Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating feels like an on-going battle for both body and mind. Visualize dripping sweat even when you’re not overheated or exercising—this is the daily norm for a great number of those with hyperhidrosis. As sweating is normally a response to heat and anxiety, excess sweating may occur for no apparent reason, making people uncomfortable and anxious in social situations.
There are several forms of hyperhidrosis. Primary hyperhidrosis typically begins during puberty and may involve sweat glands in the hands, feet, face, and underarms with no apparent cause. Secondary hyperhidrosis usually occurs in adulthood and is most commonly related to underlying medical issues, such as hormone disorders or infections. Focal hyperhidrosis involves certain regions of the body, whereas generalized hyperhidrosis results in sweating throughout.
Diagnosing hyperhidrosis tends to begin with a thorough review of your history and symptoms. Your physician may request laboratory tests to eliminate other potential conditions, such as hyperthyroidism or hypoglycemia. There are also sweat tests, such as the iodine-starch test, which are used to find the areas that sweat too much and measure how severe it is.
When treating hyperhidrosis, the aim is to control the symptoms. If there is no underlying condition, there are several treatments that can be used to control sweating. Prescription-strength antiperspirants with aluminum chloride are commonly prescribed, normally applied to dry skin at night. For sweating on the face or head, prescription creams containing glycopyrrolate are effective, and wipes containing glycopyrronium tosylate for sweating on the hands, feet, and underarms.
Medications may also have a significant role to play in controlling hyperhidrosis. Nerve-blocking medications can suppress sweating by blocking the nerves that activate the sweat glands. Antidepressants are also prescribed at times, as they can decrease sweating and also assist with anxiety control. Botox injections are another method that function by blocking nerve impulses to the sweat glands, providing relief for a few months at a time.
With more serious cases, there are surgical options available. Iontophoresis applies weak electrical currents to clog sweat glands, and microwave therapy directly targets sweat glands in the underarms. With those that have not received relief from other methods, sweat gland removal and nerve surgery are more invasive but successful treatments.
There are also some basic lifestyle modifications that can be useful. Wearing loose clothing made of natural fibers such as cotton, wool, and silk makes your skin breathe. Wearing leather shoes and moisture-wicking socks can dry your feet. Staying away from triggers such as alcohol and spicy foods, which tend to worsen sweating, can also be beneficial.
Surviving with hyperhidrosis is not simple, but you do not have to do it alone. A lot of individuals are going through the same ordeal, and there are numerous treatment methods and resources to aid you in coping.
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