Parkinson’s & Sweating

Hyperhidrosis can be an early sign of Parkinson’s as well as a lingering Parkinson’s problem. 

According to a study in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 24% of people with Parkinson’s disease experience excessive sweating. Parkinson’s-associated sweating also often becomes more serious as the disease progresses. The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA), notes that unusual sweating of the upper body or head can be an early warning sign of Parkinson’s.

Research also shows that excessive sweating is associated with greater depression, anxiety and sexual dysfunction in people with Parkinson’s. 

Excessive sweating is one of several skin changes associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and can be an early warning sign of Parkinson’s. 

Parkinson’s excessive sweating tends to occur on the face, head, and trunk but hands and feet may sweat less than normal. Sleep disturbances related to poor temperature control and sweating are also common with Parkinson’s.

Treatment for Parkinson’s Sweating

To help control hyperhidrosis in Parkinson’s, the usual hyperhidrosis treatments can be tried. These include antiperspirants, anticholinergic oral medications (which are sometimes used to help Parkinson’s tremors anyway), and injections like Botox (which can be used to treat Parkinson’s tremors, drooling and other symptoms, as well as unwanted sweating).

Excessive sweating that is new or unusual for a patient should be evaluated as it can be a symptom of Parkinson’s or another medical condition, or a side effect of a medication.

For more on Parkinson’s, visit the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.Parkinson.org or call their Helpline. 

The International Hyperhidrosis Society is proud to support Parkinson’s awareness and advocacy.