A medical condition, hyperhidrosis happens when a person sweats more than the normal rate. Usually, when one is suffering from hyperhidrosis, the sweating is unpredictable and can even happen even if the temperature isn’t that high. In fact, people suffering from this condition can start sweating even if it is really cold.
What causes this strange ailment? Isn’t sweating normal?
Sweating is a way for the body to regulate its temperature and in most cases, sweating is perfectly normal. People sweat more when it is hot though and this also happens when one engages in strenuous activities such as forms of exercise. Sweating is also a response to certain occurrences that can lead to nervousness, anger, embarrassment or fear. For example, some individuals would sweat before they speak in front of a lot of people while others would sweat if something is worrying them.
However, when you start sweating for no reason at all, it may be time to talk to a physician because there might be something wrong with your sweat glands or something even worse.
People who have overactive sweat glands have hyperhidrosis. This ailment usually affects the armpits, the feet and the hands. Although the sickness can be ignored, it causes distress for most who suffer from it regardless of the severity of the ailment.
According to statistics, around 3% of the population suffer from hyperhidrosis but only 40% of those suffering from the condition go to a doctor to get it treated. There are no particular causes of hyperhidrosis but it has been found to run in families. Although the ailment can be a standalone disorder, it can also be a signal from the body that there is something wrong with you healthwise. Conditions that result to a sweating overdrive include acromegaly, anxiety-related conditions, cancer, use of certain substances, heart disease, glucose control conditions or disorders, lung diseases, Parkinson’s, menopause, injury in the spinal cord, stroke, infections such as Tuberculosis, and Pheochromocytoma.
There are tests that can be done to diagnose this ailment and this includes starch-iodine test and paper test.
Treatment for hyperhidrosis includes the use of strong antiperspirants. Antiperspirants plug the body’s sweat ducts making it possible for sweating to be controlled especially in the underarm. Medication is also prescribed to individuals with this condition and the most common drugs used as anticholinergics such as Robinul. There are side effects though so it is best to discuss this with your doctor. You should also note what you are allergic to to ensure that you are eligible for using certain anticholinergics.
There are also other FDA approved treatments that you and your doctor can opt for. This includes iontophoresis or the electrical procedure of turning off the glands in the body responsible for swearing. This treatment is the most effective to date when it comes to excessive sweating on the hands and feet. This is not a one-time treatment though because you would have to undergo several 10 to 20 minute sessions to get your sweat glands to “turn off”. Botox is another FDA approved treatment for hyperhidrosis. It is a good solution for those who have severe underarm sweating. Small doses of the toxin administered into the underarms can block the nerves that cause sweating. Albeit temporary, the nerve block can last for months.
If you have questions about Hyperhydrosis we recommend contacting the good people at Oceanview can help answer them. Located right here in Frisco, their medical weigh loss spa offers many options for men and women including those that suffer from hyperhydrosis.
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