Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterised by excessive sweating that is not always related to heat or exercise.
People with hyperhidrosis experience heavy sweating that soaks through their clothes or drips off their hands. Hyperhidrosis can be treated, and its symptoms can be managed.
Primary focal hyperhidrosis is a chronic skin condition that may be genetic or hereditary. It usually starts before age 25.
Secondary generalised hyperhidrosis is usually caused by an underlying medical condition or a side effect of a medication.
We understand how hyperhidrosis can be embarrassing and impact your quality of life. Visit Hortman Clinics today for a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist!
Sweating is the body’s natural mechanism for cooling and eliminating waste in small quantities. When the body’s temperature rises, the nervous system regulates this mechanism.
Primary hyperhidrosis occurs when faulty nerve signals make the sweat glands overactive. It affects the palms, soles, underarms, and sometimes the face. Primary hyperhidrosis tends to run in families.
Secondary hyperhidrosis occurs when there is an underlying condition, such as diabetes, menopause, thyroid disorders, nervous system disorders or infections. It may also occur if you are taking antidepressants, diabetes or hormonal medications.
The main symptom of hyperhidrosis is excessive or heavy sweating. This type of sweating is far more than expected in a hot and humid environment, post-exercise or when feeling anxious or stressed. The sweating can vary in different individuals.
Hyperhidrosis usually affects the hands, feet and face and happens on both sides of the body. Other symptoms include:
Long-term effects of hyperhidrosis:
When you meet a dermatologist for hyperhidrosis, the diagnosis begins with a complete medical and symptomatic history. The doctor will also perform a physical evaluation and a few other tests to confirm if you have hyperhidrosis. These include:
Routine blood and urine tests that may detect medical conditions
This helps the doctor determine how severe your condition is. An iodine-starch test and a sweat test may be conducted.
The treatment for hyperhidrosis depends upon the area of the body affected, the severity of the condition, and what suits you best. Here are some ways to treat hyperhidrosis:
Commonly used medicines include anticholinergics, antidepressants, beta-blockers and medicated wipes. A board-certified dermatologist will prescribe a drug they believe will be most helpful.
Iontophoresis, Botulinum toxin injections and microwave therapy are specialised therapies for treating hyperhidrosis.
when other treatments do not work well, and your symptoms persist, the doctor may recommend minimally invasive surgery.
You can manage your hyperhidrosis symptoms at home by using antiperspirants and deodorants, showering more often, and wearing clean, breathable clothing.
Excessive sweating can impact quality of life, but you need not worry! Visit Hortman Clinics for a complete evaluation of your symptoms and a tailored treatment plan from our experienced dermatologists.
Sweat glands are present throughout the body, and the most prominent ones include:
The palms of the hands are the most common area for hyperhidrosis.
Your body produces sweat as a means of cooling it and preventing overheating. However, some environmental triggers may stimulate sweat glands to produce more sweat. Some of these factors are:
Yes, some medical conditions like infections, menopause or peri-menopause, thyroid disorders, diabetes, obesity and cancer can cause excessive sweating.
Hyperhidrosis, especially focal hyperhidrosis, can run in families. If a close blood relative has this condition, you are more likely to develop it.
If not treated early, hyperhidrosis can cause complications like:
It can also affect your mental and emotional health.
Contact your dermatologist if you are sweating excessively and impacting your life.
Treatment for hyperhidrosis is safe but may cause side effects in some individuals. Common side effects include:
Once you begin treatment for hyperhidrosis, you will feel the results in a few weeks or months.
Controlling and avoiding the trigger factors can prevent hyperhidrosis flare-ups. But, not all hyperhidrosis cases are preventable. You can work with your dermatologist to find the best way to manage your symptoms.
There is no permanent cure for hyperhidrosis. However, the treatments available can effectively reduce your symptoms, making them more manageable.
Everything we do is tailored to your needs, this is why we take our time to take care of you and answer all your questions.
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