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Tips and Advice for Profuse Facial Sweating

Profuse sweating---known medically as hyperhidrosis---is a condition that can affect many areas of the body, including the face, scalp and neck. According to Hyperhidrosis.us, profuse facial sweating can be embarrassing in many situations (such as business meetings), and is often triggered by stress and other emotional pressures. Luckily, there are tips that can help you neutralize and prevent the problem.

  1. Avoid Wearing Lots of Makeup

    • According to Stop Sweating 101, wearing heavy makeup will only exacerbate heavy sweating. In addition, it will make the sweating more noticeable, as the makeup will likely smudge or run down your face in streaks. Stop Sweating 101 recommends applying a light foundation and using colors sparingly.

    Carry a Handkerchief

    • One of the simplest solutions for controlling profuse facial sweating is to carry a handkerchief, small towel or tissue wherever you go. According to Stop Sweating 101, this will allow you to dab and gently absorb sweat as soon as it appears, which can be helpful in high-stress situations.

    Use Facial Antiperspirants

    • Antiperspirants are topical substances that help prevent and reduce sweating. While individuals commonly apply antiperspirants (often in combination with deodorants) under their arms, there are also specialized antiperspirants designed for facial applications. Try looking online if your local pharmacy does not carry them. According to the National Cancer Institute, these antiperspirants employ aluminum compounds, which temporarily clog or plug sweat ducts to stop the flow of sweat to the surface of the skin.

    Take Glycopyrrolate

    • Glycopyrrolate (brand name: Robinul) is an anticholinergic drug that doctors prescribe to patients in order to reduce their nasal, stomach, lung and saliva secretions. According to Hyperhidrosis.us, the drug is also effective at reducing secretions from sweat glands, including those in your face. However, use caution when using glycopyrrolate, as it may have side effects. According to Drugs.com, these include drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision and an increased risk of having a heat stroke.

    Have a Sympathectomy

    • Severe sufferers of profuse facial sweating may consider having a sympathectomy. According to surgeryencyclopedia.com, a sympathectomy is a procedure wherein the surgeon cuts and deconstructs sympathetic ganglia, which are clusters of nerve cells along your spinal cord. These nerves are part of your sympathetic nervous system, and by removing some of them doctors can reduce the severity of your body's "fight or flight" responses (which cause you to blush and/or sweat in uncomfortable situations).

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