Genital hyperhidrosis is a condition that many people suffer from, but find it embarrassing enough that they don’t like to draw attention to it, medically or otherwise. Genital hyperhidrosis is the excessive sweating of the genital area (including groin, inner thighs, and buttocks) and can be extremely uncomfortable.
Typically, genital hyperhidrosis is considered a hereditary condition, and can encompass excessive sweating in the armpits and hands or feet as well, but can be suffered alone. Genital hyperhidrosis can also be caused by stress, change in hormones (such as menopause or puberty) or anxiety. Exercise and high levels of humidity or heat can also attribute to genital hyperhidrosis. Medically, there is still no known main cause for what causes excessive sweating, however.
Men and women alike can suffer from genital hyperhidrosis, which can be highly uncomfortable. Aside discomfort of the wetness “down there”, the risk of getting rashes in the groin area from moisture in between the buttocks or inner thighs, bacterial infections (such as jock itch or yeast infections), chafing, or nasty odors from sweating are major concerns. One of the biggest concerns with genital hyperhidrosis is actually sweating through underwear and pants, looking as if one has wet themselves.
While there are no known exact causes for why some people sweat more than others, and treatments don’t always have success, there are ways to help control and manage genital hyperhidrosis to live a more comfortable life. Some people consider getting Botox injections in the groin area where the sweat glands are. This is an effective but temporary treatment, and can be expensive. Usually, the Botox only lasts up to 6 months or so, and the sweating returns once the treatment expires. Using an antiperspirant designed for the genital area also helps, as does wearing washable pads that can be changed frequently to absorb sweating. Oral medications for hyperhidrosis are effective, but have nasty side effects, like blurry vision. In extreme cases, surgery (sympathectomy) can be performed, but often this surgery,which removes the sweat glands in the area, can result in compensatory sweating elsewhere, like the back, hands, feet, or even the face.
There are natural ways to help control genital hyperhidrosis, starting with hygiene. Keeping the groin area shaved can help keep the area dry and free of odor, also helping to prevent nasty bacteria from breeding. Also, wearing cotton underwear to allow the groin area to breathe helps. Exfoliating the skin around the groin gets rid of old skin cells that trap sweat and cause odor and rashes and helps the skin breathe as well. Eating a diet with less alcohol, sugars, carbs, and saturated fats can help make the sweating odor less intense and keep the sweat glands from being as active. Avoiding caffeine and other stimulants that cause sweating (like spicy foods) can help as well.
