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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

808 Replies

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  • alison07722
    alison07722 gill22568

    Posted

    New here. I’ve been dealing with cranial facial hyperhydrosis for less than a year now. I’m 52 and female. It is brought on by heat or with light exercise and also, interestingly enough, by drinking alcohol. Any kind. Beer, wine, hard liquor, etc. And it takes less than one drink and I’m drenched. Sweaty head and face and my face turns red, almost like I have rosacea, but I know that’s not it because the extreme sweating always accompanies it. Anybody else experiencing this? I’ve just stopped drinking altogether but that’s a drag since my husband and I appreciate and enjoy good and fine wine. Can’t believe how little information there is out there. I’m on no meds except a hormone pill which I’ve been taking for five years so I’m pretty sure that’s not causing it. I know this isn’t vascular, I’ve already been checked out by a cardiologist. Had extensive tests done by my endocrinologist and found nothing. She sent me to dermatologist who said craniofacial hyperhydrosis doesn’t usually just appear out of nowhere. He wanted to know if I’d recently had any surgeries, specifically head surgery, and I had not. I accepted his Drysol prescription (roll on antiperspirant for your head) and that’s helping but I’m bothered that I’m managing symptoms and not dealing with the root of the problem. The one thing I have in common with a lot of you in this forum is I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. But that was years ago when I got that diagnosis and all this sweating started less than a year ago. I do not take medication for my fibromyalgia. I refuse to do that now. I have dabbled with some medicines and have never liked the side effects so I basically live with pain every day of my life. I find it interesting that an auto immune disorder is a common denominator among some of us.😳

  • Guest
    Guest gill22568

    Posted

    I too am happy to have found this forum. I am a 67 year old male, I am overweight but not hugely. Just being on my feet makes me hot, I do have a balance problem also. I just walked to the mailbox to post a letter, a 100 yards there and back in freezing temperatures and my head was wet as I walked back in the door. I have read some interesting blogs on here and will take some of them to my doctor and see what she says. Perhaps some real hope at last, this rules my life and its no fun. Thanks all and a happy new year.
    • MarshaNV
      MarshaNV Guest

      Posted

      Just an FYI, generic Robinul didn’t work for me. Am hoping to try Oxybutlin after I see doc tomorrow. Hang in there & Happy New Year.

  • Virtue
    Virtue gill22568

    Posted

    Hello, I’m a sweat bomber! Summer is worse! I cannot stand summer! After showering, stepping out, drying myself over and over and over and over, it never ends! I finally give up,  and just put clothes on, still sweating!  I can’t wear make up! When I go out shopping, running errands, etc. in my purse is this type of towels that I bought on ebay (almost like cloth diapers but thin) I use it to wipe the sweat off around my whole neck front and back and I tap my face. I  try to be  discreetly, I Also would put the towel around my neck like a scarf, do I feel like a Man when I sweat! 

    I’m standing in line, trying not to wipe and tap  the sweat off, I’m at register now, I have no idea what the cashier is thinking! Sometimes, while shopping, I’m thinking they are thinking I’m nervous, as if I did something??!!  You know the cameras that stores have!

    Putting away dishes? Really? I’m sweating! Coming down hits my eyes burns! I sweat more in Summer,  winter I still do but not nearly has bad in summer.  I look around checking to see if there’s anyone else sweating?? Nope! Nothing, just me!

    I felt the need to share this.  Oh and when I get home from being out and about, I go straight to the bedroom to change out of my wet clothes!!! What’s up with that?! 

    • MarshaNV
      MarshaNV Virtue

      Posted

      Peony, welcome. We all sympathize with you. First you need to find a doctor who has treated this.  After eliminating different types, I found a dermatologist who is trying to help . Unfortunately our type of hyperhidrosis is not as common as others. Am curious, do you have fibromyalgia or are you on pain meds?
    • Virtue
      Virtue MarshaNV

      Posted

      Hello 😊

      No to both.  I’m 54 this aggressive  consistent sweating I notice, started this past summer of 2017.  I am Adult ADHD, I was in my middle 40’s, took my step son (then) to a  pediatrician to find out if he is ADD, per the school, he was not allow to come back to school until I show proof he was seen by a Dr. for this.  In the examination room, nurse ask what are you here for, the standard procedure. She then handed me this brochure about ADD. “The Dr. Will be in soon”. So, I’m reading this  brochure, holy moly! Stop the press! I sit down and Dr walks in, “I think I’m ADD?! she smiled at me and said it’s common that a parent finds out they are,  when they bring there child in for it. Well to make this short, step son is borderline and  Doc suggested for me to see my Dr. 

