Sweating is a natural process that helps regulate the body’s temperature in warm surroundings and during exercise. Excessive sweating can become a problem, however, especially when it occurs in inappropriate situations. The medical term for excessive sweating is ‘hyperhidrosis’. The hands, feet, armpits and groin have the greatest numbers of sweat glands, but hyperhidrosis can affect other parts of the body including the face.
Types of Hyperhidrosis
- Focal hyperhidrosis affects only certain parts of the body, most commonly the palms of the hands.
- Generalized hyperhidrosis affects the entire body.
- Primary hyperhidrosis begins around the time of puberty. It is thought to be a genetic condition that leads to overactivity of the nerves that stimulate sweating.
- Secondary hyperhidrosis can start at any age and has many possible causes. Increased sweating is common during the menopause. Other causes include diabetes, thyroid or pituitary disorders, infections, heart disease and Hodgkin’s disease (a type of lymphoma). Certain medications, such as antidepressants and propanolol (used to treat high blood pressure) can cause hyperhidrosis as a side-effect.
- In many sufferers, excessive sweating can occur at any time. In others, it is triggered by emotions or eating. Even certain smells can lead to sweating in some people.
Problems with Excessive Sweating
Excessive sweating on the palms can interfere with any activity that involves holding or manipulating an object – from routine tasks such as writing with a pen or chopping food with a knife, to hobbies such as knitting, to complex activities like playing a musical instrument.
People with hyperhidrosis may become extremely self-conscious about their condition and may avoid social situations as a consequence. Anxiety caused by hyperhidrosis can make the sweating worse, leading to a vicious circle.
The functional and social impairments caused by excessive sweating, together with the need for frequent changes of clothing throughout the day, can severely affect the ability of sufferers to work in certain areas of employment.
Tips to Reduce Excessive Sweating
- Talc or baby powder can be helpful in absorbing excess sweat, though it is messy to use and not practicable on, for example, the face.
- Absorbent insoles reduce sweat in shoes.
- Armpit shields protect clothes from damp patches.
- Avoid manmade fabrics such as nylon; wear ‘breathable’ clothes made from natural fibres instead.
- Relaxation techniques, meditation or weight loss may help.
- A doctor may prescribe a high-strength antiperspirant – these preparations contain aluminium chloride, which is used in regular antiperspirants, but at much greater concentrations.
Treatments for Hyperhidrosis
Secondary hyperhidrosis should respond to treatment of the underlying cause. For those with primary hyperhidrosis, there are various treatments available.
- Iontophoresis is a technique that uses a small electrical current, passed through water, to block the action of the sweat glands in the palms, soles or armpits. It is has a high success rate, but regular sessions are required. The treatment can be given in a hospital or clinic, or kits can be purchased for use at home.
- Botox injections into the sweat glands can disable them for several months at a time.
- Drugs such as oxybutinin may be effective, though they have side-effects such as drowsiness, visual disturbances and dryness of the mouth.
- Affected sweat glands may be partly removed in a procedure similar to liposuction.
- Surgery may be considered for people with primary hyperhidrosis that has not responded to other treatments. These procedures block the nerves that stimulate sweating, by cutting, cauterizing or clamping them. Such operations may be successful in reducing perspiration, but can lead to problems including compensatory sweating in other parts of the body. Also, the interrupted nerves sometimes regenerate, leading to a return of the hyperhidrosis.
An Embarrassing Problem for Some People
Many people are embarrassed about seeking help for excessive sweating, or believe that nothing can be done about it, but there are various treatments available. Anyone who is troubled by hyperhidrosis should not hesitate to consult their doctor for advice.
References
Hyperhidrosis Support Group. Accessed 07-07-09
NHS Choices: Hyperhidrosis. Accessed 07-07-09
Disclaimer
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
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