Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition in which a person sweats more than usual, often for no apparent reason. The excessive sweating can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Many people think they have no choice but to live with the extreme sweating, but this is not true. There are various hyperhidrosis therapies available to treat excessive sweating. These treatments can reduce symptoms of excessive underarm sweating or other types of excessive sweating. Please keep reading to learn more about hyperhidrosis disorder, including why it occurs, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

What is hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a condition in which the sweat glands are overactive. This causes abnormally excessive sweating even in the absence of heat or exercise. A person with hyperhidrosis may sweat enough such that it soaks through their clothes or drips off their hands. This can disrupt normal activities and cause anxiety and social embarrassment.

Notably, while sweat itself is mostly made of water and is odorless, excessive sweating may cause a pungent body odor when it mixes with bacteria. Without treatment, hyperhidrosis can lead to complications like skin irritation and skin infections. In severe cases, there can be considerable emotional effects due to the uncontrollable sweating. In some people, a sweaty area such as the hands may make it unsafe to do certain types of jobs.

Type of hyperhidrosis

According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society and American Academy of Dermatology, there are two main types of hyperhidrosis.

Focal Hyperhidrosis

Focal hyperhidrosis, also called primary hyperhidrosis, is an inherited skin disorder that occurs due to a mutation (alteration) in the genes. It usually starts before age 25. Most people with excessive sweating have this, i.e., primary focal hyperhidrosis. The excessive sweating affects the face (cheeks and forehead), armpits (primary axillary hyperhidrosis or excessive armpit sweating), hands (palmar hyperhidrosis), lower back, genitals, and feet (plantar hyperhidrosis).

Generalized Hyperhidrosis

In people with a generalized type of hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating occurs due to other medical conditions like Parkinson's disease, thyroid problems, or diabetes. It can also be the side effect of certain medications. Generalized hyperhidrosis is also called secondary hyperhidrosis and usually occurs in adults.

What makes you sweat excessively?

Sweating is a natural mechanism. The body produces sweat to cool down. The nervous system controls sweating in healthy people, making the sweat glands more active when the body temperature increases. Sweating can also occur, for example on the palms, when a person is anxious or nervous.

The cause of primary focal hyperhidrosis is a fault in the genes that makes the sweat glands overactive. This makes a person sweat even without physical activity or heat. Stress or nervousness can make the problem worse. Primary focal hyperhidrosis, as mentioned, usually affects the armpits, face, hands and feet.

Secondary hyperhidrosis is less common. It occurs due to a medical condition, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, menopause, low blood sugar, heart attack, certain cancers, or infections. The sweating usually occurs all over the body. Certain medications can cause this as a side effect.

What are the symptoms of hyperhidrosis?

Healthy people sweat when they exercise, are in a hot environment, or are anxious or nervous. A key symptom of hyperhidrosis is sweating in the absence of physical activity, heat, or stress. The sweating can occur during waking hours or sleep. Also, the sweating in people with hyperhidrosis is far more than normal sweating.

How common is hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is rare. It affects approximately 1% of the population worldwide. However, the number may be higher, up to 5%, in some parts of the world. Notably, many people who sweat excessively do not report their symptoms to a health care provider or seek treatment. Therefore, it is difficult to know exactly how many people have overactive sweat glands or hyperhidrosis.

How do you know if you have hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis symptoms can vary widely in terms of severity and impact on lifestyle. In some people, the symptoms are minor and come and go over time. Others sweat excessively every day, causing a great deal of frustration and embarrassment. You should suspect you might have hyperhidrosis if you sweat without exercising or when you are not in a hot environment. Other signs and symptoms include excessive armpit sweating to the point that the sweat soaks through your clothes and you need to change. If you find pools of sweat in your lower back, body odor, constantly damp hands, or wet socks, you should get checked out by a doctor.

Is hyperhidrosis (overactive sweat glands) serious?

Mild hyperhidrosis is not serious if it does not cause you social embarrassment. However, it is a good idea to get checked by a doctor because sometimes excessive sweating can be the symptom of an underlying medical problem. You should also seek treatment for excess sweating from a healthcare professional if you have symptoms such as itching and inflammation or skin changes like cracks or discoloration.

