Dry flaky skin in female's pubic area: Causes and treatment

What Causes Excessive Scrotal Sweating, And How Can I Treat It?

A normal amount of groin sweat is to be expected, especially if you're working out or live in a hot and humid climate. But if you're experiencing excessive sweating in the testicular area, there may be another underlying reason.

Some groin sweat is a fact of life. The groin has a lot of sweat glands and is usually warm and covered by clothing, meaning it's likely to generate perspiration that can't be easily wiped away or refreshed by cool air.

An abnormal amount of groin sweat may be a sign of an underlying condition or is simply a result of lifestyle.

Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating, either throughout the body or in certain areas that typically have a higher concentration of sweat glands. Common areas include the armpits, palms, and groin.

If you have hyperhidrosis, the nerves responsible for triggering your sweat glands are overactive. They incorrectly call on the glands to produce more sweat than is needed to keep the body cool.

Hyperhidrosis may occur on its own or develop from a condition, such as diabetes or an infection.

Lifestyle causes

Tight underwear or pants can trigger excess groin sweat. Fabrics that don't "breathe" can also keep sweat in place longer.

Caffeine and alcohol can increase perspiration and urination as part of the body's efforts to balance its fluid levels.

Other causes

Sometimes excessive sweating may be related to other underlying conditions.

Hyperthyroidism can cause many symptoms, including excessive sweating.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, leukemia, and other cancers can cause increased night sweating. Keep in mind this sweating isn't often limited to just the groin area. It's not entirely clear why sweating is a sign of cancer. It may be a result of the body trying to fight off the disease.

Excess weight can lead to excessive sweating as well. In areas where there are more sweat glands and skin folds, such as the groin, the sweating may be more intense.

The side effects of a sweaty scrotum can range from discomfort to more serious complications, depending on the underlying cause. The more common potential side effects include:

Chafing and itching. A sweaty groin area in general can cause the skin to become irritated with movement.

Bacterial infection. A sweaty environment can be a breeding ground for bacteria. A bacterial infection can cause boils and other skin problems to develop. If left untreated, a bacterial infection on the skin can migrate elsewhere in the body and cause further serious issues.

Fungal infection. A fungal skin infection, like jock itch, thrives in a sweaty environment where two areas of skin rub together.

Talcum powder

Talcum powder can help absorb sweat, cool your crotch, and help prevent itching and chafing.

One side effect is that talcum powder can form clumps on the skin, creating a different kind of discomfort. You can avoid this by showering frequently.

Natural talc can contain asbestos. This substance is linked to lung cancer when inhaled. Since 1976, the cosmetic and toiletry industry committed to using talc that contains no detectable traces of asbestos.

Although there's a possibility talcum powder may increase the risk of ovarian cancer, there's not much evidence linking it to other cancers.

Cornstarch

Some people use cornstarch to absorb sweat instead of talcum powder.

Prescription medications

If you've received a diagnosis of hyperhidrosis, your doctor may recommend a prescription-strength antiperspirant for your groin and any other areas where you experience excessive sweating.

They may also prescribe nerve-blocking medications that target the nerves responsible for activating the sweat glands.

Surgery

If excessive sweating is interfering with your quality of life or overall health, surgical removal of some sweat glands may be an option. Talk with your doctor to see if this may be right for you.

Making a few lifestyle changes may keep you cool and dry down under. If you're not interested in "going commando," consider these options.

Use an antiperspirant

The same antiperspirant you use under your arms may be used in your groin and just about anywhere else you experience excessive sweating.

Because the groin is a sensitive area, test the skin there with a little antiperspirant at first. If you don't have any skin irritation or discomfort, consider buying an extra antiperspirant just for your groin.

A product containing aluminum chloride hexahydrate concentrations of 10 to 15 percent may be most effective.

Practice good hygiene

Keep your groin clean by showering and changing your underwear regularly. It may not necessarily keep you from sweating, but it can help keep that area drier and cleaner, thus reducing odor.

Lose weight

Losing weight if needed is no guarantee to reducing excessive sweating, but it can boost your overall health.

Eat a healthy diet

Consider these changes to your diet:

Drink plenty of water. The better hydrated you are, the easier it is for the body to maintain its optimal temperature. And that can mean less sweating.

Eat calcium-rich foods. Calcium is essential in regulating the body's temperature, fluid levels, and other metabolic factors. Start with these 15 foods rich in calcium.

Eat more fruits and vegetables. Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, a good mix of fruits and veggies can improve your all-around health.

Eat B vitamin-rich foods. B vitamins play a role in many functions, including nerve health, and help your body operate smoothly. The more efficiently your body's systems are working, the less hard it will work and the less it will sweat.

Wear boxers instead of briefs

Cotton underwear can help wick away moisture and keep your testicles more comfortable. Boxers with a little more room may also help keep things drier.

