Some members of MySebDermTeam have noticed that sweating seems to make their seborrheic dermatitis worse. “I have an outbreak behind my right ear. … Since I favor sleeping on my right side, it seems like I sweat more behind that ear, and it seems oilier there,” one member shared.

Another member noted that they first noticed seborrheic dermatitis symptoms after sweating from gardening and going to the gym.

It turns out that sweat is a potential trigger for seborrheic dermatitis. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, sweating prevents you from overheating but can also dry out the skin. In addition, the salt in sweat can lead to seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups. “My seborrheic dermatitis is calm right now,” shared a member. “I’ve been trying to keep cool. The heat is my enemy.”

Here’s how sweat affects people with seborrheic dermatitis and what you can do to keep sweating under control.

Sweating With Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a type of eczema that causes patches of itchy skin and dandruff. One potential cause of seborrheic dermatitis is excessive growth of Malassezia yeast on the skin. Because yeast thrives when the skin is warm and moist, sweaty conditions may lead to more seborrheic dermatitis symptoms.

MySebDermTeam members have described their experiences with seborrheic dermatitis-related itching and pain from sweating. Regarding itching, one member said, “Warm weather makes my scalp sweat and itch even more.”

Another member described pain from sweating and seborrheic dermatitis, “It’s on my scalp, ears, and face, and it hurts worse when I sweat.”

While it’s helpful to learn what triggers your seborrheic dermatitis, it’s not always realistic to avoid triggers like sweating. After all, sweat-producing activities like exercise are good for your overall health. They’re also an effective way to reduce stress, which can be beneficial for seborrheic dermatitis. “For me, stress is a factor with outbreaks,” said a MySebDermTeam member. “When I’m eating right, exercising, sleeping well, and happy, it helps me.”

In addition, if you live in a warm climate, you might get sweaty just doing errands and daily tasks. You may not have the opportunity to rinse off or change into dry clothes right away after sweating.

You can do your best to stay cool by wearing loose fabrics that let your skin breathe. “Moisture-wicking” (also called “sweat-wicking”) fabrics can also help keep your skin dry.

When possible, try to avoid sweaty activities when you’re wearing make-up. Clean your skin first with a gentle cleanser to help prevent a build-up of cosmetics and sweat on your skin.

Are You Sweating Too Much?

Sweating is normal, but some people sweat more than others. The general term for excessive sweating, even when not overheated or exercising, is “hyperhidrosis.” Primary hyperhidrosis doesn’t have an underlying cause. It sometimes runs in families.

Hyperhidrosis can also be a symptom of other health conditions, such as:

• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Fever or infections
• Hormone abnormalities
• Hyperthyroidism
• Menopause

Excessive sweating and seborrheic dermatitis can also happen with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease. This is due to issues with the autonomic nervous system, which controls different body functions, including your heartbeat and breathing. However, having seborrheic dermatitis or excessive sweating doesn’t necessarily mean you have another health condition like Parkinson’s disease.

Many medications also cause hyperhidrosis as a side effect. You can view a long list of medications that can cause excessive sweating from the International Hyperhidrosis Society. They include certain:

• Pain medications
• Antivirals
• Antibiotics
• Blood pressure medications
• Hormonal and cancer treatments
• Medications that affect the immune system

If you’re suddenly sweating more than usual and it’s negatively affecting your quality of life, ask your dermatologist to help you figure out what’s going on.

Treatment Options To Reduce Sweating

MySebDermTeam members have discussed different ways to manage sweating.

“I sweat a lot, especially on my scalp,” shared one member. “My doctor told me to use cold water on my scalp a couple of times a day to keep it cool. It’s been helping. I have to wash my hair every day. If I don’t, I have flakes so bad. My doctor also said not to use a hairdryer.”

Another member mentioned that it’s helpful to blow-dry after the shower to keep moisture from sitting on their scalp for too long. “Letting it air dry leaves all that moisture on your scalp,” they said. “I do a quick blow-dry of at least the roots, then hit my scalp with a cool blast to stop it from sweating.”

Cold showers help other members: “I always follow my shampoo with a cool rinse even though I prefer warmer. It helps for a while especially if the weather is warmer,” another member said.

In addition to taking cooler showers, you can try avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods, which may promote sweating.

If excessive sweating is contributing to your seborrheic dermatitis, your health care provider may suggest other treatments, like:

• Prescription-strength antiperspirant
• Topical glycopyrrolate gel
• Botulinum toxin (botox) injections
• Sweat-reducing procedures
• Oral medication

Prescription-Strength Antiperspirant

These products have a higher concentration of active ingredients to stop sweating compared to over-the-counter antiperspirants. In addition to under the arms, some people apply them to other areas where sweating is a problem, like the bottom of the feet.

Topical Glycopyrrolate Gel

This medication can be applied to sweaty problem areas. Talk to your health care provider before starting any new topical product to make sure it will be safe and effective for you.

Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injections

A health care professional can give you injections to reduce sweating in specific parts of the body. Botox targets areas like the underarms, palms, and soles to ease excessive sweating.

Sweat-Reducing Procedures

Different medical devices are available to help stop sweating through lasers, microwave energy, or electrical currents that destroy sweat glands beneath the skin.

A board-certified dermatologist can help review your options and determine the safest and most effective choice for you. They’ll need to consider what treatments you’re already using for seborrheic dermatitis before adding a new intervention to the mix. If you use a heavy moisturizer that’s making you sweat, they may also suggest adjusting your current skin care routine, replacing creams with lighter lotions, or switching to a different cleanser or shampoo.

Oral Medication

Oxybutynin is an effective drug with few side effects for treating primary hyperhidrosis. It’s mainly used for people with sweating that affects multiple areas, or when other treatments haven’t worked. Oxybutynin is also used as a second or third option for treating excessive sweating in the underarms, palms, and soles of the feet.

Work With Your Doctor

Managing sweat and seborrheic dermatitis can be challenging, but there are effective strategies available. Keeping cool, using the right skin care products, and consulting with a health care provider about treatments can help. By understanding your triggers and finding the right combination of approaches, you can reduce sweating and improve your skin’s health.

Find Your Team

MySebDermTeam is the social network for people with seborrheic dermatitis and their loved ones. On MySebDermTeam, more than 14,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with seborrheic dermatitis.

Does sweating trigger your seborrheic dermatitis flares? Have you found any over-the-counter or prescription treatments that seem to improve your skin condition? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.