WHAT IS EXCESSIVE SWEATING/HYPERHIDROSIS?
Excessive Sweating Treatment, medically known as Hyperhidrosis Disorder, is a condition in which one sweats unnaturally and unusually, such as in cooler conditions or without any triggers at all. Even though it is a condition on its own, Excessive Sweating can also occur as a side effect of other conditions such as menopause and hyperthyroidism.
TYPES AND CAUSES OF EXCESSIVE SWEATING
There are two major types of Excessive Sweating, and depending on which one it is you have, the causes can vary.
1. Primary Focal Excessive Sweating
In this condition, you experience excessive sweating on your feet, hands, face, neck, and underarms. Patients who have Primary Focal Excessive Sweating usually gain it through heredity, as it runs in their family history.
2. Secondary Generalized Excessive Sweating
This type of excessive sweating is caused by or exists as a side effect of, an underlying condition. It usually starts in adulthood and can happen all over the body or in a specific spot. In this type of Excessive Sweating, you may even sweat excessively while you are asleep. There are various underlying health conditions that could contribute to this type of Excessive Sweating, including:
- Heart diseases
- Cancer
- Adrenal Gland Disorders
- Stroke
- Hyperthyroidism
- Menopause
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Lung Diseases
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Other infectious diseases, such as Tuberculosis or HIV
SYMPTOMS OF EXCESSIVE SWEATING
- Excessive sweating that occurs for no apparent reason, for at least 6 months
- Sweating on body sides of the body in approximately equal amounts
- Episodes of excessive sweating at least once a week
- Sweating that hinders daily activities such as work, relationships, etc
- Excessive sweating that began at or younger than 25 years of age
- Hereditary existence of Excessive Sweating
These symptoms can indicate the existence of Primary Focal Excessive Sweating. However, further testing and examination is required to yield a more accurate reading.
A doctor’s consultation will be needed if you start to experience any of the following:
- Sweating as well as weight loss
- Sweating that occurs only when you sleep
- Sweating that occurs along with fever, chest pain, shortness of breath as well as quick heartbeat
- Sweating along with a prolonged pressure and pain in the chest
- Sweating itself that is prolonged and unexplained
EXCESSIVE SWEATING TREATMENT
There are various techniques/methods that one can adopt to reduce and control excessive sweating:
- Specialised Antiperspirants: Perspirants containing aluminium chloride may be administered, which are specifically designed to control mild instances of excessive sweating
- Iontophoresis: This is a procedure that makes use of a device that sends low-level electrical pulses when you are submerged in water. These pulses are sent to the hands, feet, or armpits to temporarily block the sweat glands
- Anticholinergic Drugs: Acetylcholine is a chemical in our body that stimulates the sweat glands. Anticholinergic drugs, hence prohibit the functioning of this chemical in the body. These drugs take about two weeks to become fully functional but pose a risk of side effects such as constipation and dizziness
- Botox: Botox injections may be used to treat excessive sweating. These injections block those nerves that control the functioning of the sweat glands. However, you may need several sessions of Botox, before it starts to take effect completely
- Surgery: If you have sweating in a particular spot in the body, you can surgically remove the sweat glands in that region to stop excessive sweating. Another option is a procedure called ‘Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy’, wherein the nerves that control the sweat glands are surgically severed
- Home Remedies: There are various home remedies that one can follow in order to reduce any excessive perspiration, including:
- Using over-the-counter antiperspirants
- Bathing daily to get rid of bacteria
- Wearing shoes and socks made from a natural material
- Letting your feet breath
- Changing your socks frequently
