HYPERHIDROSIS

HYPERHIDROSIS

Hyperhidrosis is known as sweating excessively or in abnormal amounts that it drips off the hands and soaks through clothing and typically is not connected to exercise or heat. It can cause embarrassment and social anxiety in persons affected by it and disrupts their normal daily activities. Various therapies and medications may be needed if antiperspirants don’t help. Your medical professional may suggest the removal of the sweat glands via surgery in extreme cases.

TYPES

There are two known types of hyperhidrosis.

  • Essential or primary focal hyperhidrosisis the most common one. Even if they haven’t been activated by physical heat or physical exertion, the nerves in a person’s body signal the sweat glands to become overactive. The condition worsens when coupled with nervousness, anxiety and stress. It commonly affects a person’s palms and soles, and at times, it also affects the face. This type of hyperhidrosis has no known medical cause and may have a component that is hereditary since it’s known to run in the family.
  • Secondary generalized hyperhidrosisis the second and less common type of hyperhidrosis. It happens when there is excessive sweating due to a patient’s medical condition, and it tends to cause sweating all over a person’s body and not just in selected areas. Conditions that may lead to heavy sweating include:
  • Infections
  • Thyroid problems
  • Nervous system disorders
  • Cancer
  • Low blood sugar
  • Diabetes
  • Heart attack
  • Menopausal hot flashes

 

SYMPTOMS

Persons with hyperhidrosis experience sweating that far exceeds the norm and occurs on both sides of a person’s body and typically affects the feet, face, underarms, and hands. It commonly occurs while a person is awake and has at least one episode per week. When excessive sweating is accompanied by nausea, chest pains or feelings of lightheadedness, seek medical attention at once.

  • Sweating stops when a person is asleep
  • Excess sweating disrupts daily life/activities
  • The onset of excessive sweating happened before age 25
  • Family history of an extreme or abnormal amount of sweating
  • Happens at least once a week
  • The onset of abnormal sweating causes social withdrawal, anxiety and emotional distress.

DIAGNOSIS

The medical professional may conduct a physical exam and ask about the signs and symptoms experienced as well as the person’s medical history.

  • Sweat Tests.These tests include a thermoregulatory sweat test, skin conductance test and an iodine-starch test. These are used to determine the level of severity of a person’s condition as well as to local the regions where there is excessive sweating.
  • Lab Tests. Urine and blood tests may be recommended by your healthcare professional, as well as other lab tests to determine if the abnormal sweating is caused by some other medical condition, such as hypoglycemia or low blood sugar and hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid gland.

 

TREATMENT

Surgical Procedures

  • Sympathectomy or nerve surgery
  • Sweat gland removal

Medications

  • Botulinum toxin injections
  • Prescription Creams
  • Nerve blockers
  • Prescription antiperspirant
  • Antidepressants

Lifestyle Remedies

  • Use astringents
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Proper hygiene
  • Use antiperspirantsantiperspirants

Related Articles

TETRALOGY OF FALLOT

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect that affects the [...]

TRICHINOSIS

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trichinosis, also known as trichinellosis, is a parasitic infection caused by [...]

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological condition characterized by severe facial pain. [...]