1. Community
  2. Symptoms
  3. Sweating

Excessive head and face sweating

Posted , 301 users are following.

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

Prev Next
  • Roxie883
    Roxie883 gill22568

    Posted

    Everything you have mentioned,I have the same problem.I tell people that want to hug me.I am wet,some say ok but others dont matter.But either way so embarrass ing.I cant do much of anything,Even getting ready for church,Im drenched,by the time Im ready..My hair ,dontknow if its easier to grow out and put it up,or just cut it short?Lord i wish someone could find the answer.I go back and forth with Drs.because they just dont know the answer.At least your not alone ladies,Is it just ladies or do men suffer with this also?

    • KandiG
      KandiG Roxie883

      Posted

      I'm with you it's horrible. just sitting I do it sometimes as well. If I'm up doing anything the grocery or whatever I'm sweating and feel flushed in my face. I'm soaking wet from head to toe. I hope we can find answers because this is debilitating as much as the disease. 💞

    • Roxie883
      Roxie883 KandiG

      Posted

      I,just got done scrubbing my floor,Im wet from head to toe ,i get so frustrated,I have to keep a towel around my neck to wipe my face to keep it out of my eyes.My top looks like i was standing in the rain.I pray we find an answer soon.

    • katie_h.
      katie_h. Roxie883

      Posted

      I have repeatedly asked my Dr for a solution, but he doesn't seem to realise how much it spoils my life, so I am wearing home made cotton headbands to prevent it running into my eyes. 😟😟😟😟😟😟

  • mary_10261
    mary_10261 gill22568

    Posted

    HI gill i'm 68 & exactly the same & my doctor is no help at all,iv'e spent hundreds of pounds on products that don't work & i'm fed up with it all, i wear tshirts & shorts in the house all year round & my head & scalp are soaked every day, my hair is dripping with sweat & i feel dirty with all this, so i really sympathise with you i dont know what else to do & i'm going to a wedding in august & i'm scared because i tried my outfit on with tights & my whole body was dripping with sweat & i dont want to go so i'm so worried.xx

    • brad437
      brad437 mary_10261

      Posted

      I am shocked at how many comments I read that say "my doctor won't....", and "my doctor is no help". I dont know if its a US thing, but while my primary doctor isnt schooled in this issue, she is willing to listen to me. I presented a few things that Ive found online and shes been happy to let me try whatever I have asked for. When I showed her glycopyrollate, she wrote me a prescription for 1 mg tablets. It took me some playing around with the dosage and timing to find the right combination, but its working quite well! When I had my follow up visit, she wrote me a prescription that refills for 6 months! In case anyone is wondering, I take 2 mg as soon as I wake up. I only have a coffee and it takes about 1.5 - 2 hours to kick in. Then I start my day and head into work. Initially I experienced major dry mouth and the occasional mild headache, but now its just mild dry mouth that I suck on dry mouth lozenges or chew some gum for. I seem to be fine for most of the day unless I eat a large lunch. Then I cut a pill in half and take that to sort of add a boost so that I can last until I get home. If your doctor isnt willing to listen, then get yourself a new doctor!

    • kerri56
      kerri56 brad437

      Posted

      I'm not surprised at all. Dr.s don't seem to care or they're too busy keeping a schedule so they don't lose patients. My head sweating at night while sleeping has completely disappeared since I started using a cpap machine. I don't have obstructive apnea but something called hypopnea, where the brain forgets to tell me to breathe. I sleep like a rock now. I also don't have to get up to use the bathroom anymore. Sleep apnea untreated causes a person to produce more urine at night. did not know that either. so glad you got help from meds.

  • Roxie883
    Roxie883 gill22568

    Posted

    My Dr.has not given me any meds to try for this.She just sends me to someone else.its like she just doesn't know what to do for me.I will be 69 next month and Im just so tired of being wet all the time.I stopped doing my hair,unless going out.I have to stop and dry it 4-5 times before I'm done.Just so frustrated .Theres got to be some help out there

    • sharon38700
      sharon38700 Roxie883

      Posted

      It's a shame when you have to demand help. Be your own advocate and demand help if my best advice.

      I recently saw an ad on TV for an antiperspirant for the armpits, hands and feet. First time I've ever seen anything like that on TV.

      Maybe somebody is working on this problem we have! Try to remain hopeful.

    • Roxie883
      Roxie883 sharon38700

      Posted

      I sure hope you are right.I am just so tired of being wet all the time.Thank you Sharon.i started using corn starch under my breast and every crease.

  • christine65977
    christine65977 gill22568

    Posted

    Did you get any information about the machine for your face sweating? I JUST JOINED THE GROUP.

Back to top
Prev Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.