Excessive head and face sweating

I thought I was a freak and only person that suffered from this condition until about a year ago I saw on tv where a girl in the uk had hyperhydrosis and she used the ion mask for her head and face which I think she used initially about 4 times a week then down to once a week after a few months. She said it changed her life.  I spoke to a dermatologist who said I could make one or get someone who was handy to make on for me and there are instructions on the internet how to make and what it does.  They are very expensive to buy.  I went to gp today and he has referred me to a neurologist however may try and get oxybutyin and try that in the meantime as I live in Aus and summer will be here in no time and that is when it really gets bad and going to Bali in a few weeks and as I used to live there I know what I a in for sitting with a cold towel on my face and head most of the time looking lie a wreck.  Has anyone been to a naturopath?  I wonder if they could offer any help or suggestions.  It has come with a little relief that there are so many of us suffering from this horrible thing, but feel bad complaining as it could be worse.  

I feel like I wrote this myself.  I feel your pain. I too have hypothyroidism (controlled) and was just diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis .  I've been told by 3 Drs to go on Estrogen which I can't take because I have fibercystic breast and was told by oncologist not to take estrogen.  I'm desperate also I understand there is a surgery you can get but not sure I want to go to that extent but if can't find anything else will probably consider it. 

Have you gotten any good suggestions?

Hi Everybody, I just wanted to mention that I read that Vitamin D deficiency causes excessive head sweating. Chronic Vit D deficiency is common among hypothyroids. Check your Vit D levels ladies!!

Hi Gill

This was like reading everything I had to say! ...right down to the thyroid, arthritis, and fibromyalgia ..lost my thyroid to cancer, have had juvenile rheumatoid arthritis for 54 years, and plain ole aggravating fibro.

I hate this dripping business! Feet just fine, underarms just fine, but my head turns on like a garden hose! I keep both my central air conditioning and my furnace at 69F. I run the AC in the car in the middle of winter 7,000 feet up when the Rocky Mountains are at -20F

I need help...once it starts it drips for an hour or more.

kind regards

judith

Hi Gill

I really feel your pain. I have suffered all my life from excessive sweating (particularly my hands) but the one saving grace, up until about 20 years ago, was that my head and face were bone dry - even in intense heat. At least other areas are a bit easier to hide! I've been a yoyo dieter all my life but, no matter how high or low my weight, it has made little difference to the heavy perspiration.

What stood out to me in your post is that you mentioned fibromyalgia. I too have been diagnosed with this, and it's since I've had it that the facial sweating has started! None of the several doctors I've seen about this condition has ever mentioned that it causes excessive sweating, so I did my own research and, bingo - it's a commonly-reported side effect of fibromyalgia.

OK, I know it doesn't help either of us with our embarrassing problem, at least it might explain your symptoms.

Hi Gill

I have had exactly the same problem all my life. I am now 53. I also have fibromyalgia.  2 years ago I heard about OXYBUTYNIN, the one I prefer is actually called DITROPAN This has totally transformed my life. PLEASE ask your gp to presctibe it, it is miaculous! I take one 2.5mg tabletevery morning BEFORE I even get out of bed and then 1 -3 more through the day. NO SWEATS AT ALL anymore! I have even holidayed in Turkey in July and all was fine - I did double the dose though. This drug is usually used for bladder control problems, not for sweating, BUT IT WORKS BRILLIANTLY. There are NO known side effects, except a dry mouth, but I always drink plenty of water anyway, even that is less of a problem now my body is used to it! 

I CANNOT RECOMMEND THIS HIGHLY ENOUGH

My surgery did try a cheaper generic brand once, but for some reason it didn't work as well, so do ask for the one above - Ditropan.

I am sure it will help you as it did me and many others on here

Hi. I have the same troubles as you. Have you tried DRYSOL ? It is a prescription liquid that is a super strong antiperspirant. I apply to my face all-over and my neck and also it can be used on scalp. I use it around my hairline. So now that I'm using regularly,i use it now just once a week for maintenance. It can be sensitive on the skin, so patch test a spot. It is amazing. I actually have been wearing makeup and it's so nice to be able to smile at someone and not wonder what they are thinkinging of me. I've heard it all.. embarrassing. Please try this. I hope it will help you as much as it did me!!! And oh yes. I still want to try Botox also.

What a relief finding others that suffer the same conditions.  I live in the states - Wisconsin.  My sweats began as normal menopausal symptoms at 52.  I am now 62.  At 55 I was diagnosed with stage 2 uterine and cervical cancer.  I underwent a complete hysterectomy, chemo and radiation.  Immediately after, all hell broke loose!  It's been the most miserable 7 yrs of my life.  Anything over 60 degrees sends me into extreme overheating and severe head and neck sweating.  Even sitting still.  For me, the heat feels as if it's internal.  It takes forever to cool down, which acutally I never really do.  My feet, ankles and fingers start to swell, and the head sweating is unbearable besided embarrassing. I cannot take HRT due to my cancer.  I do take Lexapro (for depression) a diuretic for high blood pressure, adderral for PCCI (post chemo cognitive impairment) and lyrica for severe neuropathy caused by chemo.  i have stopped meds to determine if they were the cause and nothing improved.  I am desperate for relief!  My doctors seem to shrug it off as just an inconvenience.  Live a day in my heat!  I'm at a loss where to turn next.