Do you find you sweat constantly at times for no reason at all? Do you carry an extra shirt with you in case you sweat too much? Though it is normal to sweat a little when the weather is warm, if you are in a crowded area with minimal airflow, or at times when you feel a little anxious, do you also break out into a sweat randomly even in the best of conditions? If so, you may have hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes excessive sweating.
What is Hyperhidrosis?
Sweating is a necessary function to help keep your body cool when temperatures heat up. People with hyperhidrosis have overactive sweat glands causing them to sweat more than necessary even when the weather is ideal and there is otherwise no trigger. People with hyperhidrosis may sweat from their hands, feet, underarms, and face while the rest of the body remains dry. It is estimated that 5% or more of the population may have hyperhidrosis, but this condition is widely underreported as many are unaware that it is a treatable medical condition.
There are two general types of hyperhidrosis: primary focal hyperhidrosis and secondary hyperhidrosis.
Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis
This type of hyperhidrosis begins when the patient is a child or in early adolescence and is otherwise healthy. Primary focal hyperhidrosis means that the cause is not due to another medication or external factor. This form generally affects one or a few areas of the body on both sides and occurs frequently with at least one major incident a week. Typical areas of sweating include the feet, hands, underarms, and face.
Secondary Hyperhidrosis
This type of hyperhidrosis means that the condition is caused by an underlying condition or a side effect of medication. With this form, sweating may occur across the entire body and often appears in adulthood. You may also sweat while you’re sleeping. It may be caused by medical conditions such as menopause, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism.
Symptoms of Hyperhidrosis
Signs of hyperhidrosis may include:
- Excessive sweating with episodes for at least 6 months without reason
- Frequent episodes of sweating through clothing
- Sweating that interferes with everyday activities
In severe cases, this condition may also increase a patient’s risk of skin irritation and infection as the skin is constantly wet becoming soft, white, and can peel easily. Patients may also experience athletes’ foot or jock itch frequently.
Diagnosing Hyperhidrosis
To ensure a proper diagnosis, several tests may be conducted after a physical exam and review of symptoms. One of the tests may include coating areas of the body with a starch-iodine powder that will change colors once the patient begins to sweat. Other medical tests including blood and urine samples may also be conducted to determine if there is an underlying condition causing excessive sweating.
Treating Hyperhidrosis
Treatment options will vary depending on the type of hyperhidrosis you have. If your sweating is due to an underlying condition, your treatment will focus on addressing your condition.
Botulinum Toxin Injections
When injected into the armpits, Botox can temporarily block signals so that your sweat glands are not stimulated to sweat. Most patients report sweating less than half the amount they would prior to treatment and stay dry throughout the day more often than before. This is a temporary treatment with effects that last at least 6 months, so treatments must be repeated for lasting results. This option is minimally invasive and can also be used on the hands and feet.
Laser Therapy
Laser energy can be used to treat excessive sweating under the arm. Laser energy is sent into the targeted area to heat up the sweat glands, damaging them and preventing them from producing sweat. This is a single treatment that can produce longer results than Botox injections.
Sweat Gland Removal Surgery
Surgery can be permanent and shouldn’t be considered as a first treatment option. Instead, it should only be considered when all conservative options have been exhausted. Some surgeries are minimally invasive and work to destroy or damage the sweat glands under the arms, while others involve removing the sweat glands.
Sweating is a necessary bodily function that helps maintain your health, but excessive sweating not related to heat or social situations can harm not only your health but your overall well-being. If you suspect you may have this condition, contact us so that we can get you the best treatment option for your lifestyle. For more information on hyperhidrosis or if you would like to schedule a consultation, contact Signature Skin Care today.