If excessive scrotal sweating is interfering with your day-to-day life, talk to your doctor. The culprit of your excessive sweating may be an underlying health condition that needs treatment. Your doctor can help you get relief with a prescription, an antiperspirant, or a lifestyle change.

Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating): Causes And Treatments

Commissions we earn from partner links on this page do not affect our opinions or evaluations. Our editorial content is based on thorough research and guidance from the Forbes Health Advisory Board. Table of Contents

{{ tocState.ToggleTocShowMore ? 'Show more' : 'Show less' }}

Sweating, or perspiring, occurs in response to exercise, high temperatures or situations that make you feel anxious or afraid. Made up of 99% water and 1% sodium and fat, sweat keeps your body from overheating—as it evaporates, it cools you down. But sometimes, excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, may occur even when you're at rest or in a cool environment.

No doubt, sweating profusely and uncontrollably can lead to physical and emotional discomfort. The good news? There are steps you can take to manage the condition. Keep reading to learn about hyperhidrosis causes, symptoms and treatment options.

What Is Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a medical disorder that causes excessive sweating, says Denise Pate, M.D., a board-certified primary care physician and medical director at Medical Offices of Manhattan in New York. It can affect multiple areas of the body including the hands, feet, underarms and face, she explains.

The condition is marked by sweating beyond what is necessary for normal body temperature regulation. In the U.S., about 3% of the population has hyperhidrosis, and it occurs most often in individuals between 20 to 60 years of age.

People with hyperhidrosis may sweat excessively even when they are not hot, physically active or anxious, says Aanand Geria, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Geria Dermatology in Verona, N.J.. Hyperhidrosis can be a challenging condition that can impact a person's daily life, self-esteem and overall quality of life, he says.

What Causes Hyperhidrosis?

Sweating is a physiological function that is regulated by the release of acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter) by the sympathetic nervous system, says Shoshana Marmon, M.D., assistant professor of dermatology at New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York. It's normal to sweat when you exercise, in warmer temperatures and in response to feeling nervous, angry, embarrassed or scared. But hyperhidrosis is the result of sweat gland dysregulation, says Dr. Marmon. In other words, there is an overproduction of sweat.

Hyperhidrosis can be caused by various factors, including:

Genetics (a family history of the condition)

Underlying medical conditions (diabetes, menopause, hyperthyroidism or Parkinson's disease)

Medication side effects (antidepressants, antipsychotics and blood pressure medications)

Types of Hyperhidrosis

There are two main classifications of hyperhidrosis, says Dr. Marmon.

Primary, or focal hyperhidrosis, is the most common type, typically starting early in life and occurring only during waking hours. It affects the hands, feet and armpits, and is not related to another medical condition. It is likely related to genetic factors, but its cause is not fully understood.

Secondary, or generalized hyperhidrosis, is commonly due to an underlying medical condition or medication side effect. It is most common in adults over the age of 25. Diabetes, hyperthyroidism, menopause, obesity, Parkinson's disease, certain types of cancer and neurological disorders have been associated with the development of secondary hyperhidrosis. But drug-induced hyperhidrosis is the most common cause.

Symptoms of Excessive Sweating

According to Dr. Pate, symptoms of excessive sweating can vary depending on the underlying cause, but commonly include:

Visible sweat that can be seen on the skin, clothing, or both

Sweating more than usual, even when at rest or in a cool environment

Excessive sweating on the palms and soles of the hands and feet

A strong, unpleasant odor due to germs on the skin breaking down sweat

Skin irritation that results in rashes and infections

Excessive sweating can lead to avoiding social interactions or physical contact with others (shaking hands, hugging or dancing), says Dr. Geria, and that can cause social and emotional distress that leads to decreased confidence and quality of life.

Diagnosing Hyperhidrosis

To be diagnosed with primary hyperhidrosis, you will undergo a thorough medical examination by a medical professional (such as a dermatologist or primary care provider), says Dr. Geria. They will review your medical history and symptoms and conduct a physical exam, he says. Secondary hyperhidrosis requires additional tests that vary on a case-by-case basis, explains Dr. Geria. These tests include:

Starch-iodine test: Iodine is applied to the affected area, and then starch powder is sprinkled over it; a blue-black color will appear if you have excessive sweating.Paper test: A paper or filter paper is placed on the affected area to absorb sweat, and then the paper is weighed to determine whether you have excessive sweating.Sweat chloride test: Used to diagnose cystic fibrosis (a cause of secondary hyperhidrosis), sweat is collected from the skin to measure the amount of chloride present.Blood tests: Blood tests may be performed to look for underlying medical conditions that can cause secondary hyperhidrosis, such as thyroid disorders, diabetes or infections.Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans or MRI scans may be ordered to identify underlying medical conditions that can cause secondary hyperhidrosis, such as tumors or nerve damage.

How to Treat Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis treatment options include:

Antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride temporarily block the sweat ducts, says Dr. Marmon.

Anticholinergics such as glycopyrrolate, oxybutynin and propantheline are medications that block the action of acetylcholine (the neurotransmitter responsible for stimulating sweat glands), says Dr. Marmon.

