From the Research
There is no established direct association between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and hyperhidrosis. SLE is an autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organ systems, causing inflammation and tissue damage, while hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by excessive sweating beyond what's needed for normal thermoregulation. Although SLE patients may experience various symptoms including fever and autonomic nervous system dysfunction that could temporarily increase sweating, hyperhidrosis is not considered a typical manifestation of lupus. However, some medications used to treat SLE, such as certain antimalarials or corticosteroids like prednisone, might occasionally cause increased sweating as a side effect. Additionally, if SLE affects the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions including sweating, this could theoretically influence sweat production, but this is not a commonly reported association. If a patient with SLE experiences excessive sweating, it would be important to evaluate for other causes such as infection, medication effects, or coincidental primary hyperhidrosis rather than attributing it directly to the lupus itself.
Some key points to consider:
- SLE can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fever, fatigue, and joint pain, but hyperhidrosis is not typically one of them 1.
- Certain medications used to treat SLE, such as antimalarials and corticosteroids, may cause increased sweating as a side effect 2.
- The autonomic nervous system, which regulates sweating, can be affected in SLE, but this is not a commonly reported association with hyperhidrosis 3.
- If a patient with SLE experiences excessive sweating, it is essential to evaluate for other causes, such as infection or medication effects, rather than attributing it directly to the lupus itself.
In terms of treatment, there is no specific guidance on managing hyperhidrosis in patients with SLE. However, treatments for hyperhidrosis, such as botulinum toxin injections or topical aluminum chloride, may be effective in reducing excessive sweating 4, 5. Ultimately, the management of hyperhidrosis in patients with SLE should be individualized and based on the underlying cause of the excessive sweating.