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Craniofacial hyperhidrosis is a condition where one sweats excessively from the face and scalp. It can be primary or secondary. Primary is thought to occur in people who simply have a higher concentration of sweat glands. Secondly is the result of other causes: menopause, stress, fevers, increased temperature, illnesses, etc. The bottom line is that either there are more sweat glands OR the sweat glands present are more active because of triggers listed above.
There are lots of ways to address this!
Topical agents that include aluminum chloride can be applied to reduce excess sweating. There are over the counter preps such as certain dri that come as a wipe and toss pad or prescription liquids. These don’t have to be used daily. Many people find that applying a couple time a week can help.
If this doesn’t work, there is a medication by mouth called glycopyrrolate or Robinol. I prescribe this routinely but with some cautions. It reduces sweat from head to toe and can be absolutely life changing. We can titrate the dose for best results. The thing to remember is that other secretions also dry out- dry eyes, dry mouth can occur. I ask that patients drink lots of fluids and use rewetting drops for the eyes.
Botox injections can be very effective as well.
Dry shampoo is technically not ‘cleaning’ your hair. It is basically using alcohol or corn starch to soak up extra oils in our hair to give it a temporarily ‘fresh’ look. This is the same concept behind using baby powder under the arms and under the breasts and between the legs to soak up extra moisture that builds up. It can be used to soak up some sweat before you are active - in this case you would apply before you know you are going to sweat. The other way to use it is to keep it with you- if you start sweating a lot you can spritz some on your hair to dry out some of the excess buildup of sweat.
I’ve recommended a few products here:
Garnier Fructis Clean Dry Shampoo
Dove Refresh and Care Dry Shampoo
iI you are in a bind then any powder will help dry some sweat. Sweat hair bands that wick away moisture have become very popular. And keeping a fan close by to help evaporate the sweat faster if exercising indoors!
