Millions of people worldwide suffer from hyperhidrosis, also known as excessive sweating. It is a common and frequently upsetting medical condition. This article explains the many facets of hyperhidrosis, including its incidence, treatments and effects on individuals quality of life.

Types of Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating):

Although hyperhidrosis can take many different forms, the two main categories are as follows:

1. Axillary Hyperhidrosis (Axilla)

The term “axillary hyperhidrosis” describes profuse perspiration under the arms. In addition to causing social embarrassment and stained clothing, this condition can cause a number of other problems.

2. Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis

The condition known as palmoplantar hyperhidrosis is typified by profuse perspiration on the foot soles and palms. It may begin earlier in life and seriously interfere with day-to-day activities.

Onset

Hyperhidrosis can start in a variety of ways, In late adolescence, axillary sweating frequently starts.

The average onset age of palmoplantar hyperhidrosis is comparatively younger, at 13 years old.

Side Effects

People with hyperhidrosis may experience a wide range of negative effects in their lives, such as:

Psychological and Social changes

Sweating excessively can be awkward and hurtful to relationships. Common problems include discomfiture in social situations and soiled clothes.

Practical Consequences

When hyperhidrosis is severe, it can cause practical problems and make it hard for the affected person to do daily duties. It might seem intimidating to shake hands, hold a pen, or even grip a steering wheel in an automobile.

Causes of hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis, the medical term for excessive sweating, can be caused by a variety of things. Excessive sweating can have a number of causes, including:

Symptoms

Excessive sweating is the hallmark of hyperhidrosis, which presents with a variety of symptoms. Among these symptoms may be:

The symptoms of hyperhidrosis might differ in intensity. While some people struggle with persistent, excessive perspiration that greatly interferes with their daily activities, others only suffer moderate, sporadic symptoms.

Hyperhidrosis affects your personality

In addition, hyperhidrosis can significantly affect a person’s emotional well-being. Many people who suffer from hyperhidrosis may avoid social situations or particular activities because they feel ashamed or self-conscious about their excessive perspiration. Seeking treatment from a healthcare provider for symptom management and, if necessary, consulting with a mental health expert to address any linked emotional concerns are advised if hyperhidrosis starts to negatively impact your mental health.

What triggers sweating?

A normal physiological reaction that aids in controlling body temperature is sweating. There are a number of internal and external factors that might stimulate the sweat glands. Among these triggers are:

Treatments To Get Rid of Excessive Sweating

1. Iontophoresis

The treatment for hyperhidrosis, or excessive perspiration, is iontophoresis. It works by passing a mild electrical current through water to momentarily stop your sweat glands. If it is effective for you, you will need to continue the treatments in order to sustain the results.

Iontophoresis Procedure

Treatment duration

For optimal results, iontophoresis usually requires regular treatments. Initially, you may need to repeat the procedure three times per week. This frequency continues until the desired results are achieved.

After achieving the desired outcome, maintenance treatments are necessary. These are typically done once a week to sustain the effects of iontophoresis.

 Cost of iontophoresis

Iontophoresis is typically administered by a healthcare provider. To use an iontophoresis device at home, you’ll need a prescription from your doctor. In many cases, insurance may cover the cost of the device.

Iontophoresis is a proven method for managing conditions like hyperhidrosis, and its effectiveness can vary from person to person. Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment plan for your specific needs.

2.Botox: A Superb Treatment for Excessive Sweating

High sweating, or hyperhidrosis, can be overwhelming. Thankfully, there are several treatment choices, and Botox is an excellent one. Botox is best known for decreasing wrinkles, but it is also FDA-approved for underarm perspiration. However, some doctors may use it to alleviate palm and foot perspiration.

How Botox Works

Botox blocks a neurotransmitter that activates sweat glands. Botox reduces excessive sweating by blocking this signaling. The treatment may require numerous injections in the targeted regions, but the effect might last nearly a year.

Botox relieves hyperhidrosis sufferers from excessive sweating. This novel Botox treatment shows its usefulness in treating medical issues beyond cosmetics. However, a doctor should assess Botox’s suitability and create a customized sweating management plan.

