Excessive sweating is usually caused by excessive stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. Drugs, alcohol, our emotions and hormones all play their part.

Everyone is familiar with the central nervous system that is our conscious control over our bodies- movement. However, there is another nervous system made up of 2 parts called the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. These systems work to control all other bodily functions that you are not aware of such as digestion, heart beats, breathing, temperature regulation (i.e. sweating), hunger and sleep. Basically, everything that keeps you alive. The 2 systems act to balance each other out.

Overactivity of this system causes your body to produce more sweat. This can be treated with topical antiperspirants, iontophoresis devices, Botox injections and in extreme cases surgery to control the sympathetic nervous system to reduce the sweating.

Contact Dr. Heather Roberts for further information.