What is hyperhidrosis ?
HYPERHIDROSIS :
- Focal hyperhidrosis: When the excessive sweating is localized. For example, palmoplantar hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating of the palms and soles.
- Generalized hyperhidrosis: Excessive sweating affects the entire body.
Hyperhidrosis may be present from birth or might develop later in life. However, most cases of excessive sweating tend to start during a person’s teenage years.
The condition can be due to an underlying health condition, or have no apparent cause :
- Primary idiopathic hyperhidrosis: “Idiopathic” means “of unknown cause.” In the majority of cases, the hyperhidrosis is localized.
- Secondary hyperhidrosis: The person sweats too much because of an underlying health condition, such asobesity , gout, menopause a tumor mercury poisoning, diabetes mellitus or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland).
For some, hyperhidrosis symptoms are so severe that it becomes embarrassing, causing discomfort and anxiety. The patient’s career choices, free time activities, personal relationships, self-image, and emotional well-being may be affected.
Fortunately, there are several options which can treat symptoms effectively. The biggest challenge in treating hyperhidrosis is the significant number of people who do not seek medical advice, either due to embarrassment or because they do not know that effective treatment exists.
WHAT ARE THE SIGN AND SYMPTOMS OF HYPERHIDROSIS ?
Hyperhidrosis is defined as sweating that disrupts normal activities. Episodes of excessive sweating occur at least once a week for no clear reason and have an effect on social life or daily activities.
Signs and symptoms of hyperhidrosis may include:
- Clammy or wet palms of the hands
- Clammy or wet soles of the feet
- Frequent sweating
- Noticeable sweating that soaks through clothing
People with hyperhidrosis might experience the following:
- Irritating and painful skin problems, such as fungal or bacterial infections
- Worrying about having stained clothing
- Reluctant to make physical contact
- Self-conscious
- Socially withdrawn, sometimes leading to depression
- Select employment where physical contact or human interaction is not a job requirement
- Spend a large amount of time each day dealing with sweat, such as changing clothes, wiping, placing napkins or pads under the arms, washing, wearing bulky, or dark clothes
- Worry more than other people about body odor
Experts are not certain why, but excessive sweating during sleep is not common for people with primary hyperhidrosis (the type not linked to any underlying medical condition).
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF HYPERHIDROSIS?
People used to think that primary hyperhidrosis was linked to the patient’s mental and emotional state, that the condition was psychological and only affected stressed, anxious, or nervous individuals.
However, recent research has demonstrated that individuals with primary hyperhidrosis are no more prone to feelings of anxiety, nervousness, or emotional stress than the rest of the population when exposed to the same triggers.
In fact, it is the other way round – the emotional and mental feelings experienced by many patients with hyperhidrosis are because of the excessive sweating .
- Spinal cord injury
- Alcohol abuse
- Anxiety
- Diabetes
- Gout
- Heart disease
- Hyperthyroidism – an overactive thyroid gland
- Obesity
- Parkinson's disease
- Pregnancy
- Respiratory failure
- Shingles
- Some cancers, such as Hodgkin’s disease
- Some infections – HIV, malaria TB [ tuberculosis ]
Thermoregulatory sweat test: a powder which is sensitive to moisture is applied to the skin. When excessive sweating occurs at room temperature, the powder changes color . The patient is then exposed to high heat and humidity in a sweat cabinet, which triggers sweating throughout the whole body.
When exposed to heat, people who do not have hyperhidrosis tend not to sweat excessively in the palms of their hands, but patients with hyperhidrosis do. This test also helps the doctor determine the severity of the condition. Initially, a doctor may try to rule out any underlying conditions, such as an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or low blood sugar by ordering blood and urine tests.
Patients will be asked about the patterns of their sweating – which parts of the body are affected, how often sweating episodes occur, and whether sweating occurs during sleep.
Natural Remedies :
Some alterations in daily activity and lifestyle may help improve symptoms:
- Antiperspirants – deodorants do not stop sweating, but antiperspirants sprays do. Some prescription antiperspirants include aluminum chloride, which plugs the sweat glands.
- Armpit shields – pads worn in the armpit to protect a garment from perspiration.
- Clothing – certain synthetic fibers, such as nylon, may worsen symptoms. Loose clothing is better.
- Shoes – synthetic materials are more likely to worsen symptoms. Natural materials, such as leather, are recommended.
- Socks – some socks are better at absorbing moisture, such as thick, soft ones made of natural fibers.
`A doctor may refer the person to a skin specialist, or dermatologist.
They may recommend:
Iontophoresis – the hands and feet are submerged in a bowl of water. A painless electric current is passed through the water. Most patients need two to four 20-30 minute treatments.
Botulinum toxin (Botox injections) – Botox injections block the nerves that trigger the sweat glands. Patients with hyperhidrosis may need several injections for effective results.
Anticholinergic drugs – these medications inhibit the transmission of parasympathetic nerve impulses. Patients generally notice an improvement in symptoms within about 2 weeks.
ETS (Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy) – this surgical intervention is only recommended in severe cases which have not responded to other treatments. The nerves that carry messages to the sweat glands are cut.
ETS may be used to treat hyperhidrosis of the face, hands or armpits. ETS is not recommended for treating hyperhidrosis of the feet because of the risk of permanent sexual dysfunction.
Comments
Post a Comment