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Hypermobility and sweating are common. Having bendy joints, a positive Beighton Score, and fragile skin doesn’t automatically mean you’ll sweat more than normal, though.
Instead, you most likely have another condition caused by your hypermobility that triggers excessive sweat.
So, let’s have a look at these conditions in more detail to determine the real link between hypermobility and sweating.
Does Ehlers-Danlos cause excessive sweating?
One common query is whether hypermobility and sweating are connected. There is no definitive answer to this and it seems to be that every person with EDS is affected differently.
Scientific studies specifically examining this link are limited, and further research is necessary to establish a conclusive connection, however.
Speaking to people with EDS and hypermobility and from my own experience, EDS does cause excessive sweating for many people. Even something as simple as walking up the stairs or hanging out the washing can make people with hypermobility sweat more than expected.
But not everyone with EDS sweats. Some people with the condition say they don’t sweat at all! We really are unique and interesting characters, aren’t we?
Does hypermobility cause excessive sweating in children?
In my experience, it does! My little ones are sweaty creatures!
It’s normal for everyone to sweat, even children and infants. But, babies and young children should sweat less than adults as apocrine glands do not open until puberty.
A study titled ‘Correlation between benign joint hypermobility syndrome and primary focal hyperhidrosis in children: a novel concept’ found a link between hypermobility and sweating in children.
Children with hypermobility aged between 3 and 15 years were assessed. 56.2% of the children with hypermobility were diagnosed as having primary focal hyperhidrosis (PFH). In comparison, just 16.3% of the children in the control group had PFH.
Why does hypermobility cause sweating?
The exact reason why hypermobility causes sweating is not fully understood. But, it is thought to be due to changes in the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for controlling involuntary bodily functions, such as sweating.
People with hypermobility may have an overactive autonomic nervous system. This can lead to increased sweating, even when the body is not hot.
There are several other conditions related to hypermobility that can also cause sweating, including:
- Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
- Fibromyalgia
- Infections
POTS is a condition that also affects the autonomic nervous system. It causes a rapid increase in heart rate when standing up. This can lead to several symptoms, including sweating, dizziness, and fainting.
Fibromyalgia and hypermobility commonly occur together. Sweating happens in fibromyalgia due to medication use, increased sensitivity to pain, and autonomic dysfunction.
It’s normal to have a weak immune system when you have hypermobility. As a result, you’re at an increased risk of picking up infections and viruses. These illnesses can affect your temperature, and you may sweat more because of this.
Does hypermobility cause night sweats?
Night sweats are a common symptom of hypermobility, according to sufferers. They are caused by the body’s inability to regulate its temperature properly.
However, science doesn’t yet support the theory that hypermobility causes night sweats. One study found a similar incidence of night sweats in both hypermobile and non-hypermobile individuals.
Saying that, if you have autonomic dysfunction that causes excessive daytime sweating, it’s to be expected that you’d sweat more at night as well.
But you mustn’t rule out that if you’re a woman, hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle and menopause can contribute to night sweats.
How to manage hypermobility and sweating
If you are experiencing excessive sweating, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis. There is no cure for hypermobility or any of the other conditions that can cause sweating, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms.
Here are some tips for managing excessive sweating:
- Stay hydrated – Drinking plenty of fluids can help to keep the body cool and prevent sweating.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol – These substances can dehydrate the body and make sweating worse.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing – This will help to keep the body cool and prevent sweating.
- Use a powerful antiperspirant or deodorant – These products can help to reduce sweating. I like to use Mitchum Women’s 48hr protection deodorant. I originally used the men’s version as I’d read good things about it. But I was a little put off by the smell of it so switched to the women’s version.
- See a doctor – If your sweating is severe or is causing you distress, see a doctor. There may be an underlying medical condition that needs to be treated.
Having hypermobility and sweating excessively can be two annoying problems. It’s important to understand the reason for your sweating and see whether it’s related to hypermobility and a possible co-existing condition.
