What is Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a condition most commonly known as excessive sweating and sometimes referred to as the “silent handicap”. This being because many of those inflicted choose to suffer in silence, afraid of the stigma surrounding excessive perspiration. With the top two triggers being emotion and spicy food, most sufferers will usually try to avoid social situations which results in them bearing the emotional and psychological burden alone. The commonness of hyperhidrosis amongst the population is not known, and this is mainly because so many people affected by the condition avoid visiting their doctor for treatment.

Those that suffer with hyperhidrosis usually present the symptoms in one of two ways. It can affect the entire body (generalised hyperhidrosis), or a specific area such as under the arms, the groin, the feet, or the palms of the hands (localised hyperhidrosis). Localised hyperhidrosis is the most common form of excessive sweating usually found amongst patients.

Understanding Sweating

Sweating is a natural bodily function. Our bodies sweat to help us maintain a healthy temperature during periods of exercise, in hot weather or when we are suffering a fever. Excessive perspiration means to sweat much more than usual, even when you are not suffering from anxiety, heat or an illness.

Excessive sweating can be categorised into three different types. It is important to understand which type you may be suffering from, in order to treat the condition effectively.

Also Read: Related Questions asked by previous website visitors

Localised Hyperhidrosis

Primary and secondary focal hyperhidrosis, are both localised excessive sweating conditions. Primary focal hyperhidrosis is idiopathic, meaning it has no recognisable cause. It is usually present from a young age, but can occur at any time. The condition can be focused in one specific area of the body, such as the hands, and is thought to be triggered by overactive sweat glands. Usually sufferers will find that both sides of the body are affected symmetrically. There may also be a genetic factor to consider, meaning it could possibly run in the family. Those that suffer with primary focal hyperhidrosis will usually experience a period of excessive sweating about once a week.

Secondary focal hyperhidrosis is quite uncommon. Usually a symptom of another underlying condition, such as cerebrovascular disease or diabetic neuropathy. The frequency at which people will experience excessive sweating when suffering from secondary hyperhidrosis will be dependant on the underlying cause. If the localised perspiration is not symmetrical then this could suggest secondary focal hyperhidrosis.

Generalised Hyperhidrosis

Generalised hyperhidrosis is again a symptom of another condition which can be caused by things such as pregnancy, anxiety, heart or respiratory failure, hormonal problems, Parkinson’s disease, HIV, tuberculosis and other infections of the body. Being a symptom of a medical issue means that in order to treat general hyperhidrosis, the underlying cause must be established and any treatment should be directed towards this. General hyperhidrosis can also be caused by a reaction to certain drugs. As with secondary focal hyperhidrosis, the frequency that a sufferer may experience periods of excessive sweating is dependant on the underlying condition.

Initial Treatments for Hyperhidrosis

Treatments for the condition will vary depending on the type of excessive sweating condition that has been diagnosed. Because secondary focal and general hyperhidrosis are both caused by other underlying conditions, the treatment will usually be dependant on the cause.

Initial treatments for primary focal hyperhidrosis include using soap substitutes, avoiding spicy food, wearing loose clothing, using absorbent sweat powders and wearing alternate shoes each day to allow them to dry out. There are some other steps to consider which can improve a sufferers quality of life and help to rebuild their self-confidence. These involve making some small lifestyle changes like swapping deodorant for an antiperspirant or changing your shoes from a synthetic material to leather. Armpit shields can also be purchased, which absorb excess underarm perspiration and help to protect your clothing.

If you find that normal antiperspirants do not work then it may be worth trying an antiperspirant which contains aluminium chloride which is available to buy at a pharmacy. These type of antiperspirants work by blocking the opening to the sweat gland and are suitable for use under your arms and on your feet. These type of antiperspirants do work well but can sometimes cause mild irritation. Some users feel though that this irritation is forgiveable as the benefits far outweigh the irritation.

Specialist Treatments for Hyperhidrosis

If you have tried the initial treatments and do not feel an improvement in your quality of life then your doctor may refer you to a skin specialist. Most dermatologists will suggest one of four possible treatments.

Medication
Various tablets like anticholinergics and beta-blockers can be very effective in the treatment of hyperhidrosis.  However they have a few side effects and are contraindicated in people with certain medical conditions like glaucoma or urinary retention. Ask A Dermatologist or your doctor, if you are unsure.

Iontophoresis
This treatment is used to treat excessive sweating on the palms of your hands and/or the soles of your feet. It involves placing the affected area into water in which a small electrical current is passed through. Although the treatment is not dangerous, some discomfort may occur as most patients experience a feeling of pins and needles. It is not known exactly how the treatment helps, although it is thought to somehow block the sweat glands.

Botulinum Toxin Injections
This treatment is used to treat excessive sweating under the arms. The treatment consists of having several injections of the botulinum toxin around the affected areas. It works by blocking the nerves that control the sweat glands. This treatment is not suitable for areas where muscle could be affected. The treatment should be ongoing with most sufferers needing to revisit the dermatologist between 4-12 months. Botulinum toxin injections are very expensive, therefore this treatment is not usually available on the NHS.

Surgery
As a last resort, surgery is a viable option for people who have found little reprieve using other methods of treatment. For example there is an option to remove the sweat glands from the armpits, or to sever certain nerves from the spinal cord which helps to treat excessive palm sweating. The chances of success with surgery is high but there are some minimal risks involved, as with all surgery involving anesthesia.

You can learn more about hyperhidrosis and excessive sweating treatments at www.dermavi.co.uk.

Alternatively, why not Speak to A Dermatologist directly?