What is Hyperhidrosis?
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), 10 years of experience
What is the meaning of Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a condition in which there is excessive sweating which is not related to exercise or heat. The condition is also known as polyhidrosis or seborrhea. Sweating can affect a particular area or the entire body. The excessive sweating associated with hyperhidrosis is usually seen in the hands, feet, armpits, and groin areas due to a high concentration of sweat glands in these areas. The hyperhidrosis condition may be present from birth or may develop much later in life. However, most cases of excessive sweating begin during a person’s teenage years. Hyperhidrosis may affect the social life, work, free-time activities, personal relationships, self-image, and emotional well-being of the affected person. The symptoms of hyperhidrosis may become severe and cause embarrassment, discomfort, and anxiety. In this article, we will be discussing hyperhidrosis treatment in detail –
- What are the types of Hyperhidrosis?
- What are the causes of Hyperhidrosis?
- What are the symptoms of Hyperhidrosis?
- How to diagnose Hyperhidrosis?
- What is the Hyperhidrosis treatment?
- What are the complications of Hyperhidrosis?
- What are the home remedies for Hyperhidrosis?
What are the types of Hyperhidrosis?
Depending on the cause of hyperhidrosis and the age at which it occurs, hyperhidrosis can be classified as:
Primary Hyperhidrosis:
- It is a condition of excessive sweating that occurs without the presence of any underlying disorder or condition.
- For most people, this condition starts in childhood.
- In most cases, there is a family history of excessive sweating.
Secondary Hyperhidrosis:
- It is a condition seen due to an underlying medical disease, or side effect of certain medications.
- It normally affects older adults.
- The affected person may sometimes sweat while sleeping also.
Based on the area affected, hyperhidrosis can also be classified as:
Focal Hyperhidrosis:
- When excessive sweating is seen in a localized area, the condition is known as focal hyperhidrosis.
- For example, palmoplantar hyperhidrosis leads to excessive sweating in the soles and palms.
Generalized Hyperhidrosis:
- When excessive sweating is seen in the entire body, the condition is known as generalized hyperhidrosis.
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What are the causes of Hyperhidrosis?
The causes of primary hyperhidrosis are not clearly known. However, there are several known causes of secondary hyperhidrosis.
Causes of Primary Hyperhidrosis:
Although there is no known cause of this condition, it is commonly seen in the following cases:
- Stress, anxiousness, nervousness
- Heat
- Spinal cord (backbone) injury
- Some odors and foods like coffee, chocolate, peanut butter, spices, and citric acid
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Causes of Secondary Hyperhidrosis:
The causes of secondary hyperhidrosis include:
- Heart diseases
- Diabetes
- Lung diseases
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- Stroke (damage to the brain caused due to interruption of blood supply)
- Obesity
- Parkinson’s disease (a central nervous system disorder that affect movements and cause tremors)
- Menopause (stopping of the menstrual cycle)
- Pregnancy
- Tuberculosis
- HIV
- Leukemia (blood cancer)
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- Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system that eventually limits the body’s ability to fight infections)
- Injury to the spinal cord (backbone)
- Thyroid disorders
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What are the symptoms of Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is defined as sweating that impairs normal activities. Episodes of excessive sweating occur at least once a week for no apparent reason and affect social life or daily activities.
Signs and symptoms of hyperhidrosis may include:
- Moist or wet palms
- Wet soles of the feet
- Frequent sweating
- Noticeable sweat that soaks through clothing
- Itching
- Inflammation of the skin
- Body odor
- Skin changes like discoloration, paleness, wrinkles, or cracks
- Soft and disintegrating skin on the soles of the feet (maceration)
- Combination of sweat, bacteria, and chemicals (from perfumes or deodorants) results in a residue that leaves marks on clothing
- Irritating and painful skin problems, such as fungal or bacterial infections
- Reluctant to make physical contact
- Self-consciousness
- Social withdrawal, sometimes leads to depression
- Selecting a job or employment where physical contact or human contact is not a job requirement
- Daily activities to keep excessive sweating in check like changing clothes, wiping, placing napkins or pads under the arms, washing clothes, wearing heavy clothing, or wearing dark clothing
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How to diagnose Hyperhidrosis?
- Physical examination: The doctor will first physically examine the patient. The patient’s symptoms are asked, along with the medical history and family history of the patient.
- Lab tests: The doctor may recommend undergoing some routine lab tests like blood or urine tests to check if the cause of excessive sweating is an underlying medical condition like low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- Skin tests: These tests may be required to measure the amount of sweat that the body is producing. These tests may include:
- Paper test: A paper is placed on the affected area for absorbing sweat. The paper is then weighed for determining the amount of sweat.
- Starch-iodine test: In this test, an iodine solution is first applied by the doctor on the sweaty area, and starch is then sprinkled over the iodine solution. The area with excessive sweating turns dark blue.
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What are the treatments of Hyperhidrosis?
If the cause of excessive sweating is an underlying medical condition, the condition needs to be treated first. The various hyperhidrosis treatment modalities to treat excessive sweating include:
Medications:
- Prescription creams: A cream containing glycopyrrolate can help in treating hyperhidrosis affecting the head and face.
- Prescription antiperspirant: An antiperspirant containing aluminium chloride may help in treating hyperhidrosis. Side effects may include eye and skin irritation.
- Nerve-blocking medicines: Certain oral drugs block the chemicals that allow some nerves to communicate with one another, helping in reducing sweating. Side effects may include bladder disorders, dry mouth, and blurred vision.
- Antidepressants: Medications taken for depression may reduce sweating, and also reduce the anxiety associated with hyperhidrosis.
- Botox injections: Treatment with botulinum toxin injections can help in temporarily blocking the nerves that cause sweating. Patients with hyperhidrosis may require multiple injections for effective results.
Surgery and other procedures:
- Microwave therapy: This therapy involves the use of microwave energy to destroy the sweat glands. Treatment includes two 20 to 30-minute sessions, about three months apart. Side effects include discomfort and a change in sensation of the skin.
- Sweat gland removal: In case of excessive sweating in the armpits, the sweat glands are removed from that area.
- Iontophoresis: In this procedure, the hands and feet are submerged in a bowl of water. A painless electric current is then passed through the water to block the sweat glands. Most patients require two to four 20-30 minute treatment sessions.
- ETS (Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy): This surgical intervention is only recommended in severe cases that have not responded to other treatments. The nerves carrying messages to the sweat glands are cut. ETS can be used to treat hyperhidrosis of the face, hands, or armpits. ETS is not recommended for the treatment of hyperhidrosis of the legs due to the risk of permanent sexual dysfunction.
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What are the complications of Hyperhidrosis?
The complications of hyperhidrosis may include:
- Skin infections
- Social embarrassment and emotional disturbances
What are the home remedies for Hyperhidrosis?
The following home remedies can help you in coping with excessive sweating and body odor:
- Use antiperspirants
- Regular bathing
- Apply astringents
- Change your socks at least twice a day
- Go barefoot as and when possible
- Wear clothes made of natural fabrics like cotton, silk, wool
- Wear shoes made of natural materials like leather
- Wear moisture-wicking athletic socks when you are active
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We hope we could answer all your questions about hyperhidrosis treatment through this article.
If you experience the problem of excessive sweating, then you can contact a Dermatologist.
We only aim to provide you with information through this article. We do not recommend any medicine or treatment to anyone. Only a doctor can give you the best advice and correct treatment plan.
