Scalp hyperhidrosis: what are the causes?

Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by excessive sweating, often localized in specific areas of the body such as the hands, feet, armpits, and scalp.

Scalp hyperhidrosis, in particular, can be quite bothersome and embarrassing, affecting daily life and self-confidence. The result is hair that appears dirty and weighed down due to sweat continually wetting it. Even after frequent washing, sweat builds up quickly, making hair look damp and lacking volume.

But what are the causes of this condition and how can we manage it effectively?

Read the article to find out more about the causes, triggers and solutions for dealing with scalp hyperhidrosis!

Causes of Scalp Hyperhidrosis

Scalp hyperhidrosis is a complex condition that can be triggered by various factors. Let’s look at some of them:

Genetic factors: Genetic predisposition is one of the primary factors that can influence the development of hyperhidrosis, including scalp one. If there have been cases of hyperhidrosis in the family, it is possible to inherit a higher activity of the sweat glands. This means that the sweat glands, which are abundant in the scalp, can produce more sweat than necessary, even in the absence of external stimuli like heat or physical activity.

This form of hyperhidrosis resulting from generic predisposition is known as “primary hyperhidrosis” and tends to occur as early as childhood or during adolescence, becoming a chronic condition later in life.

Hormonal disorders: Hormonal imbalances are another common cause of scalp hyperhidrosis. During puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, the body undergoes significant hormonal changes that can increase sweat production. For example, an excess of thyroid hormones, as seen in hyperthyroidism, accelerates metabolism, increasing body temperature and, consequently, sweating. Similarly, fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels can affect the sweat glands, leading to increased sweating in specific areas, including the scalp.

Stress and anxiety: Stress and anxiety are among the most potent triggers of sweating. When we are stressed, the body enters a state of alert known as "fight or flight," during which hormones like adrenaline are released. This process activates the sweat glands, leading to increased sweating, even on the scalp. For those suffering from hyperhidrosis, even mild emotional tension can trigger excessive sweating, creating a difficult cycle to break: stress causes sweating, and excessive sweating generates further stress.

Climate and physical activity: Environmental conditions play a crucial role in managing hyperhidrosis. In hot and humid climates, the body tends to sweat more to maintain a stable internal temperature. This can worsen scalp hyperhidrosis, as sweat accumulates quickly without effectively evaporating. Intense physical activity, which raises body temperature, can also trigger abundant sweating. However, while most people experience sweating limited to exercise or hot days, those with hyperhidrosis may experience this phenomenon even after some mild physical activity or a modest increase in temperature.

Hormonal disorders, stress and anxiety, climate and physical activity, as well as medical and drug therapies, and conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and hypoglycemia, are key factors in secondary hyperhidrosis, which is the result of another medical condition or external factor that alters the body's normal balance.

How to manage scalp hyperhidrosis

Addressing scalp hyperhidrosis requires a specific approach that not only reduces excessive sweating but also respects the skin's sensitivity and keeps the hair healthy and vibrant. ESTĒREL’s PHYTO SUEUR line offers a complete and targeted solution for this problem, with products formulated to treat the scalp gently yet effectively.

The first step in managing scalp hyperhidrosis is cleansing. ESTĒREL’s PHYTO SUEUR SHAMPOO is specifically formulated for frequent washing and for those who practice sports. This shampoo acts gently on the scalp, normalizing sweat production and rebalancing the scalp's pH altered by excessive sweating. Thanks to farnesol, chamomile extract, and triethyl citrate, this shampoo performs an effective deodorizing action, preventing the degradation of sweat and sebaceous secretions.

After cleanding, it is important to use a specific hair mask. ESTĒREL’s PHYTO SUEUR MASK has a purifying and relaxing action that effectively counteracts the negative effects of lactic acid on the scalp and hair follicles. Thanks to lysine, sage, and bisabolol, it neutralizes the dekeratinizing action of lactic acid, eliminates itching, and reduces sweating. The result is soothed, purified and moisturized skin.

To complete the treatment, it is essential to treat the hair and scalp with a product that can act in depth. ESTĒREL’s PHYTO SUEUR LOTION is an alcohol-free lotion that alleviates excessive scalp sweating and strengthens the hair, preventing thinning and fragility. Thanks to the extracts of horsetail and mint, the lotion not only slows down sweating but also remineralizes and tones the hair, avoiding a greasy and heavy appearance.

These products have been designed to work in combination, which is why they can be found in a single convenient KIT, the ESTĒREL’s HYPERHIDROSIS KIT, a complete solution for restoring comfort to the scalp and achieving shiny, healthy hair.

Additional tips for managing scalp hyperhidrosis

In addition to using specific products, there are some practical strategies that can help manage scalp hyperhidrosis, improving daily comfort and reducing symptoms.

Relaxation techniques: As mentioned earlier, stress and anxiety are among the main triggers of hyperhidrosis. For this reason, learning to manage stress can significantly impact controlling sweating. Techniques such as meditation, progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing can decrease anxiety, helping to reduce sweating. These methods help calm the nervous system, decreasing the activation of sweat glands.

Regulating diet: Some foods and beverages, such as alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods, can increase sweating. Reducing the consumption of these items can keep hyperhidrosis under control. A balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, promotes hydration and stabilizes body temperature.

Avoiding environmental triggers: Environmental conditions can dramatically affect scalp hyperhidrosis. Hot and humid climates can worsen sweating, so when possible, it's best to avoid them. If unavoidable, wearing a breathable hat can help keep the scalp dry and cool, preventing overheating.