EXCESSIVE SWEATING (HYPERHIDROSIS) - WatsonsHealth

EXCESSIVE SWEATING (HYPERHIDROSIS)

Overview & Facts

Excessive sweating is also known as hyperhidrosis. Regardless of the type or the reason for hyperhidrosis, it is socially humiliating and occupationally debilitating. Excessive sweating on the hands may ruin paper and artworks; it may even affect the way your play musical instruments. Those who constantly have contact with paper, electricals and metals cannot work efficiently.

Hyperhidrosis may bring about stains and can also cause damage to dresses and shoes. Generalized or regionalized hyperhidrosis may leave people with wet attire that must be changed in various circumstances every day.

The reasons for hyperhidrosis are many and include fever, neoplastic and neurologic diseases, metabolic problems, and medications. Other conditions include cancers, scinal cord injuries, Frey syndrome, arthritis, keratosis and cold injuries.

Overview & Facts

There are two types of hyperhidrosis: Primary Focal and Secondary Generalized.

Primary focal hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that is not caused by another medical condition. It occurs in specific areas of the body and it affects both sides of the body. The most common areas are the hands, feet, underarms, face and head.

On the other hand, secondary genralized hyperhidrosis is due to a general medical condition and affects the whole body.

Signs and symptoms of hyperhidrosis include:

  • Moist palms of the hands
  • Moist soles of the feet
  • Frequent sweating
  • Sweating that can soak clothing
  • Skin problems

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

At first, a doctor may attempt to seek any hidden conditions, for example, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) by requesting blood and urine tests.

Patients will be questioned about their excessive sweating, like what parts are effected, how frequent the attacks are and when sweating occurs in sleep.

A thermoregulatory sweat test may be done where a powder is used to see whether there is sweating or now.

When presented to warm environments, individuals who don’t have hyperhidrosis tend not to sweat too much in the palms of their hands, yet patients with hyperhidrosis do. This test likewise enables the doctor to decide the seriousness of the condition.

 

TREATMENT

A few changes in every day way of life may help relieve symptoms:

  • Antiperspirant sprays can be used, such as those containing aluminum chloride, which blocks the sweat glands
  • Armpit shields are pads worn in the armpit to protect clothing from sweat.
  • Loose clothing can relieve sweating.
  • Shoes made of natural materials such as leather are recommended. Thick and soft socks are also recommended.

If these measures are not effective, medical treatment may be given.

 

 

 

 

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