What is excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)?

Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, occurs when an individual’s sweat production exceeds their body’s requirements for thermal regulation. This illness can manifest systemically or locally, most frequently affecting the hands, feet, armpits, and face. The condition can create mental suffering and social isolation because to the sweating’s interference with daily life.

Most people with hyperhidrosis have primary focal hyperhidrosis, which isn’t linked to any underlying medical condition or pharmaceutical side effects. The hands, feet, underarms, and face are the most typical areas impacted by the excessive perspiration. Since it tends to run in families, scientists believe that it’s caused by a sympathetic nervous system that’s overactive.

Less prevalent than primary hyperhidrosis, secondary hyperhidrosis occurs as a result of another health problem or a medication’s negative effects. In most cases, the condition affects the whole body or a sizable portion of it. Menopause, thyroid problems, low blood sugar, some forms of cancer, infectious illnesses including TB, and some anxiety or neurological disorders can all lead to secondary global hyperhidrosis.

Some experts speculate that an issue with the neurological system may be at the root of primary focal hyperhidrosis, but no one knows for sure. The illness can be made worse by exposure to extreme temperatures, strong emotions, spicy meals, and strenuous exercise. Sweating tests and a study of the patient’s medical history supplement the excessive sweating physical examination in making a diagnosis. The diagnosis of primary hyperhidrosis or an underlying medical disease that causes the excessive sweating is crucial.

The intensity and location of hyperhidrosis should be considered while deciding how to treat it. The condition can be treated with a variety of methods, such as antiperspirants (both over-the-counter and prescribed), Botox injections, medicines, and even surgery in extreme situations.

What causes hyperhidrosis?

Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, is a disorder that can cause a person significant discomfort and social difficulties. Depending on the type of hyperhidrosis a person suffers, the underlying reasons may be different.

Hands, feet, underarms, and the face are common sites of primary focal hyperhidrosis, or localized hyperhidrosis. Although the precise etiology of primary focal hyperhidrosis is unknown, it is thought to be associated with:

Many people with primary hyperhidrosis report a history of the disorder in close relatives, pointing to a hereditary component.

The sympathetic nervous system, which regulates perspiration, may be hyperactive in certain people. This form of sweating can occur even in the absence of obvious stimuli like an increase in body temperature or effort.

This form of hyperhidrosis occurs as a result of another health problem or as a negative drug reaction. Larger portions or the whole body are typically affected. Instances of this are:

Excessive sweating can be a symptom of a number of medical issues. Menopause, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lymphoma, infections including TB, and certain forms of cancer are just a few examples.

The adverse effect of excessive perspiration can be caused by some drugs. Some antidepressants, hypertension drugs, antibiotics, and dietary supplements are notorious offenders.

drugs: Some drugs, such as alcohol and opioids, can cause excessive perspiration, either during use or withdrawal.

How is hyperhidrosis diagnosed?

Excessive sweating, above and above what is required for the body to maintain its temperature, is a symptom of the medical illness known as hyperhidrosis. In addition to being a social embarrassment, this disease may be quite upsetting psychologically and emotionally. The diagnostic process for hyperhidrosis is summarized here:

Taking a thorough medical history is the first step in making a diagnosis. Excessive perspiration is investigated by questioning patients about its occurrence, severity, and situs. Potential triggers, regular activities, and effects on the person’s well-being are also discussed.

Excessive sweating can affect different parts of your body, so it’s important to have a full physical to pinpoint the problem spots. The patient’s sweat patterns may be one indicator of this.

The starch-iodine test is commonly used to detect and map out hotspots of perspiration. The sweating region is treated with iodine and then dusted with starch. Intense perspiration occurs in the regions that turn dark blue.

A paper test, in which specialized paper is placed on the afflicted region, is another possible diagnostic procedure. Sweat is absorbed by the paper, and the amount is calculated from the paper’s weight

Thermoregulatory Sweat Test (TST): The patient is covered in a powder that transforms color when it absorbs sweat. Once the patient is sweating from the heat, the treatment is complete. The parts of the body that turn colors are the ones perspiring.

