Hyperhidrosis
If you find yourself excessively sweating throughout your day, you may have hyperhidrosis. Consulting a healthcare professional is recommended so you can get a diagnosis, and possibly improve your overall quality of life.
What is Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis disorder is a condition that results in excessive sweating. This sweating can occur in unusual situations, such as in cooler weather, or without any trigger at all. It can also be caused
Primary focal hyperhidrosis
Sweating mainly occurs on your feet, hands, face, head, and underarms. This condition usually starts in childhood.
Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis
Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis is sweating caused by a medical condition or as a side effect of certain medications. It generally starts in adulthood. With this type, you might sweat all over your body, or in just one area. You might also sweat while you’re sleeping.
How Is Hyperhidrosis Diagnosed?
During a diagnosis, your doctor may perform a physical examination to determine the presence of sweat, and will usually do medical tests to rule out any underlying conditions that might be causing generalized hyperhidrosis.
Here are two common tests used:
Starch iodine test: A doctor applies iodine solution to the sweaty area and then sprinkles starch. A dark blue or purple colour will indicate the area of excess sweat.
Paper test: A doctor places special paper on the area where sweating is observed. Sweat absorbs into the paper and then the paper is weighed. The weight of the paper after the test indicates how much sweat was absorbed.
Common Causes of Focal Hyperhidrosis
Heat.
Spinal cord injury
Emotional stress/anxiety
Certain odours and foods, including citric acid, coffee, chocolate, peanut butter and spices.
Family History of excessive sweating
Common Causes of Secondary Hyperhidrosis
Dysautonomia (autonomic dysfunction)
Infections, such as tuberculosis
Hyperthyroidism
Diabetes
Severe psychological stress
Other Prescription Drugs
Heat, humidity and exercise
Hodgkin’s disease (cancer of the lymphatic system)
Menopause
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Antidepressants (buproprion or Wellbutrin®) and insulins (Humulin® R)
Treatment Options for Hyperhidrosis
-
This may be the first treatment that your doctor recommends. When applied as directed, an antiperspirant can be effective. Based on the severity of your condition, your doctor may recommend a regular or clinical-strength antiperspirant.
-
If excessive sweating affects your hands, feet, or both areas, this may be an option. You will use this treatment at home. It requires you to immerse your hands or feet in a shallow pan of tap water. As you do this, a medical device sends a low-voltage current through the water.
-
Your doctor may recommend this treatment for your underarms. To treat excessive sweating, a patient will need to have very tiny amounts injected in many areas of the underarms. When performed properly, patients will experience little pain or discomfort.
-
Certain medications that reduce sweating by affecting the cholinergic nerves may be recommended.
-
Topical medications are applied to the skin and contain aluminium salts in higher concentrations than those found in regular antiperspirants. They are used to treat mild forms of hyperhidrosis. Some irritation may occur with this type of treatment including burning or stinging.
-
Sympathectomy is usually considered a last resort for those with hyperhidrosis. The goal of a sympathectomy is to stop the nerve signals that your body sends to the sweat glands. To do this, the surgeon will cut or destroy certain nerves. To find these nerves, the surgeon inserts a mini surgical camera into the patient’s chest just beneath the underarm. The patient’s lung must be temporarily collapsed so that the surgeon can cut or destroy nerves.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
While hyperhidrosis is rarely a medical concern, you should consult a qualified dermatologist if you find your condition impedes daily functioning and is affecting your overall quality of life.
-
There is no cure for focal hyperhidrosis. Treatments focus on reducing your symptoms and improving your quality of life.
How your doctor treats secondary hyperhidrosis will depend on the underlying problem. Once your doctor can identify and treat the cause of excessive sweating, excessive sweating typically stops.
Get An Assessment.
Our friendly clinic staff are here to help you achieve a happier lifestyle. For a faster response, get in touch with us through WhatsApp!