For our body, sweating is as natural as breathing and sleeping. Sweating is important because it regulates the temperature of the body. Everybody sweats, but some more than others. It's not usually a sign of trouble if you are sweating more than other people when it's hot or you're exerting yourself. But when you may be sweating heavily for no good reason, it can be embarrassing and altogether unpleasant. This specific condition is called 'Hyperhidrosis'. Sometimes heavy sweating can be sign of a medical condition.
What is Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is defined as too much amount of sweat produced by the body and goes beyond the normal physical need to sweat. It can be all over the body (generalized hyperhidrosis) or in specific areas (localized hyperhidrosis) such as the hands, palms, armpits, feet or the face. People with hyperhidrosis may sweat even when the temperature is cool or when they are at rest.
What causes Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis can be classified into two types depending on if it is a congenital or acquired trait:
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Primary hyperhidrosis: Primary hyperhidrosis is the most common cause of excessive sweating, affecting 1 to 3 percent of the population. It usually starts in childhood or adolescence. It seems to stem from a minor malfunction in the nervous system and some evidence suggests that it could run in families. Although it is a medical condition, it's not a sign of disease or a drug interaction. People who have it are otherwise healthy.
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Secondary hyperhidrosis: Secondary hyperhidrosis can start at any point in life. It's called secondary because it's being caused by something else, such as an underlying health condition. It may form due to a disorder of the thyroid or pituitary gland, diabetes mellitus, menopause, alcoholism, gout, some form of poisoning (like mercury poisoning), certain drugs, infections (like tuberculosis), or obesity.
What are the symptoms of hyperhidrosis?
Signs and symptoms of hyperhidrosis may include:
- Clammy or wet palms of the hands.
- Noticeable sweating that soaks through clothing.
- Clammy or wet soles of the feet.
- Sloughing (peeling) of skin.
- Frequent sweating.
How can I treat it?
You can control excessive sweating and the associated body odor by taking certain precautions. They can be as follows:
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Try using an over-the-counter antiperspirant. Antiperspirants reduce the amount of perspiration that reaches your skin by inhibiting the action of your sweat with aluminum salts. Remember, they are different from deodorants which only neutralize and cover odors resulting from the bacteria on the skin breaking down sweat. For best results, apply an antiperspirant nightly the areas most prone to sweating. Be sure your skin is completely dry before applying the antiperspirant. If over-the-counter antiperspirants don't help, your doctor may prescribe prescription antiperspirant.
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Taking regular baths with soap and water is the best way to fight excessive sweating. It keeps the number of bacteria on your skin in check.
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Using talcum power all over the body also helps to lessen sweating.
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If you sweat a lot, it is advisable that you wear natural fibers such as cotton, silk, wool and linen, which allow your skin to breathe. Also, it is advisable to wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Use artificial fibers that wick moisture away from your skin when you exercise.
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If you have trouble with sweaty feet, keep multiple pairs of shoes and try not to wear the same pair two days in a row. Also, choose shoes and socks made of natural materials as they can help prevent sweaty feet by allowing your feet to breathe.
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Sometimes excessive sweating is a result of anxiety. In such cases, try practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.
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You should cut down on spicy foods or acidic foods as they can make you sweat more. Even worse is that they make you sweat more frequently in shorter periods of time. Similarly, hot drinks can also have the same effect as spicy food. So, prefer iced beverages, juice or lemonade over any hot drink.
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Reduce the intake of caffeine as it increases metabolism of the body thus increasing its temperature.
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Try to stay away from onions and garlic as they will come through your pores when you sweat which gives you worse body odor.
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Regular exercise is a great way to control sweating as your body gets used to physical exertion which means less sweating.
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Cornstarch is considered deodorant's natural alternative, so you may want to try applying some cornstarch under your arms.
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Your doctor may also prescribe some drugs (like anticholinergic drug) that can stop the sweat glands from kicking into action.
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Iontophoresis is a treatment procedure in which the dermatologist uses a battery-powered device to deliver a low level of electrical impulses to temporarily disable the sweat glands, while the person's body is immersed in water.
Excessive sweating should be treated early. If left untreated, it could lead to other more complex social problems. Utilizing these above tips will give you some good much needed relief.
