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Excessive head and face sweating

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gill22568
gill22568

I am 63 and for the last 22 years have suffered with excessive sweating on my head and face, which seems to be getting worse.  This is uncomfortable and embarrassing.  If I do anything even slightly energetic (hoovering, ironing etc.) it is worse, and it takes a long time for me to cool down.  I was referred to a dermatologist who prescribed pills, which just dried up my eyes (red, sore and bloodshot within 30 mins) and mouth (making it impossible to eat or even speak).  She point blank refused to consider any other treatment, even telling me botox does not work for the face, which i know is untrue.  This condition, to other people, seems trivial but it is not.  In the summer I cannot go outside, so I can't even play with my grandchildren.  I certainly couldn't go out shopping or to a social event, the sweat drips off me and my hair is drenched within minutes.  I obviously cannot use make-up, or even have a decent hairstyle, which zaps the confidence.  I do have a thyroid problem but that is well controlled.  I am a little overweight but not much.  I have other non-related medical conditions (arthritis, fibromyalgia).  Has anyone any experience of the new gadget around which includes a mask for the face, plugged into a machine - sorry I can't remember the name of it.  I know they are very expensive but I am desperate.  Any helpful tips would be great.  Thank you. 

29 likes, 808 replies

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  • margaret72085
    margaret72085 gill22568

    Posted

    I have exactly the same symptoms as you it was like reading about myself I feel for you as I know how embarrassing this can be, I have had it for about 3 years I too have arthritis fibromyalgia plus type 2 diabetes I also take 5 mg of oxybutynin twice a day for a bladder problem this medication is supposed to help with head sweats it doesn't help mine. I am 68 I was always bubbly the life and soul of a party now I never go anywhere when I go shopping I always wear a cap this hides and helps stop the sweat running down my face during the night I cover my pillow with a towel as I often wake up looking as if a bucket of water has been thrown over me I never ever wake up with dry hair I think as a woman this is the worse thing if our hair isn't right nothing is right plus make up just runs off your face too. I looked up Botox on the internet and found a guy that does it for head sweats I was thrilled until I read further that he won't treat anyone with an immune system problem so having fibromyalgia would rule that out, I have never heard of the mask you mentioned I would be willing to try anything so if anyone knows what this is I would love to hear from them it's good to find that I am not alone with this problem it's surprising how many doctors I have told who say they have never seen it or believe it or not even heard of it.

    • jeanne70329
      jeanne70329 margaret72085

      Posted

      Just a little consolation that we have company.. I first remember my face and head sweating when I was a teenager but it has increased as my health issues and medications have.  And yes, most physicians have never heard of it.  

      The prescription that I use on my head is Drysol (a prescription antiperspirant) that  is used for hyperhydrosis of any body part.  Go slow with it as it very strong and may irritate your skin.  Good luck!

  • susan68762
    susan68762 gill22568

    Posted

    I have these exact problems. I have also connected these symptoms with hair loss which is happening as well. My online searching suggests your (our) symptoms and hair loss are related. Apparently the scalp sweating causes the salt in our sweat to damage the hair follicles & hair shaft making it fall out. Also the oil that is released causes a buildup on your scalp which clogs your hair follicles making it impossible for new growth to occur. Have you also noticed your hair falling out?  I don't know why my head is always sweating but I know it is the cause of my hair loss. I have started to scrub my scalp with clarifying shampoo TWICE then follow with Head & Shoulders DRY SCALP CONDITIONER.  So far, my head feels lighter & cleaner with no build-up. I will let you know if this does any good. If anyone has these problems, please share your findings. Thank you. 

    • bill09319
      bill09319 susan68762

      Posted

      I feel the same. I use Nioxin Scalp Therapy and it seems to help. I buy the big bottles online.

    • MarshaNV
      MarshaNV susan68762

      Posted

      My head itches like crazy!  My dermatologist prescribed betamethasone dipropionate lotion which made me itch all over.  So, forget that!  What shampoo did you use?  I keep switching around in hopes that something will help, but no luck yet.  VO5 makes shampoo & conditioner for dry scalps & has helped a tiny bit, but I can't find it again & can't remember where I bought it.  I will try the H&S dry scalp conditioner--thanks for the info.

    • susan68762
      susan68762 MarshaNV

      Posted

      Hi there Marsha. Oh my God. My head itches like crazy too but there's NO DANDRUFF.  I just started this routine and my hair does feel better so o will continue with this and keep reporting my results here. The shampoo I used the first time was CLARIFYING shampoo. Neutragena has a great one but this time I'm using Suave which is cheaper but works as well. Now that I did a couple of washes with that, I just bought on Amazon some Head & Shoulders CLINICAL STRENGTH shampoo. I'm going try that this morning followed by Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Conditioner. We'll see! Good luck. 

    • susan68762
      susan68762 bill09319

      Posted

      Thanks Bill, I will try the Nioxin ne t if I don't get results. Has it helped with ALL the symptoms (head sweating, head itching & hair loss) or a particular one?  We'll stay in touch.  Good luck to you!  

    • MarshaNV
      MarshaNV susan68762

      Posted

      Thanks for your suggestions. I’ll look for those products & will report results.

  • MarshaNV
    MarshaNV gill22568

    Posted

    I understand your problems!  Many of you seem to also have fibromyalga, which I don't have.  Instead I have an autoimmune disease called Sjogren's, the symptoms of which include dry everything.  The Robinul my dermatologist suggested does that too, but I was taking it wrong--after eating & with other meds.  I'm now trying one pill a day (around 4 a.m.) on an empty stomach.  Hopefully this will work.

    I have no idea what the machine is you refer to & I think you need to find another doctor.  Keep us posted.

    • bill09319
      bill09319 MarshaNV

      Posted

      Im curious to know if changing your routine with the med gets the robinul working. Please update us after a few days, thanks!
    • MarshaNV
      MarshaNV bill09319

      Posted

      No it didn’t help. I want to try a different med.   Will see doctor in about a week.
  • caryl56990
    caryl56990 gill22568

    Posted

    I have the same problem; it doesn't matter what the temp is. In the summer I never dry off after a shower, putting out Christmas yard decor, anything inside. Like you said it is very embarrassing. I have worn head bands as far back as I can remember. My mother also had this problem. Doctors just shake their head, say there's nothing that can be done. I would love to know how to stop it, also.

     

  • annette0987
    annette0987 gill22568

    Posted

    Hi it’s so good to  read your message I have exactly the same problem I am 52 have suffered for  12 years I too have fribromyalgia and I have liver problems yet i am told by my various consultants that it’s not a result of my  medical conditions I am going to have my thyroid tested as this can be one of the symptoms I do take a natural remedy  Sage  the herb but have only just begun it can take up to three months for the good effects to take place I have to give it a chance 
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