Parkinson’s disease or damage to the sympathetic nerve (part of the autonomic nervous system), e.g. due to surgery, injuries or spinal damage (1) (18).
Treating pain
Pain often activates the sympathetic nerve, which can cause symptoms such as nausea or sweating. This can be the case with colic or diseases associated with joint or muscle pain, such as fibromyalgia (1) ( ).
Pain and the associated hyperhidrosis can be alleviated by a variety of natural remedies – depending on the cause of the pain. These include devil’s claw, willow bark or curcumin, vitamin D , a pain-relieving diet or even mindfulness training . You can find more information about this and the exact dosage of these remedies under the previous links.
Inhibit tumors and cancer
Hyperhidrosis can occur in tumor diseases that affect nerve and hormone functions. These are often benign, but can also develop into a malignant form (1) (18).
Tumor growth can be positively influenced by many natural methods. These include a diet with anti-cancer foods such as cruciferous vegetables , green leafy vegetables or berries, avoiding sugary foods , and taking sufficient vitamin D. Read more about this under the previous links.
Treating depression and anxiety
Anxiety disorders in particular are associated with hyperhidrosis, which is why it is also referred to as fear sweat. If, for example, the giant black spider on the wall or the dizzying height triggers panic, stress hormones are activated, and with them the sympathetic nerve, which can cause outbreaks of sweating and other physical reactions.
Since anxiety often occurs in depression, hyperhidrosis can also occur in depression (1) ( ). A number of natural methods and remedies can help with anxiety , phobias and depression . Read more about this under the previous links.
Check side effects of medications for hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis can also be a side effect of some medications. If you are taking medication, check the package insert to see if hyperhidrosis or increased sweating is mentioned as a side effect.
In particular, active substances that affect the autonomic nervous system, nerve function in the brain, hormone production or the circulatory system can lead to excessive sweating or sweating (1) ( 21 ). These include the following medications:
- Hormone preparations such as thyroid medication, drugs used in cancer therapy or cortisone preparations
- Parasympathomimetics, which are used for glaucoma, muscle weakness or intestinal problems, as well as dry mouth or dementia
- Drugs that act on the central nervous system in the brain, such as antidepressants, strong painkillers (opioids), some Parkinson’s drugs and some neuroleptics used for delusions, hallucinations or states of excitement
- Circulation-promoting agents such as certain calcium antagonists, which are used to treat high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias and coronary heart disease
- Medicines for erectile dysfunction such as prostaglandins or yohimbine
Correcting vitamin D and B12 deficiency in hyperhidrosis
A deficiency in vitamin B12 can manifest itself in fatigue, dizziness, loss of performance, numbness, tingling in the arms or legs, but also in night sweats
A vitamin D deficiency can also contribute to hyperhidrosis. In one study, more than 15% of those affected, most of whom had levels below 15 ng/ml and thus suffered from a severe vitamin D deficiency, reported excessive sweating. Healthy normal values for vitamin D levels are 40 to 50 ng/ml.
In addition, symptoms such as weakness, back pain, hair loss, or numbness in the hands and feet occurred
If you suffer from excessive sweating without being able to find a cause, you could have your vitamin status checked by your GP to be on the safe side. If a deficiency in vitamin B12 and/or vitamin D is found , it may be necessary not only to correct the deficiency, but also to take these vitamins regularly afterwards to prevent a new deficiency from occurring.
Treating food intolerances
Observations by the Institute for Food Intolerances in Hamburg show that hyperhidrosis can also be triggered by foods that are not tolerated
Histamine intolerance, for example, can cause sweating and hot flashes (but also chills). Hereditary fructose intolerance also carries the risk of sudden sweating, confusion or seizures caused by intolerant foods (juices, fruits, sweets) ( 6 ).
If you notice other symptoms after eating certain foods, such as digestive problems, or if you suspect that certain foods are not good for you, try leaving them out for a few weeks and see if your condition changes, or have your family doctor or alternative practitioner test you for intolerances.
