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Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating. It causes your body to produce more sweat than necessary, sometimes without any clear reason. This condition can feel uncomfortable or embarrassing, yet it is common. A healthcare professional can help you find a treatment to manage your symptoms, which may include specialized antiperspirants, medications, or therapies.
What is Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a condition in which the body sweats more than necessary to regulate its temperature. Sweating may occur during rest, in cold weather, or unexpectedly. Normally, a person sweats to balance body temperature and prevent overheating. Sweat moves from the glands through ducts to the surface of the skin, where it evaporates by turning from liquid into vapor, cooling the body. Hyperhidrosis, however, is considered the result of overactive sweat glands.
What Are the Symptoms of Hyperhidrosis?
The most common and primary symptom of hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating. During episodes of sweating, a person may experience:
- Noticeable wetness on the skin
- Damp clothing caused by sweat
- Drops of fluid running down the face, such as from the cheeks or forehead
Over time, hyperhidrosis may also lead to:
- Itching and inflammation caused by skin irritation from sweat
- Body odor
- Cracks or peeling of the skin on the feet
The severity of hyperhidrosis symptoms can vary. While some may experience mild, temporary episodes, others may face persistent symptoms that interfere with daily activities.
What Are the Causes of Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is caused by overactive sweat glands. Normally, when the body overheats, it produces sweat to cool itself. This process is activated during exercise or in moments of tension. In hyperhidrosis, however, the sweat glands become overly active and produce sweat more frequently. As a result, a person may begin sweating at any time of the day.
Common triggers for sweating include:
- Stress, anxiety, or fear
- Hot or humid weather
- Exercise or physical activity
- Certain emotions, such as nervousness
- Spicy, fatty, sugary, or salty foods
How Is Hyperhidrosis Diagnosed?
After a physical examination, the physician listens to the patient’s symptoms and reviews their medical history. The symptoms can be evaluated as diagnostic criteria. If the patient has experienced excessive sweating for at least six months, a diagnosis of hyperhidrosis may be considered. The sweating typically affects the underarms, palms, soles, or face.
To determine the underlying cause of hyperhidrosis, the following tests may be performed:
- Iodine Test: The physician applies an iodine solution to the affected area. In regions with excessive sweating, the solution turns a dark blue color.
- Paper Test: A special paper is placed on the area to absorb sweat, allowing the physician to measure the amount of perspiration.
- Blood or Imaging Tests: A blood sample or imaging studies may be ordered to investigate possible underlying causes of the symptoms.
How is Hyperhidrosis Treated?
The treatment of hyperhidrosis depends on the area of the body affected and the severity of symptoms. The goal is to identify the most effective option to help manage excessive sweating.
- Lifestyle and Topical Approaches
- Using antiperspirants and deodorants
- Taking more frequent showers
- Wearing breathable clothing
Medical treatments under doctor:
- Iontophoresis: Hands or feet are placed in shallow trays filled with tap water. A medical device delivers a low electrical current through the water, gradually blocking sweat gland activity. Each session lasts about 10 to 20 minutes.
- Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections: The toxin is injected into overactive nerves to temporarily block sweat production, with effects lasting several months.
- Microwave ablation: A specialized device delivers thermal energy to the affected skin, permanently destroying sweat glands.
Surgical options:
- Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS): The surgeon cuts the nerves responsible for sending signals to the sweat glands, reducing sweating.
- Sweat gland removal: Sweat glands may be surgically removed using laser, curettage, excision, or liposuction techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hyperhidrosis
How do you fix hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a condition that can be managed with antiperspirants, lifestyle modifications, and medical treatments such as iontophoresis, Botox injections, or microwave therapy. In severe cases, surgical options like endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy may be considered.
Is hyperhidrosis a rare disease?
Hyperhidrosis is not a rare condition. It affects about 2–3% of the population, but many individuals remain undiagnosed as it is often mistaken for normal sweating.
What is the best medication for hyperhidrosis?
The best options for hyperhidrosis include prescription antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride, oral anticholinergics to reduce sweat gland activity, and botulinum toxin injections for targeted areas.
Does diet affect hyperhidrosis?
Diet does not cause hyperhidrosis, but certain foods and drinks like caffeine, spicy meals, and alcohol can trigger or worsen sweating episodes in some individuals.
Which department is responsible for hyperhidrosis?
People with hyperhidrosis usually go to a dermatologist. If surgery is needed, they may be referred to thoracic or plastic surgeons.
