Read time: 3 minutes.
Sweating is a normal mechanism to prevent overheating. It cools down the body. But excessive sweating that is more than normal and not related to heat or exercise is called hyperhidrosis. It may soak your garments. Thus it may disturb daily life and cause anxiety and embarrassment.
Symptoms-
Main symptom of hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating irrespective of weather, exercise, anxiety or stress.
It usually affects hands, feet, underarms and face. Usually affects both sides of the body. Sweat dripping from forehead, cheeks and hands. Wet garments.
Consult your doctor when
1 Sweating is associated with chest pain, chest pain radiating to the throat, jaw, arms or shoulders, rapid pulse and cold skin.
2 Excessive sweating that disturbs your daily life
3 that causes an emotional impact on your life
Causes
Hyperhidrosis may be primary with no apparent cause. It may run in families. The sites usually involved are palms, soles, underarms and face. Usually it starts before the age of 25 years.
Secondary hyperhidrosis usually involves the whole body. It May be due to some underlying disease or due to some medicines.
Diseases may cause hyperhidrosis, such as-
Diabetes
Menopausal syndrome
Thyroid diseases
Parkinson’s disease.
Tuberculosis
Nervous system disorder
Some type of cancer
Many medicines may cause excessive sweating such as-
Naproxen
Insulin
Levothyroxine
Hyperhidrosis occurs in 3% of populations between ages 20 to 60.
Complications
Skin itching
Skin infections due to soaked skin
Foul body odour.
Anxiety and social embarrassment.
Wrinkles or cracks in skin
Sometimes peeling of skin.
Diagnosis
Proper history taking
Laboratory tests such as for thyroid functions and diabetes to find out some secondary cause.
Iodine starch test- To perform this test iodine is applied to the suspected area of hyperhidrosis of the body. The area is then allowed to dry. The area is then sprinkled with starch. Sweating causes a change of colour of the area from yellow to dark blue.
Treatment
When the cause of excessive sweating can be found it is focused to treat the cause.
Medications
Antiperspirants – These topically applicable drugs contain 6 – 20% Aluminium chloride. They block the sweat gland pores and temporarily block excessive sweating.
Creams containing glycopyrrolate may help hyperhidrosis of the face and neck. Don’t apply this cream near your eyes. These may cause skin irritations so consult your doctor before using these products.
Some medicines when taken orally block sweat glands nerves from sweating. Usual side effects of these drugs are dry mouth, blurred vision.
Antidepressants – Antidepressants sometimes decrease sweating and also anxiety.
Botulinum toxin injection- Botulinum toxin injection ( Botox ) to block nerves locally to prevent sweating. Several injections may be necessary for a particular area. Repeat injections may be necessary every six months. Short term muscle weakness may be seen in the area where the nerve is distributed.
Iontophoresis- In this procedure you soak your hands or feet for 30 minutes in a pan of water. During this time mild electric current is passed through the water by a specialized device. The current blocks the nerves that trigger sweating.
The procedure should be repeated 2 to 3 times per week.
Microwave therapy – A specialized device that delivers microwave energy to destroy sweat glands, is used sometimes. Possible side effects are change in skin sensation.
Surgical removal of sweat glands.
In rare circumstances nerve surgery (sympathectomy) to control sweating.
Lifestyle changes
Bathing more often
Wear loose clothing.
Wearing clothing made of cotton that can absorb sweat.Â
Avoid nylon, synthetic fibers.