While blood tests aren’t used to diagnose hyperhidrosis, they might help rule out other illnesses, such hyperthyroidism or hypoglycemia, that might cause excessive sweating.

Hyperhidrosis can be either primary (idiopathic, with no known cause) or secondary (due to another medical condition or medicine), and distinguishing between the two is crucial. The palms, soles, and underarms are commonly affected by primary hyperhidrosis, which generally begins in early infancy or early adolescence and is symmetrical. The onset of secondary hyperhidrosis is not limited by age or location, and the disorder can manifest systemically at any time.

What are the treatment options for hyperhidrosis?

Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, is a medical disease that can bring the sufferer substantial physical and mental anguish. Several treatments exist, which is good news for those looking to control their symptoms. Let’s investigate the many hyperhidrosis treatments available:

Over-the-counter or prescription antiperspirants are generally the first line of defense in the battle against mild hyperhidrosis. Aluminum chloride is included in them, and it blocks sweat ducts to reduce moisture loss.

Iontophoresis is a therapy in which a patient’s hands or feet are submerged in water while a small electrical current is sent through the water. This method temporarily stops the sweat glands, resulting in less perspiration. It is possible that several sessions may be necessary, and the duration of the impact will also vary.

Injections of botulinum toxin (Botox) can inhibit sweat production by blocking neurons that signal the sweat glands to open. This therapy, which is applied mostly to the underarms, can significantly reduce perspiration for several months. But you’ll need to keep getting injections to keep the effects going.

medicines used orally Anticholinergic medicines, such as glycopyrrolate, reduce perspiration by inhibiting the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Dry mouth, impaired vision, and urinary issues are just some of the possible adverse effects.

miraDry is a non-surgical treatment that use electromagnetic waves to eliminate sweat glands. The technique is often used to treat underarm perspiration and delivers a permanent decrease in sweat, however it may take more than one session to achieve the desired results.

When other surgical options have failed, many people turn to endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS). The nerves that cause sweating problems are surgically severed or destroyed. While successful, ETS is not without risk, including the possibility of compensatory sweating (increased sweating in other regions of the body).

Some people who suffer from excessive sweating find relief after undergoing laser treatments, which remove sweat gands in the underarms.

Sweat gland destruction by microwave thermolysis: a relatively new technique. Primary indication is profuse perspiration in the underarms.

Some people find relief by adopting adjustments to their lifestyle, such as switching to cotton or other natural fabrics, wearing light, loose clothing, and avoiding hot meals and caffeine, all of which can cause perspiration.

How effective are antiperspirants for hyperhidrosis?

Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is a medical condition that can affect any area of the body, but most commonly manifests in the underarms, hands, feet, and face. Many people struggling with this issue turn to antiperspirants as their first line of defense. How, exactly, efficient are these remedies for combating over-hydration?

When applied to the skin, antiperspirants block the sweat duct, therefore reducing the quantity of perspiration that reaches the skin’s surface. Most antiperspirants rely on aluminum-based compounds, such as aluminum chloride, as their principal active component because of their ability to react with the water in perspiration to produce a gel-like plug in the duct.

The underarm hyperhidrosis of low to moderate severity may respond to frequent over-the-counter antiperspirants. They may be used on a regular basis and are easily accessible.

Stronger prescription-strength antiperspirants are available for persons who have severe hyperhidrosis or who find that conventional antiperspirants are ineffective. These generally have aluminum chloride values of 10% to 20%. However, prescription antiperspirants may increase the risk of skin irritation, such as itching, burning, and redness, despite their greater potential to reduce perspiration.

Axillary (underarm) hyperhidrosis responds well to antiperspirants, while the thicker skin of the palms and soles of the feet may make them less effective. The hands and feet present unique challenges when it comes to applying antiperspirants, and the results are not always reliable.

Antiperspirants are a low-risk, non-invasive option for controlling hyperhidrosis since they target the symptom (perspiration) rather than the underlying cause. Consistent use, preferably at night when perspiration is at a minimum, will allow you to get the most out of the product.

