Sweating is a body function that helps in adjusting the body temperature. Sweating, also called perspiration, is the process whereby salt-based fluids are released from your sweat glands. People tend to sweat more when it is hot outside or when they are working out. Additionally, sweating can be a sign of severe medical conditions. Sweating that surpasses the body needs is also called hyperhidrosis and it involves underarms, palms, feet as well as groin.
What Causes Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)?
Hyperhidrosis, also known as sudorrhea or polyhidrosis, is a condition that is characterized by excessive sweating. This sweating can affect more than one part of your body. According to various studies, certain genes play a significant role in hyperhidrosis. This means that you could be having this condition because someone in your family has it, either your parents or siblings. Other causes of excessive sweating include;
- Anxiety
- Spinal cord injuries
- Gout
- Obesity
- Heart disease
- Alcohol abuse
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Shingles
- Respiratory problems
- Infections like malaria, HIV and Tuberculosis
Symptoms of Hyperhidrosis
Some of the common symptoms of Hyperhidrosis include
- Frequent sweating
- Visible sweat that soaks through clothing
- Wet soles in the feet
- Wet palms of the hand
In addition to these symptoms, people with hyperhidrosis might experience the following:
- Worrying too much about staining their clothes
- A social withdrawal that often leads to depression
- Spending a lot of time dealing with sweat, for instance, they keep changing clothes, placing napkins or pads under their arms, wiping, washing, and wearing bulky or dark clothes
- Choosing jobs that have minimal physical contact with people
Sweat feels and smells gross sometimes; luckily, there are various ways that you can deal with excessive sweating.
Treatments for Hyperhidrosis
Prescription antiperspirants
This is the easiest way to tackle excessive sweating. Almost all antiperspirants contain aluminium salts that form a plug on your skin when rolled onto it. You can purchase an antiperspirant at your local drug stores or supermarkets. Additionally, other antiperspirants are combined with a deodorant; they won’t stop you from sweating but they will help manage the odour.
Botox injections
Another approved treatment for hyperhidrosis is Botox injection. This is the same injection that is used for wrinkles by dentists in Balham. Botox is often used in the treatment of excessive sweating of the underarms; however, some doctors might use it to treat sweating of the palm as well as feet. This treatment will minimize how much you sweat by 60 to 80%. Botox injection works by inhibiting the production of a chemical that activates the sweat glands.
Surgery
Surgery is only recommended for people with severe hyperhidrosis that isn’t responsive to other treatments. During this procedure, the doctor might cut, scrape, or even suction out the sweat glands.
Anticholinergic drugs
Your doctor might recommend a prescription medicine like anticholinergic medicines when treatments like Botox injections and antiperspirants fail to work. Anticholinergic drugs work by preventing the activation of sweat glands. This method might be effective, but they are not for everyone because they have aftermaths, for instance, heart palpitations, urinary complications, and hazy vision.
Take Care of Your Skin
While you are trying various antiperspirants and other treatments for hyperhidrosis, remember that self-care is important. Make lifestyle adjustments to accommodate your sweating. Don’t let hyperhidrosis dictate your emotional and physical health.
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