Understanding Hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating in intimate areas, underarms, forehead, palms and soles can make you feel very uncomfortable. By excessive I mean beyond what you see happen to most people. Uncomfortable patches on your favorite shirt or sweaty palms are some of the signs of Hyperhidrosis. This condition affects millions of people across the globe, around 385 million to be precise. While sweating is the body’s natural way of cooling itself. This excessive sweating can cause discomfort and body odor that often affects your social and work life.
What is Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis can be classified into two types primary and secondary.
- Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis:
Primary focal hyperhidrosis is a chronic condition and can be noted by excessive sweating in specific areas like the armpits, hands, feet and face. It happens secondary to a specific gene mutation that runs in families and typically presents before the age of 25. - Secondary Generalized Hyperhidrosis:
Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis is seen in people with diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. It is also seen in those who take naproxen and other medicines.
Whatever the reason, it happens due to excessive stimulation of the sweat glands in our skin. To be specific, it’s the stimulation of the cholinergic receptors we are talking about here.
We have to sweat in order to regulate our body temperature, to avoid excessive heating up of our system. if you noticed our skin becomes cool once the sweat evaporates over the surface of our skin.
The Impact of Excessive Sweating
A person living with hyperhidrosis is often dealing with frustration and embarrassment. The visible sweat patches can hurt one’s self-esteem, often affecting both personal and professional life. Moreover, constant sweating can contribute to bad body odor, due to bacterial interaction.
Common Skin Conditions Associated with Hyperhidrosis
People with hyperhidrosis are also prone to various skin conditions, such as Tinea (fungal infection), secondary pyodermas or folliculitis (bacterial infections), (pompholyx) eczemas.
Managing Hyperhidrosis
With advancements in medical sciences, there are several methods to help manage hyperhidrosis/ excessive sweating effectively.
1. Antiperspirants
They usually contain aluminum chloride that has a tendency to block the sweat ducts superficially in order to reduce sweating temporarily. Can be typically used twice daily.
2. Deodorants
Though deodorants don’t prevent sweating, they can help in masking body odor. My personal favorite is body mists from bath and body works as the fragrance component is less and hence the tendency to cause allergy.
For people with extremely sensitive skin i would suggest not using any aerosol as the alcohol in it would cause irritation.
3. Lifestyle Adjustments
Making certain lifestyle changes can also help manage hyperhidrosis:
- Wear Breathable Fabrics: Always opt for loose-fitting, breathable materials such as cotton, linen, bamboo fabric etc to allow air circulation less bacterial interaction.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help regulate body temperature and potentially reduce sweating.
- Avoid Triggers: Identify and avoid foods, beverages, or activities that may intensify sweating, such as spicy foods or high-stress situations.
Stress management: yoga meditation can calm nervous system in order to reduce the cholinergic drive in nerve endings.
4. Medical Treatments
- Dysport Injections: Highly effective way to treat this condition, Dysport has topped the list of treatment options for hyperhidrosis for years. It works for about 4 – 10 months. It is dose dependent and hence the large time window.
- Medications: Anticholinergic medications can help reduce sweating, but these aren’t advised for long term usage though they may have side effects.
- Iontophoresis: This treatment involves using a device to pass a mild electrical current through water and into the skin’s surface to reduce sweating. If you have ever heard of miradry raise a hand. You are right!
- Surgery: In severe cases, doctors may consider surgical options that involve removing sweat glands or treating nerves that trigger sweating.
Conclusion:
Hyperhidrosis can significantly affect one’s quality of life, but understanding the condition and its management options can lead to better control over excessive sweating. By exploring various antiperspirants, deodorants, and lifestyle changes, individuals can find relief.
If you’re seeking comprehensive care and tailored solutions for hyperhidrosis, we invite you to visit Arna clinic. Our expert team is committed to helping you regain confidence and comfort in your skin. Don’t let excessive sweating hold you back, schedule your consultation today!
