Sweating is a normal body response that helps regulate body temperature. People sweat for various reasons such as exercise, nervousness, hot weather, and fear. Also, there are variations in how people sweat; some people may sweat more than others. Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, is when a person sweats beyond the normal physical need
Sweating is a normal body response that helps regulate body temperature. People sweat for various reasons such as exercise, nervousness, hot weather, and fear. Also, there are variations in how people sweat; some people may sweat more than others.
Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, is when a person sweats beyond the normal physical need. This type of sweating may not have an underlying cause; some people experience heavy sweating to the extent of dripping sweat in cool weather or when they are not exercising. Many people that have hyperhidrosis always have their hands wet with sweat.
In some cases, excessive sweating can be harmless; some people will sweat profusely, yet they do not have any underlying health problems. However, some cases may require medical intervention; excessive sweating is a symptom of various medical conditions. It is vital for individuals that experience excessive sweating to consider seeing a doctor for a medical diagnosis.
There are two types of excessive sweating:
• Primary focal hyperhidrosis
People with primary hyperhidrosis experience excessive perspiration in specific parts of their body, such as hands, head, feet, face, and groin. This type of hyperhidrosis has no underlying medical cause. Many people with this type are considered healthy, as the major symptom they show is excessive sweating.
Primary focal hyperhidrosis is partly hereditary. Some people have these genetic traits passed to them by their parents. The primary cause of this type of hyperhidrosis remains unknown; however, some evidence points to a minor malfunction of the nervous system.
Excessive sweating can negatively impact an individual's quality of life. Some people may be embarrassed about their condition to the point it affects their social life.
• Secondary hyperhidrosis
In this type of hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating occurs all over the body. Sweating is caused by an underlying medical condition and certain medications. Some of the medical conditions include heart failure, menopause, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, thyroid problems, stroke, and some cancer types like lymphoma and leukemia. On the other hand, medications likely to cause excessive sweating are supplements, antibiotics, blood pressure drugs, and psychiatric drugs. Secondary hyperhidrosis mainly manifests itself in adulthood, with the primary symptom being sweating at night.
Excessive sweating can be a symptom of a severe medical condition; therefore, it is essential to see a doctor if you experience:
• Excessive sweating when sleeping
• Sweating all over your body
• Sweating accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, fatigue, or any other symptom
• Excessive sweating that occurs on one side of the body
• Sweating after taking medication
The type of hyperhidrosis determines the appropriate treatment for an individual. There is no specific cure for primary focal hyperhidrosis; thus, treating the condition entails managing the symptoms.
Some of the treatment options of primary hyperhidrosis include:
• Use of antiperspirants: Prescription antiperspirants that contain aluminum chloride are stronger than over-the-counter antiperspirants. They are effective in treating mild cases of hyperhidrosis.
• Iontophoresis: It is a painless procedure applicable for sweaty feet, hands, armpits, face, or any other body part. This treatment uses a device that produces an electric current when it is submerged in water. The current is passed to the part of your body that requires treatment, temporarily blocking your sweat glands.
• Oral medications: Oral medications such as anticholinergic drugs are commonly used for managing hyperhidrosis. Anticholinergic drugs stop the activation of sweat glands resulting in reduced sweating.
• Antidepressants: Anxiety is a common underlying cause of excessive sweating. Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to help reduce excessive sweating.
• Botox (botulinum toxin): Botox injections are responsible for blocking the nerves from stimulating the sweat glands. Botox is a suitable treatment for underarm sweating.
As for secondary hyperhidrosis, treatment depends on the underlying medical condition. For example, a person with diabetes will have their blood sugar controlled; thus, excessive sweating will stop.
• Put on socks that are absorbent and change them frequently.
• Choose to wear clothing made from natural fibers such as silk, wool, and cotton, which allow your skin to breathe. Don't wear heavy clothes or clothing made from synthetic fibers such as nylon.
• Choose to wear shoes made from natural materials like leather.
• Air your feet.
• Take a bath regularly using antibacterial soap.
• Use underarm liners to absorb sweat and protect your garment from staining.
• Avoid certain foods such as spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks as they trigger sweating.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.