Prescription-strength wipes, like Qbrexza, contain glycopyrronium tosylate, which blocks acetylcholine, says Dr. Marmon.

Iontophoresis is a non-invasive treatment that involves soaking the affected area in water while a low electrical current is applied, says Dr. Pate.

Botox injections (botulinum toxin) are an FDA-approved treatment for excessive underarm sweating that can also be used off-label for treating other areas like the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, says Dr. Marmon.

Underarm surgery: Sympathectomy (sweat gland removal) can be performed by surgery, liposuction or ultrasonic aspiration, says Dr. Marmon

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is a surgical procedure that includes severing or clamping the nerves that cause sweating in the afflicted area, says Dr. Pate.

Brella SweatControl Patch is a single-use sodium patch that was FDA-approved in April 2023 for the treatment of excessive underarm sweating. It works via targeted alkali thermolysis (TAT), a method that causes sweat gland inactivation, says Dr. Marmon.

Managing Hyperhidrosis

Depending on the underlying reason and the severity of the illness, the prognosis for hyperhidrosis can change, says Dr. Pate. When it's caused by an underlying medical issue, such as an infection or an overactive thyroid gland, the excessive sweating may be reduced when the condition is treated, she explains.

But it can be more challenging to treat hyperhidrosis when it is the main issue, says Dr. Pate. Even so, lifestyle modifications can help manage the condition, says Dr. Marmon. They include:

Wearing breathable, loose-fitting clothing

Using antiperspirants

Staying cool and avoiding excessive heat

Managing stress with relaxation techniques

Maintaining a healthy weight

Limiting triggers like spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol

Using absorbent materials, like sweat pads or absorbent insoles for shoes

Regular showers with antibacterial soap to reduce body odor

Frequent clothing changes if they become damp due to sweating

When to See a Doctor

If you are experiencing excessive sweating that interferes with your daily activities or causes emotional distress, see a doctor, advises Dr. Geria. And if you're sweating more than usual, particularly at night, sweating on only one side of the body, or if there are noticeable changes in the color or texture of your skin in the affected areas, or the sweating is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, weight loss or fatigue, it's essential to seek medical attention, he says.

Although there is no cure for hyperhidrosis, treatments can significantly help to manage symptoms, says Dr. Marmon, adding that a combination of therapies may be required for optimal results.

Looking For Affordable And Accessible HealthCare?

Book an appointment in minutes with Sesame Care for face-to-face video conversation with doctor, prescription refills and in-person doctor appointments.

Five Signs Your Sweating Could Be Hyperhidrosis And When To See A GP

Hyperhidrosis is common and not considered a medical problem, but some people may wish to treat it.

According to Hyperhidrosis UK there are two types of hyperhidrosis, primary and secondary - the majority of patients have primary hyperhidrosis.

The organisation explains: "It affects particular parts of the body most commonly the hands, feet, underarms or the face/head and usually affects both sides. It sometimes can affect the chest or groin areas too. Many patients have more than one part of the body affected.

"It usually begins in childhood or adolescence and sometimes runs in families. Patients with primary hyperhidrosis rarely sweat when they are asleep."

If you experience the following five symptoms you probably have hyperhidrosis:

Sweat from particular parts of the body on both sides

Sweat at least once a week

Began sweating as a child or during adolescence

Find sweating impairs your daily activities

Don't sweat at night

If the sweating begins well after your teenage years then it is more likely to be secondary hyperhidrosis, says Hyperhidrosis UK.

Secondary generalised hyperhidrosis is caused by an underlying medical condition or is a side effect of medication.

The NHS recommends ways to help excessive sweating. It recommends to:

wear loose-fitting clothes to minimise signs of sweating

wear socks that absorb moisture and change your socks at least twice a day if possible

wear leather shoes and try to wear different shoes day to day

The following should be avoided:

do not wear tight clothes or synthetic fabrics – for example, nylon

do not wear enclosed boots or sports shoes that may cause your feet to sweat more

do not do things that might make your sweating worse – for example, drinking alcohol or eating spicy food

A pharmacist could also help by offering:

stronger antiperspirants instead of deodorant

armpit or sweat shields to protect your clothing

foot powders for sweaty feet

soap substitutes that are more gentle on your skin

In some cases excessive sweating can be caused by another condition, so testing may be required. You should see a GP if you're sweating excessively and:

things you can do yourself are not helping

it's lasted for at least six months

it stops you from getting on with your daily activities

it happens at least once a week

it happens at night (you're having night sweats)

you have a family history of excessive sweating

you're taking medicine for another condition

If there's no obvious cause, a dermatologist may recommend other treatments:

taking tablets that reduce sweating

treating the areas with a weak electric current passed through water or on a wet pad (iontophoresis)

having botox injections for sweating under the armpits (this may not be available on the NHS)

surgery – for example, removal of the sweat glands

---