Stress and sweating: Causes, symptoms, cure for anxiety-induced Hyperhidrosis

Causes of hyperhidrosis: In people with hyperhidrosis, even minor stressors, like meeting new people or speaking in public, can activate the fight-or-flight response, leading to excessive sweating (Image: Canva)

Have you ever found yourself drenched in sweat before going for an interview, an important exam, or even a casual social gathering? Sweating is a normal response to stress, but for some, it becomes overwhelming and persistent, far beyond what’s needed to cool down. If you experience this then you might be dealing with anxiety-induced hyperhidrosis.

Hyperhidrosis is a cycle where stress triggers excessive sweating, and sweating fuels even more anxiety, says Dr Deeksha Kalra, Consultant Psychiatrist, Artemis Hospitals. “Anxiety and hyperhidrosis are deeply connected. When you feel stressed, your body releases adrenaline, which activates the sweat glands. But in people with hyperhidrosis, this response is exaggerated, leading to profuse sweating even in non-threatening situations.” she adds.

Dr Kalra explains why this happens.

Your body’s autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls involuntary functions like sweating, heart rate, and digestion. When you feel anxious, stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol kick in, signaling your body to prepare for a perceived threat. “Hyperhidrosis is often linked to an overactive nervous system. When anxiety kicks in, the sweat glands are triggered more than usual, making sweating unpredictable and uncontrollable,” she says.

Also read | Is excessive sweating disrupting your routine? Try these natural solutions

Your body's natural stress response helps you deal with threats. It speeds up your heartbeat, sharpens your focus, and triggers sweating. “This sweating is meant to regulate body temperature in case you need to run or exert yourself. However, in people with hyperhidrosis, this system goes into overdrive. Even minor stressors, like meeting new people or speaking in public, can activate the fight-or-flight response, leading to excessive sweating,” says Dr Kalra.

If you frequently sweat in visible areas like your palms, face, or underarms, you may start feeling self-conscious. “Over time, this can lead to social anxiety and avoidance behaviours, like skipping events, avoiding handshakes, or wearing only dark clothes to hide sweat stains. Many patients with hyperhidrosis start fearing the embarrassment of sweating itself. This ‘sweat anxiety’ makes the condition worse, creating a vicious cycle of stress and perspiration,” she explains.

Excessive sweating can make daily tasks difficult, from embarrassing handshakes to struggling with damp fingers on devices and stressing over visible sweat stains on clothes. Beyond the physical discomfort, the psychological toll is significant. “Over time, unmanaged hyperhidrosis can lead to withdrawal from social settings, loss of confidence, and in severe cases, even depression,” Dr Kalra warns.

Also read | 10 home remedies to stop excessive sweating, smell good

Managing anxiety-induced Hyperhidrosis:

Breaking the sweat-anxiety cycle requires a combination of medical treatments, psychological strategies, and lifestyle changes. “Deep breathing and mindfulness help regulate the nervous system, while yoga and meditation lower stress and reduce sweating. Progressive muscle relaxation eases anxiety-related tension, making it easier to stay calm in stressful situations, ” she says, adding that if lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medical treatments like Botox, antiperspirants iontophoresis, and anticholinergics, therapies and psychological treatments may provide relief.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.