      Oh... guess what?..... Thay  pediatrician  Dr. Is ADHD!? She shared her story to me, pretty interesting what she does to get that extra help, even took the time going over mine. 😊 

      I also have depression due to the ADHD of not knowing what was wrong with me? And dealing with people around me and in my life, become frustrated with me!  😔 

      I had great doctor who had up to date information, where is my original doc did not. I was truely blessed meeting him, explained to me why I get depressed. Made clear sense to me. 

      Lol... phew! Wipes sweat off on forehead! 😀 

      But this sweat I’m having can’t be from that? Because none you folks have it? 

      I had read somewhere that most ADHD high body temperature like a sensation rising then here comes the sweat! Not a fever. 

      Hello 😊

      No to both.  Though I do have a lot going on? I’m 54, this aggressive  consistent sweating, I notice it started this past summer of 2017.  I am Adult ADHD, I was in my middle 40’s, took my step son (then) to a  pediatrician to find out if he is ADD, per the school, he was not allow to come back to school until I show proof he was seen by a Dr. for this.

      In the examination room, nurse ask what are you here for, the standard procedure. She then handed me this brochure about ADD. “The Dr. Will be in soon”. So, I’m reading this  brochure, holy moly! Stop the press! I sit down and Dr walks in, “I think I’m ADD?! she smiled at me and said it’s common that a parent finds out they are,  when they bring there child in for it. Well to make this short, step son is borderline and  Doc suggested for me to see my Dr. 

      Oh... guess what?..... They pediatrician  Dr. Is ADHD!? She shared her story to me, pretty interesting what she does to get that extra help, even took the time going over mine. 😊  and thought mine is ADHD

      I also have depression due to the ADHD of not knowing what was wrong with me? And dealing with people around me and in my life, become frustrated with me!  😔 

      I had great doctor who had up to date information, where is my original doc did not. I was truely blessed meeting him, explained to me why I get depressed. Made clear sense to me. 

      Lol... phew! Wipes sweat off on forehead! 😀  

      ADHD folks do get body heat more. I just don’t recall it being this bad? 

      But this sweat I’m having can’t be from that? Because none you folks have it? 

      I’m not a weirdo! Haha 😂 

      Please take the time read about it, you never know?!

      This link below, I think will pretty much explains things better then I could.  

      https://www.additudemag.com/hypersensitivity-disorder-with-adhd/ 

      This link below, has pretty good information and tell what its like from others and the remarks from others who do not understand. 

      https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.psychologytoday.com/blog/may-i-have-your-attention/201311/adhd-adults-what-it-feels-have-adhd%3famp

      Thank you in advance for taking the time reading this 🤗 

    • jennifer41321
      jennifer41321 Virtue

      Posted

      Wow, u just wrote out my story to a T!! Thank u for sharing ur story, you made me feel like I'm not nuts, like everyone who looks at me when I'm sweating must think I am. It's sooo embarrassing. I finally feel not alone now!!

  • amy3921
    amy3921 gill22568

    Posted

    Hi, I know am late joining this discussion but I’ve been looking all over for some help with my problem. Am a 23 years old and my sweating is so bad I can’t leave the house. I sweat from my head, hair, around hair line. It’s so bad that even if I am sitting watching tv it can start to happen. I can’t wear make up and I can’t do anything with my hair, as soon as I start to do anything with it it becomes soaked straight away, it looks like I’ve just got out shower and I haven’t dried it. It is ruining my life. I really need help, if anyone has any advice even if it small I would really appreciate it. Thank you. 
    • amy3921
      amy3921

      Posted

      Just to add, I have had my hormones checked and all my vitamins checked and I take d3. I also have fibromyalgia. But my sweating started before those. 
    • MarshaNV
      MarshaNV amy3921

      Posted

      Hi Amy. Fibromyalgia seems like be pretty common with many of us here. The real task for us is to find a doctor who has treated our type of hiperhydrosis. Good luck! At least you know you’re not alone.
    • amy3921
      amy3921 MarshaNV

      Posted

      Yeah I noticed that too, but my sweating started way before my fibromyalgia. Where would you start to, to find things that might help. I’ve heard Botox can help, but I think I seen someone on here say it didn’t work. I was just wondering if there is anything anyone would advise me to try. I willing to try anything? 
  • Linsuemar
    Linsuemar gill22568

    Posted

    Hi there

    I am new to this site, but have suffered from facial hydros since I was 49 years of age (I am now 62).   Ironically I was an avid Sun worshipper all thru my life so it’s a shock to not be able to go into the sun at all now.

