For most of us, these instances come and go, and may be only mildly annoying.
(1)
Hyperhidrosis is a condition in which sweating is frequent and hard to control.
Its often visible to others, and for this reason, it can triggeranxietyand make you feel self-conscious.
(2)
Fortunately, modern medicine offersa variety of ways to reduce or stop excessive sweating.
Signs and Symptoms of Hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating is the main symptom of hyperhidrosis.
Hyperhidrosis sweating tends to occur on both sides of the body.
Sweating associated with hyperhidrosismostly occurs while youre awake and stops when youre asleep.
(2)
Sweating is how the body naturally cools itself and avoids overheating.
(2)
Risk factors for hyperhidrosis include a family history of excessive sweating.
(2)
Types of Hyperhidrosis
There are two different types of hyperhidrosis.
Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis
Primary focal hyperhidrosis isnt the result of another medical condition or medication.
(2)
In this scenario, excessive sweating is your diagnosis.
Sweating occurs symmetrically, affecting both hands and feet or underarms.
This key in of hyperhidrosis can start in childhood or adolescence.
And in most cases, some of your family members also have excessive sweating.
(4)
2.
This pop in may not begin until youre older or after you start taking a certain medication.
Secondary hyperhidrosis can also cause excessive sweating while youre asleep.
(6)
Your doctor may also perform a physical examination and order lab tests.
These tests may include a urine and blood test to check for anoveractive thyroidorlow blood sugar.
Both factors can be an underlying reason for excessive sweating.
For this test, your doctor applies a powder substance to different areas of your skin.
The powder turns purple as you sweat.
This could indicate a serious medical problem.
(2)
Prognosis of Hyperhidrosis
With treatment, hyperhidrosis can be managed well.
(9) Yet when an underlying medical problem causes excessive sweating, treating this problem may treat hyperhidrosis.
(10)
How Has Excessive Sweating Affected Your Mental Health?
The telltale symptom of hyperhidrosis is sweating without a known trigger like a warm day or a grueling workout.
Weigh in on whether hyperhidrosis has affected your mental health, and if so, how, below.
The one you choose will depend on the severity of your symptoms.
Antiperspirant
A good first line of defense is over-the-counter antiperspirant designed to control excessive sweating.
Hyperhidrosis deodorant options include Certain Dri and Secret Clinical Strength.
(7)
Depending on the severity of your condition, over-the-counter products may have little effect on sweating.
In this case, your doctor may prescribe a stronger antiperspirant with aluminum chloride, such as Drysol.
Keep in mind that antiperspirants for excessive sweating should be applied before bed and washed off in the morning.
Use the same cloth for both underarms daily.
Its important to wash your hands with soap and water after using the cloth.
Temporary pupil dilation or blurry vision can occur if the medicine comes in contact with your eyes.
(11)
Another option is oral glycopyrrolate, which can be taken daily for primary hyperhidrosis.
Although helpful, Botox has potential side effects.
These include pain at the injection site and short-term muscle weakness.
When successful, the fix is permanent.
Next, your deflated lung will be inflated again, and the cuts will be stitched up.
(4,13)
Usually, the procedure is complete within one to three hours.
(14)
Benefits of this procedure include a short hospital stay and often a quick recovery.
Risks, on the other hand, include developing gustatory sweating, which refers to sweating during eating.
Gustatory sweating occurs in 5 to 10 percent of people who undergo ETS.
In time, this side effect may subside.
(4)
Again, ETS is permanent.
There have been no reports of successful reversal of this operation.
Its an option for excessive sweating in your hands or feet.
(7)
Basically, youll place your hands or feet in a shallow pan of water.
(7)
This therapy is effective, but also time consuming.
You may need two to three treatments a week, and each treatment may take up to 40 minutes.
(7)
Hyperhidrosis natural treatments include herbal supplements like sage,chamomile, and St. Johns wort.
Consult your doctor before taking herbal supplements, especially if you take prescription medications.
Unfortunately, theres little research to confirm the effectiveness of these therapies.
(15)
Acupuncture for hyperhidrosis may also provide positive results.
All participants reported a decrease in sweating, and they didnt report any side effects from treatment.
Hyperhidrosis creates a moist environment where fungus can grow and thrive.
It can also lead to fungal nail infections, as well as body odor.
According to research, people with hyperhidrosis have a 300 percent greater risk of skin infections.
(18)
Plus, excessive sweating can make you uncomfortable in social options.
You might avoid events or gatherings out of fear or embarrassment over visible perspiration.
It also prevents some from pursuing educational and professional goals.
If youve had an embarrassing experience with excessive sweating, you know these effects well.
Seeing a doctor helps.
(19) This can help you identify situations that trigger excessive sweating.
These approaches may also lower your stress level and reduce excessive sweating.
In addition, set limitations and avoid overbooking yourself.
You might even cut back on caffeine.
Thats because many people with hyperhidrosis do not seek out a diagnosis or treatment, possibly due to embarrassment.
In those diagnosed with hyperhidrosis, about 35 percent to 55 percent have a family history of the condition.
(18)
Secondary hyperhidrosis usually occurs after age 25.
(20) In this group, the condition often affects the soles of the feet and the palms.
If you have secondary hyperhidrosis, sweating can occur as a symptom of another medical condition.
Dont let sweating stop you from living.
You cant always hide hyperhidrosis hands, hyperhidrosis feet, a sweaty face, and pit stains.
But you’re able to talk to your doctor and learn ways to put excessive sweating behind you.
