Sweating can be a major concern for many, while others are spared from excess body fluid secretion. There’s nothing to feel ashamed of because it is deemed a natural and essential bodily function. When a human body sweats, it regulates the temperature.
However, fas stated earlier, excessive sweating can be a cause of discomfort and irritation. Do you know, there is a scientific term for this abnormal condition? It is referred to as hyperhidrosis. But do not allow this condition to affect your quality of life. Understand this condition and explore effective treatments to get permanent relief. This blog will enlighten you on how to treat excessive sweating effectively.
What is Hyperhidrosis - Types, Symptoms and Diagnosis
Hyperhidrosis is a unique medical condition that basically refers to a body abnormality of excessive sweating beyond what is required for thermoregulation. Common areas that sweat above than normal are the hands, feet, underarms, or face, also known as focal hyperhidrosis. Alternatively, it may affect the entire body, referred to as generalized hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis can be a significant reason for emotional and social distress.
Types of Hyperhidrosis
- Primary hyperhidrosis: Primary hyperhidrosis is often hereditary and typically appears in your childhood or early adolescent years. They affect certain areas in your body, like palms, soles, or underarms.
- Secondary hyperhidrosis: Secondary hyperhidrosis is caused because of underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, menopause, or thyroid issues. More often than not, this condition is triggered by certain medications. Typically, in secondary hyperhidrosis, sweating occurs all over the body.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
For hyperhidrosis, the primary symptom is excessive sweating. This can interfere with your daily tasks. Other indicators include:
- Persistent sweating occurs regardless of temperature or physical activity.
- Sweaty palms and soles can disrupt basic activities like writing or gripping objects difficult.
- Frequent skin infections appear due to excessive skin moisture.
Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam and detailed medical history. Physicians may also use tests like:
- Starch-Iodine Test: Highlights areas of excessive sweating.
- Gravimetric Testing: Measures the volume of sweat.
- Thermoregulatory Sweat Test: Assesses sweating patterns across the body.
Can Hyperhidrosis Be Cured?
While there is no definitive cure for hyperhidrosis, various treatments can effectively manage symptoms. Treatment choice depends on the severity and underlying cause of the condition. Certain cases require simple remediation of the actual reason behind secondary hyperhidrosis to help reduce excessive sweating.
How to Treat Excessive Sweating: Some Major Options to Consider
In order to effectively curb and manage hyperhidrosis, you need to check numerous treatment options, which are available to you. Here are some of the most effective approaches:
Topical Treatments
- Antiperspirants: Over-the-counter and prescription-strength antiperspirants containing aluminium chloride. These are primarily initial treatment process considered for mild to moderate hyperhidrosis.
- Glycopyrrolate Cream: Often prescribed for facial sweating, this medicated cream helps block sweat glands.
Medications
Oral medications can reduce sweating by targeting the nerves responsible for activating sweat glands. Common options include:
- Anticholinergics: These medications, like glycopyrrolate, block nerve signals to sweat glands.
- Beta-blockers and Benzodiazepines: Used to manage anxiety-related sweating.
Botox Injections
Botulinum toxin (Botox) is a highly effective treatment for focal hyperhidrosis, especially in the underarms, hands, and feet. Botox temporarily blocks the chemical signals stimulating sweat glands. The effects last 6-12 months, and the procedure is minimally invasive.
Hyperhidrosis Treatment for Hands
Excessive sweating in the hands, or palmar hyperhidrosis, can be particularly challenging. The following treatments are commonly used:
- Botox Injections: A proven solution for managing hand sweating.
- Iontophoresis: A non-invasive therapy where a device delivers a low electrical current through water to temporarily shut down sweat glands. Regular sessions are required for optimal results.
Microwave Therapy
Microwave thermolysis, also known as the MiraDry system, usually acts on sweat glands, destroying them using electromagnetic energy. This treatment is primarily used for underarm hyperhidrosis and provides long-lasting results after 1-2 sessions.
Surgical Options
For severe cases unresponsive to other treatments, surgical intervention may be considered:
- Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS): A procedure that severs specific nerves to reduce sweating. It is highly effective but carries risks like compensatory sweating in other body areas.
- Sweat Gland Removal: Directly excising sweat glands, often performed in the underarms.
Lifestyle Modifications and Home Remedies
Besides medical treatments, subtle changes to your lifestyle can significantly bring a difference to your hyperhidrosis symptoms:
- Clothing Choices: Breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics are best-suited attires for you to keep excessive sweating under check.
- Dietary Adjustments: Spicy foods and caffeine can easily trigger sweating. Avoid them at all costs, especially when you have hyperhidrosis.
- Personal Hygiene: Regularly wash and dry affected areas to prevent skin infections.
- Stress Management: Yoga and meditation-like relaxation techniques can prevent anxiety-induced sweating.
Emerging Treatments
Research is ongoing in the field of hyperhidrosis to identify alternative remedies to address excessive sweating-like conditions. Some of the well-known treatments include:
- Laser Therapy: This therapy uses lasers to target and destroy sweat glands.
- Neuromodulation Devices: Experimental wearable devices that regulate sweat gland activity using electrical stimulation.
- Genetic Therapy: Investigating potential solutions for hereditary hyperhidrosis.
Psychological and Social Support
Hyperhidrosis often impacts mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced self-esteem. Emotional trauma is a real side effect of excessive sweating. However, there’s no proven medication to address psychological syndromes other than joining support groups or seeking psychotherapy.
When to Seek Professional Help
When excessive sweating becomes a significant roadblock for you, it is time to take matters seriously. Instead of allowing your condition to disrupt your daily life or trigger mental distress, consult a healthcare professional. After all, early intervention can easily help you to cope with your conditions, manage symptoms and improve the overall quality of life.
The New You is a trusted name in Hyderabad, known for its expert team and state-of-the-art facilities.
Conclusion
Hyperhidrosis is a challenging condition to deal with. However, it need not be a reason for emotional and psychological distress. Timely and effective treatments are available to help you confront and deal with the condition. Topical solutions, medications, and advanced therapies are available to help individuals handle their excessive sweating syndromes. Even though a definitive cure might be elusive, an expert-recommended unique combination of medical interventions with lifestyle adjustments can bring down the symptoms significantly. For best results, consult a specialist and explore the options available for your unique needs.