    I was told it was initially menopause and then thyroid but no-one in the medical profession has been able to tell me the causes and why it suddenly started at 42 years of age.  I am fobbed off by doctor after doctor and a neurologist even told me it was because I didn’t sleep well!  This has affected my confidence; my relationship with my husband and my profession!  Trek g yo do minutes of meetings with stops falling on to the paperwork is a nightmare!  The funny thing I find is I can play tennis and not unduly sweat but get on a bus and start dropping!   There is no rhyme or reason to it!  I sympathise with all comments and to know Im not going mad and there are people out there with a similar condition is very encouraging and humbling!  No wish everyone well and I am continuing to seek a solution and thinking of trying the Botox route.  I have atrial fibrillation and can’t take some of the medication mentioned.  Sending you all hugs and my best wishes. 

    Lindsay

    • jeanne70329
      jeanne70329 Linsuemar

      Posted

      I too was going to try the Botox, but others in our group haven’t had much luck with it.  Regarding the inconsistency with no sweating with tennis, and riding a bus, I find that I do much better when I am outside in fresh air.  Stuffy places (stores) are terrible for me.  If you use an iPhone, there is a small fan that can be fastened to it, and is a small help (about $5) and can be found on the internet and in some stores.  

      My sympathies to you, this disorder is life changing.  I too have not seen ONE physician who has even heard of it.  Good luck to you 

    • martha735
      martha735 Linsuemar

      Posted

      In part of your post, I thought I was reading about myself.

      I do not know what country you are on but if you are inclined to think you have craniofacial hyperhidrosis I recommend you see a board-certified dermatologist, preferably one certified by the International Hyperhidrosis Society. Definitely, google this society. You will find the information you may not have seen before plus they are very responsive to questions you have.

      I have had this "rock" tied to my ankle for over 25 years and recently, after years of research, having an appointment with Dr. Dee Anne Glaser MD who is the foremost recognized expert in Hyperhidrosis, followed research and trails, and gotten worse each year, had a Video Assisted Thoracotomy with the severing of T2 bilaterally. Success was, I estimate 20% and I did end up with the most common side effect, compensatory sweating, of the ack, inner thighs, under breasts and waist. I am not regretful. I do sweat much less on my scalp and face with an occasional break thru and the compensatory sweating is not fun but at least I do not look like a "wet dishrag" 24/7. If I had not made the effort I would have always wondered, "what if".

      I wish you luck on your journey and, in all honesty, if you are sure you have Primary Craniofacial Hyperhidrosis, I would stop spending money on the doctor after doctor because you, most likely, ate never going to find the cause. Keep researching, keep up with current treatments, find a doctor you are comfortable with and trust your self in making decisions. Be adamant with doctors when you feel that they are not listening to you. You ate your best advocate. You know how this feels physically and how it affects you mentally. Do not be stopped from telling your provider this is ruining your life.

      Keep in mind. Most providers have never experienced anything even close to this condition so they ate not going to understand how devastating it can be.

    • Linsuemar
      Linsuemar martha735

      Posted

      Hi Martha

      Thanks for replying!   I live in Scotland and it's winter here (just 5 degrees today) and when I left the house I had the biggest sweat outbreak on my face and neck and had to take my coat off!   It actually becomes funny when you're the only one walking around in a tee shirt in the middle of winter!    I have a dermatology appt tomorrow but know it will be a waste of time!  I am coming to the conclusion that mine is nerve related as I damaged a nerve in my leg in my 30s and the leg is badly atrophied!  My current physio tells me nerve damage can cause sweating!   Interestingly a lot of the people on the forums have fibromyalgia too so maybe that's another link!  If I was rich I would put thousands into research!

      I wish all sufferers well and know exactly what you are going through.

      lundsay

    • Linsuemar
      Linsuemar martha735

      Posted

      Hi Martha

      Thanks for replying!   I live in Scotland and it's winter here (just 5 degrees today) and when I left the house I had the biggest sweat outbreak on my face and neck and had to take my coat off!   It actually becomes funny when you're the only one walking around in a tee shirt in the middle of winter!    I have a dermatology appt tomorrow but know it will be a waste of time!  I am coming to the conclusion that mine is nerve related as I damaged a nerve in my leg in my 30s and the leg is badly atrophied!  My current physio tells me nerve damage can cause sweating!   Interestingly a lot of the people on the forums have fibromyalgia too so maybe that's another link!  If I was rich I would put thousands into research!

      I wish all sufferers well and know exactly what you are going through.

      Lindsay

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