Hyperhidrosis: Symptoms and Treatment

Hyperhidrosis, characterized by excessive sweat production, often affects the palms, soles, and armpits.

Hyperhidrosis

Often synonymous with embarrassment, hyperhidrosis is an uncomfortable medical condition in which the patient sweats excessively and experiences the anxiety of a difficult-to-manage situation.

What is Hyperhidrosis? Hyperhidrosis occurs when a person sweats more than necessary. The body uses sweat as a form of temperature control. It is essential to sweat to prevent the body from overheating. In the case of hyperhidrosis, the body's 'thermostat' becomes dysregulated, and the body sweats without needing cooling. Hyperhidrosis can be generalized, meaning it manifests throughout the entire body, or it can be focal, manifesting only in specific areas of the body.

Sweat Sweat is a valuable component for human survival. It is the body's coolant, protecting us from overheating. Our bodies have between 2 to 4 million sweat glands distributed throughout. The majority are eccrine sweat glands, which secrete an odorless, clear liquid that helps the body control its temperature by contributing to heat loss through evaporation.

Types of Hyperhidrosis Hyperhidrosis is categorized into two main types, which are essential for its management and therapeutic approach:

Primary Hyperhidrosis Primary hyperhidrosis appears in childhood or adolescence with localized symptoms. Primary hyperhidrosis may have a hereditary predisposition as it occurs more frequently in individuals of the same family; however, this is not a rule. If hyperhidrosis appears during adolescence, there is almost always a positive medical history. In other cases, however, primary hyperhidrosis can manifest after the coexistence of intense stress with a syndrome. This means you may sweat excessively: In one or more areas of the body (focal hyperhidrosis) usually on the armpits, hands, feet, or forehead. On both sides of the body (for example, both armpits, both hands, or both feet). As soon as you wake up and without the room being warm. At least once a week or more frequently for some people.

Secondary Hyperhidrosis Secondary hyperhidrosis can be linked to a medical condition or a medication side effect. Medical conditions that can cause sweating include: diabetes mellitus hyperthyroidism menopause obesity arthritis infection (HIV, etc.) Parkinson's disease Also, almost every febrile illness can cause hyperhidrosis, as can chronic alcohol consumption.

Main Manifestation Points

The most common area for hyperhidrosis to manifest is the armpits. The most bothersome area, however, is the palms, as it directly affects an individual's activities such as their work, or even a simple handshake.

Hyperhidrosis & Symptoms The characteristic symptom of hyperhidrosis is increased sweating. It may not be easy to gauge the amount of sweat one produces, but some everyday situations indicate excessive perspiration when: We sweat excessively in the armpits and on the back. We sweat so much that we need to change shirts to feel comfortable. "Tears" of sweat run down the forehead and cheeks. Our hands feel wet and our socks are soaked. The sweat glands secrete sweat in larger amounts than normal without any apparent cause such as physical exercise, high temperature, very warm clothing, etc.

Axillary Hyperhidrosis Axillary hyperhidrosis could be described as the most bothersome type of hyperhidrosis. Axillary hyperhidrosis and uncontrollable sweating create serious problems of isolation.

Palmar Hyperhidrosis Palmar hyperhidrosis (sweaty hands) is the type of hyperhidrosis with the most social implications, one might say. For example, professional contacts with sweaty handshakes, and even difficulty operating a computer.

Body Odor Sweat normally has no odor, as it consists mainly of water. However, when sweat comes into contact with bacteria, the latter break down the molecules that make up sweat, resulting in a strong, usually unpleasant odor.

Anhidrosis If hyperhidrosis is uncomfortable and annoying, the exact opposite medical condition, anhidrosis (i.e., the absence of sweating), is not a dream come true for those who view excessive sweating as a nightmare. On the contrary, it can cause severe health problems.

Hyperhidrosis & Diagnosis For the diagnosis of hyperhidrosis, the dermatologist will start with a clinical examination, carefully examining the sweating areas and taking a complete medical history. They may also perform special tests in the office (starch-iodine test), and if deemed necessary, will recommend further tests to determine if there is an underlying medical condition. The diagnosis of hyperhidrosis is made by a specialized dermatologist. There are also certain criteria that, while not absolute, help distinguish primary from secondary hyperhidrosis. Primary hyperhidrosis: Hereditary predisposition Simultaneous manifestation on both sides of the body (armpits-palms-soles) More often focal rather than generalized Manifests at least once a week Symptoms subside during sleep Impacts the individual's daily life Secondary hyperhidrosis: No hereditary predisposition Usually associated with an underlying medical condition More often generalized rather than focal Occurs mainly during sleep Based on the above criteria and some additional tests, a diagnosis of hyperhidrosis and its type is made to select the appropriate treatment.

Management & Treatment There are different management approaches, starting with general measures that ensure reduced temperature and absorbent conditions.

Depending on the type of hyperhidrosis and the area of the body where it appears, the doctor may suggest a range of treatment options, which are usually proposed gradually and may include: Lifestyle changes, such as the composition of our clothing fabrics. Topical application of antiperspirant medications. Systemic oral medication. Thermolysis. Invasive procedures. In some cases, a combination of the above applications is considered necessary.

The treatment of hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin injections (Botox) is a modern, effective approach. Botox is a substance approved by the American Food and Drug Administration for the therapeutic treatment of hyperhidrosis and is effective when performed by a specially trained physician. The procedure involves injections into the treated area with a very fine needle. It is safe, bloodless, painless, and for greater comfort, an anesthetic cream is applied beforehand.

Why do I sweat so much?

Because your sweat glands are overactive and produce more sweat than necessary.

If I get botox for hyperhidrosis, when will the result be noticeable?

We must emphasize that the effect of botox will be noticeable 2-4 days after application, and the result is complete approximately 14 days later. Thus, for the next few months, excessive sweat production is almost completely reduced.

Does everyone who sweats excessively suffer from hyperhidrosis?

For the correct diagnosis of the condition, a visit to a specialized dermatologist is essential. Increased sweat production does not necessarily mean you suffer from hyperhidrosis, but it can be due to various factors, and you can limit its occurrence with the guidance of a doctor.

Can I prevent hyperhidrosis?

You cannot prevent primary hyperhidrosis. However, you can identify the underlying condition "hidden" behind secondary hyperhidrosis, and by treating it, you can also treat excessive sweating.

Can changes in my daily life improve the hyperhidrosis I am experiencing?

Many times, changes in daily routine such as more frequent showers and choosing "breathable" fabrics for clothes can improve hyperhidrosis to some extent, but in most cases, they do not solve the problem.

Can hyperhidrosis be aggravated by strong emotions such as stress or anger?

Certainly, strong emotions exacerbate hyperhidrosis, but they do not cause it. The causes of the condition must be investigated by a specialized dermatologist.