What is Hyperhidrosis?
- Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that causes the person to sweat unpredictably and excessively. It can cause someone to sweat even when at a cool temperature or when he/she is resting.
- People who have hyperhidrosis seem to have sweat glands that are overactive.
- Sweating that becomes uncontrollable can lead to physical and mental discomfort.
- Primary or focal hyperhydrosis is when sweating affects the feet, hands, and armpits.
- Secondary hyperhydrosis is when sweating happens because of a different medical condition.
What are the symptoms of Hyperhidrosis?
The main symptom of hyperhidrosis is wetness.
Is there any treatment for Hyperhidrosis?
- Antiperspirants control excessive sweating.
- Aluminum chloride hexahydrate treats sweating in the underarms.
- Anticholinergics drugs like glycopyrrolate prevent sweat glands from stimulating.
- Beta-blockers or benzodiazepines reduce sweating that is stress-related.
- Iontophoresis is a procedure that uses electricity to switch off the sweat gland temporarily. The feet or hands are placed in water and a small current of electricity gets passed through it.
- Botox treats underarm sweating.
- Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is a surgical procedure that is only used when in severe cases in which all other treatments fail.
What are some lifestyle changes that may occur when a person has Hyperhidrosis? How can I prevent getting Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
- Avoid spicy food, alcohol, and caffeine.
- Use antiperspirants more often.
- Avoid wearing tight fitting clothing and artificial fibers like nylon.
- Wear armpit shields to absorb the excess sweat.
- Wear black or white clothing to help reduce the signs of sweating.
- Wear socks that are made of natural fibers to absorb moisture.
- Wear mesh, leather, or canvas shoes because it will smell less than shoes made of synthetic material.
- Wear shoes that have absorbent insoles to absorb the sweat.