3.Oversweating Microwave Thermolysis

MiraDry, a commercial treatment for hyperhidrosis, permanently disables underarm sweat glands with precise microwave beams. Treatment takes 60 minutes.

What to expect following the hyperhidrosis treatment is as follows:

Getting Ready for the Process

Reviewing Medical History: To make sure the procedure is safe and appropriate for the patient, a thorough evaluation of their medical history is conducted.

Discussion: The physician and the patient talk about the procedure’s expected results, possible dangers, and expectations. This gives the patient a chance to talk about any worries they may have.

Anesthetic Application: A local anesthetic is administered to the treatment region during the process. This guarantees the patient’s comfort and reduces any discomfort that may arise during the procedure.

There are a few possible hazards and side effects to be aware of, even though the process is normally safe. These may consist of:

Reviewing Medical History: To make sure the procedure is safe and appropriate for the patient, a thorough evaluation of their medical history is conducted.

Discussion: The physician and the patient talk about the procedure’s expected results, possible dangers, and expectations. This gives the patient a chance to talk about any worries they may have.

Anesthetic Application: A local anesthetic is administered to the treatment region during the process. This guarantees the patient’s comfort and reduces any discomfort that may arise during the procedure.

There are a few possible hazards and side effects to be aware of, even though the process is normally safe. These may consist of:

Reviewing Medical History: To make sure the procedure is safe and appropriate for the patient, a thorough evaluation of their medical history is conducted.

Discussion: The physician and the patient talk about the procedure’s expected results, possible dangers, and expectations. This gives the patient a chance to talk about any worries they may have.

Anesthetic Application: A local anesthetic is administered to the treatment region during the process. This guarantees the patient’s comfort and reduces any discomfort that may arise during the procedure.

There are a few possible hazards and side effects to be aware of, even though the process is normally safe. These may consist of:

4.Anticholinergic Drugs

When standard treatments such as antiperspirants, iontophoresis, and Botox have proven ineffective in treating excessive sweating, your doctor may recommend an anticholinergic medicine. These oral drugs work by suppressing sweat gland activation, providing an alternative method to treating the illness. However, it’s crucial to remember that anticholinergic medicines aren’t for everyone because they can cause a variety of side effects, including:

Because of their potential negative effects, anticholinergic medications are only used as a last resort in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. The decision to pursue this treatment should be taken in cooperation with your healthcare professional, who can weigh the risks and benefits in light of your particlar condition and health profile.

5.Prescription Antiperspirants

These antiperspirants are available with a prescription and include 6.25% to 20% aluminum chloride hexahydrate. Although they are stronger, they have the potential to irritate skin, particularly if not used as prescribed.

6.Anticholinergic Wipes

A wipe prescribed for severe hyperhidrosis is called Qbrexza. Glycopyrronium, an anticholinergic substance that blocks the molecules that cause perspiration, is present in 2.4% of it. Side effects include burning or stinging, dry mouth, cramping in the muscles, and retention of urine may occur.

7.Oral Anticholinergics

Chemicals that cause perspiration can be inhibited by taking medications like glycopyrrolate and oxybutynin orally. However, these medications have the potential to cause adverse effects such constipation, dry mouth, dry eyes, and cognitive problems, which makes them less ideal for long-term use.

8.Laser Therapy

 Without damaging the tissues around the sweat glands, laser treatments target them. According to preliminary research, laser therapy can lessen the intensity of perspiration, and recuperation happens quickly.

9.Sweat Gland Removal

Excision, curettage, or liposuction can be used to remove sweat glands from under the arms. Sweat gland-containing tissue can also be softened using laser-assisted procedures. Not every bodily part is a good candidate for these local procedures, though.

10.Nerve Surgery (Sympathectomy)

 The last option for palmar sweating (hands) is endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS). The goal of this invasive operation is to prevent sweat gland nerve transmissions. Significant dangers and adverse effects include heat intolerance, hypotension, compensatory sweating, and arrhythmia of the heart.

How to Diagnose hyperhidrosis?

Home Remedies Hyperhidrosis