Does hyperhidrosis run in families?

There is a genetic component to primary focal hyperhidrosis, which can be passed down in families. It is common for many people in a family to have this type of hyperhidrosis.

How do you make hyperhidrosis go away?

There are various lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help you cope with overactive sweat glands.

Antiperspirants

Over-the-counter antiperspirants can temporarily block the sweat pores and reduce sweating. Prescription strength antiperspirants may help if the OTC ones are ineffective.

Astringents

Over-the-counter astringents that contain tannic acid may help control sweating in the affected area.

Bathing

Daily bathing keeps skin bacteria in check. Be sure to dry yourself thoroughly, especially in areas like the genitals, under the arms, and between the toes.

Clothing

Wear clothing appropriate to activity. In general, natural fabrics like cotton and linen are recommended because they allow the sweat to evaporate and the skin to breathe. During exercise, moisture-wicking fabrics are best.

Footwear

Wearing shoes and socks made of natural, breathable materials to prevent sweaty feet. Athletic socks that wick moisture are recommended during physical activity. It's also a good idea to dry your feet thoroughly before putting on socks and change your socks often. Over-the-counter foot powders are available if you need something to absorb sweat. Keep your feet well-aired and go barefoot for some time every day.

Relaxation techniques

Nervousness, anxiety, and stress are known triggers for sweating. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or biofeedback to control stress.

What if medications or lifestyle changes don't work?

There are prescription-strength antiperspirants, medications, and other therapies available if lifestyle changes don't work. In severe cases, doctors may recommend hyperhidrosis surgery to remove the sweat glands or disconnect the nerves in the affected area. In some people, treating the underlying medical problem can help treat hyperhidrosis.

How is hyperhidrosis diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose hyperhidrosis based on your medical history, symptoms, physical exam, and laboratory tests (blood or urine tests to see if excessive sweating is being caused by another medical condition like overactive thyroid). Your doctor may also order specific sweat tests that identify the cause and severity of your condition. This includes a starch iodine test, thermoregulatory test, or skin conductance test.

What are the treatment options for excessive sweating?

In people with an underlying medical condition that is contributing to the excessive sweating, treating the underlying cause may solve the problem. In people in whom no clear cause for hyperhidrosis can be found, other treatments can be offered for symptom control. Sometimes, a combination of treatments is used to control the excessive sweating.

Medications

Doctors can prescribe various oral medications for hyperhidrosis treatments. These include prescription antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride, prescription creams, nerve-blocking drugs, antidepressants, and Botox (botulinum toxin injections). Botulinum toxin causes temporary muscle weakness and can reduce sweating. Like all medications, these drugs can cause side effects like dry mouth or blurred vision.

Hyperhidrosis Surgery

Various types of surgery are used to treat hyperhidrosis, including microwave treatment or using electromagnetic energy to destroy sweat glands. A surgeon can also perform surgical removal of sweat glands. A procedure called endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy involves surgery on certain nerves responsible for sweating (this interrupts the nerve signals that mediate sweating). Besides surgical risks, there is a small risk of compensatory sweating (increased sweating after ETS surgery).

Can hyperhidrosis be cured?

There is no cure for hyperhidrosis but many effective treatments are available. A healthcare professional can provide medical advice on which treatment might be appropriate for you.

Can I prevent hyperhidrosis?

You cannot prevent hyperhidrosis if it is caused by a genetic factor. However, secondary hyperhidrosis can be prevented by keeping your doctors' appointments and ensuring proper care for conditions like thyroid problems, diabetes, etc. You can also limit the effects of hyperhidrosis by following some of the lifestyle changes listed above.

Finding a provider for hyperhidrosis treatment

Excessive sweating may be harmless but it can also be a sign of a serious medical condition. You should seek medical attention if you suspect you have hyperhidrosis that disrupts your daily routine, causes emotional distress, causes skin changes or infections, or if you begin to sweat a lot all of a sudden for no apparent reason.

The MeTime app is your source for trustworthy health information. It is also the easiest way to get in touch with providers who offer hyperhidrosis treatments. You can chat with experts, share photos, do a video consultation, and get quotes. Download the MeTime app today and find out how you can stop excessive sweating / hyperhidrosis.