Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by excessive sweating due to overactive sweat glands in the body. People with this condition experience excessive sweating in times and places where others do not sweat. Those affected often feel discomfort and embarrassment and may not seek medical help.
Types of Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is divided into two main types:
Primary Hyperhidrosis:
This type occurs in specific areas of the body, such as the armpits, palms, feet, and head. It tends to manifest at a young age, usually before 25, and has no clear medical cause. It may be hereditary and can worsen with exposure to certain odors, foods, stress, and anxiety. It does not occur during sleep.
Secondary Hyperhidrosis:
This type involves excessive sweating in all parts of the body and is often associated with specific medical conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and thyroid gland disorders. It can also accompany menopause in women or occur as a result of certain medications and supplements like zinc. Secondary hyperhidrosis can affect adults and may occur during sleep. It is also known as secondary generalized hyperhidrosis.
Excessive Sweating Impact
Excessive sweating can significantly impact a person's daily life. It can lead to difficulty holding a pen, soaking papers and electronic devices, causing embarrassment and anxiety. If left untreated, it may lead to important skin complications such as recurrent infections, skin irritation, and itching.
Regarding odor, it's essential to note that sweat itself is odorless, but an unpleasant odor may develop due to bacterial interaction on the skin when inflammation occurs.
The exact number of people suffering from excessive sweating is challenging to determine as many individuals do not seek treatment due to extreme embarrassment or lack of awareness that it's a treatable medical condition. Dermatologists can help patients manage excessive sweating, but it's crucial to rule out any underlying medical causes through clinical examination and laboratory tests before starting treatment.
Treatment Options for Hyperhidrosis
Treatment for hyperhidrosis should be tailored to each individual based on the type of excessive sweating, its location, and the person's overall health. Several common treatment options for hyperhidrosis include:
Antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride: These are a standard treatment option and are recommended by dermatologists. They are applied to dry skin before bedtime and washed off in the morning. Antiperspirants are highly effective, cost-effective, and have minimal side effects.
Glycopyrrolate wipes: Prescribed by doctors, these wipes are used to apply on the hands, feet, and underarms.
Oral anticholinergic medications: Given by prescription for severe cases not responding to other treatments. These medications work by inhibiting the action of sweat glands in the body and have shown effectiveness in some patients but have significant side effects.
Antidepressants: Some medications used to treat depression can reduce excessive sweating.
Iontophoresis: Utilizes a portable medical device that sends a low-voltage electrical current through water to inhibit sweat gland activity. It has been beneficial for many individuals but requires several sessions and can be time-consuming. It is typically used for hands and feet sweating.
Manual handheld device for destroying sweat glands: A modern treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The procedure is performed by dermatologists using electromagnetic energy to destroy the sweat glands. It is mainly used for excessive sweating in the armpit area due to adequate fat protection of nearby tissues. However, there is still limited information about the long-term results and potential side effects.
Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections: This treatment is considered a primary or secondary option for hyperhidrosis, whether it's in the armpits, palms, feet, or face. Botox has been approved by the FDA as an effective treatment option. Most people do not experience severe pain during the procedure due to local anesthesia. It may take a few days to notice results, and regular sessions every six months maintain the effects. Nevertheless, some potential side effects may occur.
Surgery: Surgery may be considered when other treatments fail. Surgical procedures include:
Sweat gland excision, used for excessive sweating in the armpit area. It can be performed in a doctor's office under local anesthesia.
Cutting or clamping the sympathetic nerves responsible for sweating. This procedure is used for excessive sweating in the hands and requires a higher level of complexity and is exclusively performed in the operating room. Common side effects of these surgical procedures include compensatory excessive sweating in other body areas, known as compensatory sweating.
Note: Consultation with a dermatologist is essential to evaluate the appropriate treatment and determine the best option for each individual case. The doctor may suggest a combination of treatment methods to achieve the best results. Therefore, it is advised to consult a dermatologist to assess the condition and receive proper guidance.
Routine Tips for Managing Excessive Sweating
Here are some tips that can be followed to manage excessive sweating and body odor as part of daily routine:
Use antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride at concentrations of 6-20%. Apply them to dry skin before bedtime and wash them off upon waking up. Choose high-efficiency products recommended by dermatologists.
Opt for footwear made of natural materials like leather. These materials allow air circulation and reduce sweating. Wearing open-toe shoes whenever possible also enhances foot ventilation and prevents moisture buildup.
Wear moisture-wicking athletic socks during physical activities. These socks help absorb sweat and keep the feet dry.
Wear clothing made of natural fabrics like cotton, wool, and silk. These fabrics allow better ventilation and sweat absorption, reducing excessive sweating and maintaining skin freshness.
Keep the feet dry by thoroughly drying them and changing socks once or twice daily. Placing cotton insoles and powder inside the shoes can also help absorb sweat and reduce moisture.
By following these tips, excessive sweating and body odor can be minimized, allowing individuals to stay fresh and comfortable throughout the day.