Sweating is a typical physiological function. All of us perspire in order to maintain a constant body temperature and ensure that all chemical reactions within the body function properly. When it is hot, when we exercise, and when we are agitated or concerned, we perspire more.
Hyperhidrosis
Another term for excessive or uncontrolled sweating is hyperhidrosis. Although the illness is not life-threatening, it can cause considerable humiliation and pain, as well as have a negative influence on education, job, and social connections.
Approximately 2% to 4% of the population suffers from hyperhidrosis, which most typically affects the armpits but can also affect the palms, feet, and groin.
Causes of excessive sweating
Most persons who sweat excessively have a disorder known as idiopathic hyperhidrosis. This indicates that the cause is unidentified. It is conceivable for the nerves that normally cause perspiration to become hyperactive and activate the sweat glands even in the absence of heat or physical activity.
This kind of hyperhidrosis is frequently inherited. It might be exacerbated by anxiety or stress. It most usually affects the armpits, followed by the palms and feet, and finally the face.
Some individuals experience excessive perspiration due to a medical issue. It is essential to consult a doctor in order to rule out a medical reason, such as:
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your medical history and symptoms during your appointment. You may also require a physical examination or further testing to determine the root cause of your issue.
Lab tests
Your doctor may order blood, urine, or another lab testing to determine whether your sweating is caused by another medical problem, such as hyperthyroidism or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Stress testing
Several procedures, including an iodine-starch test, a skin conductance test, and a thermoregulatory sweat test, are available to pinpoint the areas of excessive sweating and determine the severity of your disease.
Treatment of hyperhidrosis
General management
- Put on loose clothing.
- Wear garments made from natural fibers
- Wear shoes, socks, and outfits that are breathable.
- Employ shoe or foot spray.
- Perform pedicures routinely.
- Use deodorant, antiperspirant, and perfume.
- Bathe often.
- While bathing, use soap or shower gel containing mint.
- Eat less animal products and more veggies.
- Clean your underarms with moist tissue paper.
Medical management
Changing your lifestyle (such as taking more frequent showers or wearing breathable textiles) may alleviate mild hyperhidrosis symptoms. Your provider will review all of your treatment choices and assist you in choosing the best course of action.
Antiperspirants containing aluminum operate by occluding the sweat glands so that the body stops generating perspiration. Your doctor may suggest over-the-counter or prescription medications. Stronger deodorants may be more effective. However, they are more prone to induce adverse effects including skin inflammation.
Oral anticholinergic medicines (glycopyrrolate and oxybutynin) can improve the efficacy of antiperspirants containing aluminum. Vision blurring and urinary issues are potential adverse effects. Your doctor may offer an antidepressant, which may reduce perspiration and soothe your anxiety. Your physician may also suggest beta blockers.
Clinical-grade cloth wipes: Cloth wipes containing glycopyrronium tosylate (Qbrexza®) may decrease armpit perspiration. Each disposable cloth is individually packaged. Utilize the wipes regularly to maintain the advantages.
Surgical treatment
Microwave treatment: A device that produces microwave radiation is utilized in this treatment to kill sweat glands. Two 20- to 30-minute treatments are administered three months apart. Possible adverse effects include altered skin feeling and pain. This treatment may be costly and not readily accessible.
Sweat gland elimination: If excessive perspiration is limited to the armpits, eliminating the glands there may be helpful. Suction curettage, a less invasive approach, may also be a possibility if you do not react to conventional therapies.
Neurosurgery (sympathectomy):Â The physician slices, burns, or clamps the spinal nerves that govern hand perspiration during this treatment. Occasionally, this technique causes excessive perspiration in other regions of the body (compensatory sweating). Typically, surgery is not a possibility for isolated head and neck perspiration. A variant of this technique blocks nerve transmissions without destroying the sympathetic nerve (sympathectomy).
Outlook
The disease of primary focal hyperhidrosis is treated. Your physician will assist you in developing a treatment plan to manage your symptoms.
When the underlying problem is cured, the excessive sweating that it causes may subside. The treatment for secondary global hyperhidrosis is determined by the underlying ailment producing excessive sweating. If you believe your sweating is a side effect of a medicine, consult your physician. They will assess if you may switch drugs or decrease the dosage.
