In a recent article at Star Tribune, the Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Julio Sartori Valinotti discusses excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, a condition that affects arounds 15 million people in the United States. Here are some key takeaways from the Q&A.
Normal Sweating Versus Hyperhidrosis
Sweating is a normal human function that helps the body get rid of excess heat. There are anywhere from two to five million sweat glands throughout a person’s body. Although everyone sweats, there are people who sweat more often than others, and those people have what is known as hyperhidrosis. Excessive sweating is when the amount a person is sweating starts impacting their everyday life.
Living with Hyperhidrosis
People living with hyperhidrosis, Dr. Valinotti explains, may find themselves sweating through their clothing, sometimes leading them to change outfits throughout the day. They also can experience sweating on their palms, which can impact them socially as they can be self-conscious about this sweating when reaching for a handshake or going for a high-five.
Unfortunately, there are often no secondary causes for hyperhidrosis. This means there is no identifiable cause for what they are experiencing. The condition typically starts before a patient turns 25, and often there is a family history of hyperhidrosis. However, patients who have hyperhidrosis have found ways to cope and prepare, doing things such as carrying towels and washcloths and bringing extra clothes to change into.
Getting a Diagnosis
If you believe you are experiencing excessive sweating, Dr. Valinotti says, it is important to reach out to your primary care physician and a dermatologist. Furthermore, the main at-home treatment you may want to test out is antiperspirants.
If you are diagnosed, your doctor may prescribe a number of treatments. Some of these include prescription-strength antiperspirants, oral medications, medical devices, and even Botox injections.
Read more about hyperhidrosis in the Q&A over at Star Tribune.
More About Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is characterized by excessive sweating that is not brought on by heat, exercise, or normal causes of perspiration.
Symptoms
Excessive sweating is the major symptom of hyperhidrosis, and it is so severe that one may sweat through their clothes. It is most common on the hands, underarms, feet, or face. This sweat can disrupt one’s daily routine and cause social anxiety. In terms of complications, affected individuals may be more susceptible to infections.
Causes
There are two forms of hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary. The former occurs when the nerves that signal to the sweat glands become overactive, although medical professionals are not sure as to why this occurs. They suspect that a genetic component could play a role, as hyperhidrosis is observed in families.
If one has the secondary form, their excessive sweating is the result of another medical condition. Possible causes include diabetes, low blood sugar, infections, certain cancers, thyroid problems, menopause hot flashes, nervous system disorders, and heart attacks.
Treatments
For those with the secondary form of hyperhidrosis, treatment consists of addressing the primary condition. If it is primary hyperhidrosis, you may be prescribed medications such as nerve-blockers, prescription creams, prescription antiperspirants, antidepressants, and botulinum injections. If one’s case is severe, surgery may be recommended, with procedures like sweat gland removal, microwave therapy, and nerve surgery.
