Effective treatment for excessive sweating of the face and scalp

Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating when the body doesn’t need to be cooled down to regulate its temperature.

Sweating is a natural and essential bodily function. However, people with hyperhidrosis experience sweating in a way that’s disproportionate to heat, strenuous exercise or stressful situations – it can be embarrassing and interfere with daily life.

Excessive sweating can affect the whole body, but it is commonly experienced on the underarms, hands, feet, groin, buttocks, face and scalp.

For people who suffer with excessive sweating of the face and scalp – or craniofacial hyperhidrosis – it can be particularly distressing because of its visibility. The good news is that there are several ways to manage the condition including at-home remedies and effective treatment with botox.

Simple diagram of the human body with the face and head highlighted.

Understanding craniofacial hyperhidrosis

There are two types of hyperhidrosis – primary and secondary:

Primary hyperhidrosis occurs when there is no obvious cause or tigger. It is believed that primary hyperhidrosis could be caused by faulty nerve signals that stimulate the sweat glands to become overactive.
Secondary hyperhidrosis is the symptom of another condition or a side-effect of medication. Common causes include menopause, anxiety, diabetes, thyroid issues or infections.

Craniofacial hyperhidrosis affects both men and women. Because it is so visible, it can make sufferers feel self-conscious – particularly in social or professional settings.

For women, excessive facial sweating can make wearing makeup more difficult. For example, foundation and other makeup products may run, making it difficult to achieve a fresh appearance.

For men, hyperhidrosis often affects the scalp as well as the face, leading to noticeable perspiration across the head, which can be difficult to conceal.

This condition is not seasonal – it can occur at any time of year. Whilst warmer weather conditions play their part, hyperhidrosis can be triggered by factors including certain foods and drink, as well as coming from the cold into a warm environment.

Managing craniofacial hyperhidrosis at home

Managing craniofacial hyperhidrosis at home can involve some trial and error to find what works for you:

Topical treatments

Over-the-counter options can include prescription-strength antiperspirants specifically formulated for sensitive areas – it’s important to ensure they are suitable for the sensitive skin on the face, so always test on a small area first.
Absorbent powders and wipes are available to help reduce moisture and enhance freshness throughout the day.

Lifestyle adjustments

You can reduce the effects of hyperhidrosis by wearing loose-fitting clothes made of natural fabrics such as cotton. A sun hat will also help protect your head and face. Keeping your body cool will naturally reduce the overall need to perspire.
Understanding and avoiding triggers for excessive sweating can also help. For example, caffeine, alcohol, spicey or strong-smelling foods, as well as stress, can all exacerbate hyperhidrosis for some people.

Botox for craniofacial hyperhidrosis

Botox is a safe and highly effective treatment for the management of hyperhidrosis.

When administered in a grid pattern to specific areas of the face and scalp, botox injections block the signals from the nervous system that supply the sweat glands. This significantly reduces the amount of sweat that is produced.

Whilst not a cure, botox for craniofacial hyperhidrosis can reduce excessive sweating within two weeks following treatment, with results lasting for up to six to seven months. Maintenance treatments once or twice a year will help you manage hyperhidrosis to feel more comfortable and confident.

Dr Kaywaan Khan explains how botox for hyperhidrosis can be used to treat all areas of the body that can be affected by this condition.

An additional aesthetic benefit of botox treatment for hyperhidrosis is that you will also find that wrinkles caused by dynamic facial movement are reduced in the treated areas, giving you a smoother complexion.