We talked to experts about the causes, treatment, and prevention.
By Bryan Levandowski
Medically reviewed by Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD
BOARD-CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST
Fact checked by Michelle Regalado
There’s one in every group selfie—the guy who stands with his arms crossed, fingers tucked in and thumbs extended upward to cover up all evidence of a dark armpit area. Maybe you’re that guy, and if so, you’re among the 4.8% of men in the United States who experiences excessive sweating for no particular reason—a condition known as hyperhidrosis.1 Thankfully there are a variety of treatment options nowadays.
Excessive sweating in men is certainly not a new topic, but it’s one that has gained more awareness nowadays as more men have been willing to open up about it. From a distance, it may not seem like a big deal: sweaty pits, a damp brow, a moist upper lip—stuff we all experience from time to time, especially on hot days or after physical activity. Some of us even spring for a quality shvitz by hopping into a sauna or steam room. But for those afflicted with a condition that causes them to sweat prolifically, it can be a nightmare. A recent study revealed that it can have a profoundly negative effect on mental health, self-esteem, and social activity.1
We took a deep dive into the causes, treatment, and prevention of excessive sweating in men and consulted with two experts who gave us their valuable insight: board-certified plastic surgeon Smita Ramanadham, MD, and board-certified physician Azza Halim, MD. We’ll also take a look at night sweats, another condition that more and more men report having experienced and what to do to combat it.
