Do you sometimes find yourself sweating all of a sudden, without any reason, even without heat or exercise? Do you ever feel embarrassed in public because of sweat stains on your clothes? Then this article will be very important for you. Today we are talking about this condition of excessive sweating, medically known as Hyperhidrosis .
What exactly is Hyperhidrosis?
Simply put, Hyperhidrosis is the excessive sweating that occurs when our body is not able to regulate its temperature. You can sweat even when you are just sitting, in a cold environment, or when there is no reason to sweat.
Normally, our bodies sweat when our body temperature rises to reduce it and cool down. This sweat is secreted by the eccrine glands in our skin. When this sweat reaches the surface of the skin and evaporates, the body cools down.
However, in a person with hyperhidrosis, these sweat glands become overactive. This means that these glands work and produce sweat even when the body is not hot.
What are the main types of hyperhidrosis?
This situation can be divided into two main parts.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary focal hyperhidrosis | This is the most common type. It is a chronic skin condition. It is often caused by a genetic mutation. This means that if someone in your family has it, you are more likely to get it. It usually starts before the age of 25. |
| Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis | This type of sweating can be caused by an underlying medical condition or as a side effect of a medication. Examples include conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and some painkillers (such as Naproxen). In this type, you may sweat at night even while you are sleeping. |
What are the symptoms of this?
The main symptom is excessive sweating. As a result, you may experience the following:
- The skin is always moist.
- Clothes getting wet from sweat.
- Sweat dripped from his forehead and cheeks.
Over time, this situation may cause more problems.
- Itching and burning of the skin: Sweat can cause skin allergies.
- Body odor: Sweat doesn't actually have an odor. But it's when sweat combines with bacteria on our skin that odor occurs.
- Cracking or peeling of the skin on the soles of the feet.
The severity of these symptoms varies from person to person. Some people sweat a little here and there, while others sweat so much that they can't even do their daily tasks.
This condition can also have a big impact on your mental health . You may feel embarrassed and uncomfortable because of sweating, which can lead to avoiding crowded places and reducing social interactions. Think about how uncomfortable it is to shake someone's hand at an important meeting and have sweaty palms. If these things are affecting your mental health, it is important to see a doctor and talk about it.
Where do you sweat the most?
Although we have sweat glands all over our bodies, there are some areas where there are more of them. In hyperhidrosis, these are the areas where we sweat the most.
- Armpits (axillary hyperhidrosis)
- Soles (plantar hyperhidrosis)
- Palms (palmar hyperhidrosis) - This is the most common type.
- Forehead and cheeks (craniofacial hyperhidrosis)
- Genital areas
- Lower back
Why is this happening? What are the causes and catalysts for this?
As we discussed earlier, the main cause is overactive sweat glands. But sometimes, certain things can cause this sweating to increase. Let's see what those things are.
| Cause/Trigger | Examples |
|---|---|
| Mental feelings | Stress, anxiety, fear, worry. |
| Environment and activities | Hot or humid weather, exercise. |
| Food and drink | Spicy foods, oily foods, excessively sweet or salty foods, caffeinated beverages such as coffee, and alcohol. |
| Some medications | Some antidepressants, insulin, some painkillers, and blood pressure medications. (If you are taking any medications, ask your doctor to see if they are the cause.) |
| Other medical conditions | Diabetes, Hyperthyroidism, Heart Disease, Cancer, Menopause, Obesity. |
How does a doctor diagnose this as a disease?
A doctor will diagnose this condition by examining you and asking about your symptoms and medical history. They may usually ask questions like these to make a diagnosis:
- Have you been sweating excessively for at least 6 months?
- Do you sweat mainly in your armpits, palms, soles, or face?
- Do you sweat equally on both sides of your body?
- Is there less sweating at night or not?
- Do you experience excessive sweating at least once a week?
- Does anyone else in your family have this condition?
- Is this sweating interfering with your daily activities?
- Are you under 25 years old?
If your answer to several of these questions is "yes", it could be Hyperhidrosis.
What are the tests for this?
Sometimes, the doctor may do several tests to find the exact cause:
- Starch-iodine test: In this test, an iodine solution is applied to the sweaty area and starch is sprinkled on top. Areas of excessive sweating turn a dark blue color.
- Paper test: A special paper is placed on the sweaty area to absorb the sweat. The paper is then weighed to see how much sweat has been released.
- Blood or other tests: If there is suspicion of an underlying medical condition, things like blood tests may be ordered.
What are the treatments for this?
The best thing is that there are many treatments available to manage this condition. A dermatologist can help you choose the treatment that's right for you.
Things you can do at home
- Use of Antiperspirants and Deodorants: Antiperspirants work by temporarily closing the mouths of the sweat glands. If regular ones don't work, your doctor may prescribe a stronger, aluminum-containing type.
- Bathing frequently: Bathing twice a day can provide relief.
- Wear breathable, sweat-wicking clothing: Wear clothes made from fabrics like cotton. Synthetic fabrics like polyester can increase body heat and increase sweating.
Types of drugs
- Anticholinergic agents (special medications that control sweating)
- Some antidepressants
- Beta-blockers
- Medicated wipes
- Aluminum chloride gel
The most important thing is, do not use any medication without a doctor's prescription. All medications can have side effects, so talk to your doctor about it before starting treatment.
Specific treatments
If it is difficult to control with home remedies and medications, you can resort to treatments like this.
- Iontophoresis: This involves placing your hands or feet in a shallow bowl of water. A very low electrical current is passed through the water, reducing the activity of the sweat glands.
- Botulinum toxin (Botox®) injections: Injecting this injection into the sweaty area can stop sweating for a few months. However, the results are temporary and need to be repeated.
- Microwave therapy (miraDry®): A high-tech device uses heat energy to permanently destroy sweat glands.
Surgery
Surgery may be considered for those with very severe symptoms who have not responded to other treatments.
- Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS): Cutting and removing a nerve that carries signals to the sweat glands.
- Sweat gland removal: Removal of sweat glands through methods such as laser, curettage, or liposuction.
When should I see a doctor?
Because of the amount of sweat you put on...
- If it negatively affects your daily life.
- If you are reluctant to do the things you love and meet people.
- If the situation worsens over time.
- If you sweat at night even while sleeping .
...You should definitely see a doctor.
Also, if you have symptoms like chest pain, nausea, and dizziness along with excessive sweating, it could be an emergency. In such a case, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
Take-Home Message
- Hyperhidrosis is the excessive sweating of the body. This is not normal, but a medical condition.
- This may be due to genetic influences, other medical conditions, or medications.
- There is no need to be ashamed or socially isolated because of this condition. There are many very effective treatments to control it.
- There are various treatment options, ranging from antiperspirants, medications, Botox injections, and surgery.
- If your sweating is interfering with your daily life, definitely see a doctor for advice.
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