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Excess sweat
Everyday our bodies naturally sweat as a way to regulate body temperature. Some people experience excessive perspiration or excessive sweat particularly in the face and hands. This condition is known as hyperhydrosis and is defined as sweating beyond what is necessary to maintain normal body temperature.
Approximately 2-3% of the population suffers from excess sweating which is mostly localized to the underarms, palms and soles. This disorder is often devastating to the sufferer and can increase anxiety and stress in both occupational and social situations.
What causes the hyperhydrosis?
The exact cause of hyperhydrosis is unknown. It is not a psychological disease but rather a condition. Hyperhydrosis is localised and first appears in childhood or adolescence. Whether it is hereditary is debatable. An increase in strenuous exercise, anxiety, or spicy food may trigger attacks of sweating. The sweating usually reduces at nighttime and disappears during sleep. A few people may have hyperhydrosis due to medical treatments.
Generalised hyperhydrosis may be due to:
- Drugs
- Cardiovascular disorders
- Respiratory failure
- Overactive thyroid
- Nervous disorders such as Parkinson's disease
Localised hyperhydrosis may be due to:
- Stroke
- Spinal nerve damage
- Brain tumour
- Chronic anxiety disorder
Complications from hyperhydrosis:-
- Damp, wet skin is prone to intertrigo - a rash in body folds.
- Sweaty feet can lead to dermatitis or tinea.
- It can be socially embarrassing.
Treatment:
Unfortunately, there is no cure for excessive sweating. Treatment ranges from:
- Antiperspirant sprays, roll-ons. Go for a fragrance free aluminium salt preparation suitable for hyperhydrosis.
- Talcum powder is suitable for mild hyperhydrosis.
- Prescription antiperspirants such as drysol, are useful for some patients with underarm hyperhydrosis, but may be disappointing when used to treat hyperhydrosis of the palms or soles.
- Anticholinergics or drugs taken orally to suppress sweating, have side effects including dry mouth, blurring of vision.
- Iontophoresis where a mild electric current is passed daily for weeks to stop secretion from the sweat glands. May cause dermatitis. Should not be used by pregnant women or people with pacemakers.
- BOTOX injections are given just under the skin to block the release of acetylcholine, which activates the sweat glands. Botox for hyperhydrosis is generally effective for 6-8 months.
- Surgical techniques range from removing the excessively sweaty skin of the underarm to an endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy - removing the sweat nerves near the spine in the upper chest.
- Overactive sweat glands may also be removed by tumescent liposuction.
There have been major improvements in the treatment of excessive production of sweat Effective treatment modalities vary from patient to patient requiring the physician to experiment with numerous options before finding the most effective choice As a last resort for relief from hyperhydrosis, one should consider surgical sympathectomy.