Gustatory sweating involves perspiration on the forehead, face, scalp, and neck shortly after eating. It is normal to experience sweating after consuming hot, spicy foods. However, when it is not related to food, gustatory sweating is usually due to nerve damage affecting the parotid gland, a major salivary gland, leading to a condition known as Frey syndrome. In such cases, sweating typically occurs on one side of the head. Although rare, gustatory sweating can also be a manifestation of other conditions, and in these instances, it might affect both sides of the head with varying degrees of severity. This troublesome issue poses treatment challenges. Common treatments include medications like oxybutynin chloride, propantheline bromide, and clonidine (marketed as Catapres). Recently, there have been some positive outcomes with the use of topical glycopyrrolate, applied to the skin of the forehead and face, while avoiding the eyes and mouth. See also Frey syndrome for more information.