It’s also important to remember that antiperspirants won’t work the same way for everyone. The effectiveness of an antiperspirant can be affected by a variety of factors, including the user’s skin type, the intensity of their sweating, and their unique physiological makeup.

What is iontophoresis and how does it work?

Conditions like hyperhidrosis, characterized by excessive sweating, are often treated using iontophoresis. The technique has been around for a while, but it’s still one of the best non-invasive options for treating palmar (hand) and plantar (foot) hyperhidrosis.

Iontophoresis works on the premise that ions, or charged particles, may be pushed into the skin using electric currents. A specialized equipment and two water-filled trays are needed for the procedure. A patient’s hands or feet may be placed in these trays for therapy. The water is subsequently subjected to a gentle electrical current. Some people may experience a tiny tingling feeling from this current, but it is generally harmless.

Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain how iontophoresis reduces perspiration:

One idea proposes that the mineral particles in the water, in conjunction with the electric current, temporarily block the sweat ducts. The duration of this obstruction, which stops perspiration from reaching the skin’s surface, varies from person to person.

Another idea suggests that the amount of sweat generated is reduced because the nerves responsible for starting sweat production are momentarily inhibited by the electrical current.

Some scientists have hypothesized that iontophoresis might alter the skin’s outer layer in a way that makes it less permeable to perspiration.

Iontophoresis sessions should be performed many times per week initially for best outcomes. Maintenance treatments can be spaced farther apart, generally once a week or even less often, if the desired reduction in perspiration has been reached.

Iontophoresis has a hit-or-miss success percentage depending on the person using it. It may be more or less helpful for different people, however most report a noticeable decrease in perspiration. Results from treating hyperhidrosis can be affected by both the water used (mineral content of tap water might vary by area) and the severity of the condition being treated.

Infrequent but possible adverse reactions include temporary dryness, inflammation, and tingling of the skin. If you have metal implants, a pacemaker, are pregnant, or suffer from any of a number of other medical issues, iontophoresis is not something you should do.

Are there surgical options for hyperhidrosis?

Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, can have a negative effect on a person’s quality of life and mental health. Antiperspirants, iontophoresis, and Botox injections are just a few of the non-surgical options for treating hyperhidrosis, but they may not be effective for everyone. Surgical procedures might be an option in such circumstances. Consider the following hyperhidrosis surgical treatments in further detail:

One of the most popular surgical treatments for hyperhidrosis is endoscopic thoracoscopic sympathectomy (ETS). The thoracic sympathetic nerve chain will be severed or clamped during the treatment. This network of nerves initiates perspiration in the palms, forehead, and underarms. This is why ETS is so effective at reducing or eliminating sweating: it disrupts the neurons responsible for perspiration.

Palmar hyperhidrosis (excessive hand sweating) is the most common indication for ETS usage, while it has also shown promise for axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of the underarms) and face hyperhidrosis. There are, however, dangers associated with the treatment. After surgery, patients can experience compensatory sweating, in which they perspire more heavily in other places of their body. Side effects including nerve discomfort and Horner’s syndrome (which affects the face muscles and eyelid) are also possible.

Axillary curettage is a technique used to treat excessive sweating in the armpits. Small incisions are made in the underarm region, and the sweat glands are either scraped or suctioned out. Axillary curettage and liposuction are two methods for removing underarm fat and sweat glands, respectively.

Axillary curettage usually has a quick recovery time, with many patients able to resume normal activities within a week. Although it helps a lot of people, it can leave some people with scars or limited arm mobility.

Certain surgeons utilize lasers to eliminate underarm sweating by destroying the sweat glands that produce it. Compared to axillary curettage, this method may be less painful and leave less of a scar. There are dangers associated with every medical operation, and everyone responds differently to treatment.

Microwave thermolysis is a non-invasive alternative to standard surgical removal of sweat glands. One of the most well-known examples of a gadget using this technology is the miraDry system. It’s most common application is for axillary hyperhidrosis, and it has the potential to permanently reduce underarm perspiration in just a few treatments.