Symptoms and Treatment of Excessive Sweating

Have you ever wondered why you sweat and what purpose it serves for your body? The body sweats in an effort to cool down due to factors such as exercise, exposure to heat, stress, and nervousness. Although some people think sweating is disgusting, it is a necessary bodily function. For nearly two percent of the entire world population, sweating is more than just normal, it is a nuisance and often times an embarrassment because they suffer from excessive sweating. Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis occurs when the body sweats more than what is necessary for cooling down and occurring more frequently than the body requires.

Causes of Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)

Excessive sweating is a result of a malfunction of the body’s thermostat or temperature regulating system, better known as the sweat glands. There are two different types of excessive sweating and the causes are dependent on which type you suffer from. The two types of excessive sweating and their associated causes are:

* Focal Hyperhidrosis – This type of excessive sweating typically occurs during the daytime hours and stops while you are asleep. Brought on by no specific reason, focal hyperhidrosis affects areas such as the armpits, hands and feet. Someone suffering from this type of excessive sweating may be fine one minute showing no signs of hyperhidrosis while the next minute they may be sweating for no apparent reason whether the body needs to cool down or not. It is common for focal hyperhidrosis to run in families. Although there have not been any conclusive causes found for focal hyperhidrosis, it is believed to be hereditary.

* Generalized Hyperhidrosis – This type of excessive sweating is not hereditary at all. Caused suddenly, generalized hyperhidrosis is typically an after effect of another condition such as menopause. During menopause, women experience hot flashes, most feel a hot sensation and may perspire normally while in others the hot sensation will trigger generalized hyperhidrosis. Other conditions and causes of generalized hyperhidrosis may include the side effect of taking a drug, a heart attack, an infection, eating spicy or hot foods, certain types of cancer, low blood sugar, or an overactive thyroid to name a few. Night sweats may also be apparent with this type of excessive sweating.

Symptoms of Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)

For those suffering from excessive sweating the symptoms are unmistakable. We all sweat however if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you are probably suffering from excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) and may need to consult your physician depending on the severity of your specific symptoms.

* Sweat soaked clothing that is both noticeable and frequent in nature

* Hands and feet that drip droplets of sweat or an overall pastiness of the hands and feet

* Excessive sweating of the face and head, underarms, hands, or feet where sweat droplets run

* Sweating so much that your daily routine is interrupted

* Night sweats

* Suddenly sweating for no apparent reason

Possible Complications of Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)

There are a number of complications associated with excessive sweating. The three most prevalent complications are:

* Heat rash – can appear anywhere there is excessive sweating, especially in areas of friction or where heat becomes trapped, such as the armpits, thighs, and chest.

* Bacterial infections – excessive sweating keeps certain areas of the body moist and hot, the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. When these bacteria get out of hand, infections occur. Bacterial infections are seen most often between the toes and in hairy areas of the body.

* Fungal infections – especially of the fingernails and toenails

Treatment for Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)

There are several treatments available to help ease excessive sweating some of which include:

* Adjusting any medications that may be causing the excessive sweating

* Prescription antiperspirants which inhibit sweating

* Drugs to counter act the sweat glands called anticholinergic drugs, such as Robinul, Ditropan, or Probanthine

* Frequent low level electric current treatments known as iontophorresis, which helps to temporarily block the sweat glands from secreting

* Botox when injected to the nerves that tell the sweat glands to react will paralyze them and prevent sweating

* Surgery to remove the sweat glands, specifically in the armpits

* Surgery to cut the nerves that trigger the sweat glands to produce sweat

Although excessive sweating can be bothersome and downright embarrassing at times, there are treatments available to help ease your suffering. By consulting your physician and thoroughly discussing your symptoms, he can suggest the best course of action for your specific needs.

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DISCLAIMER: All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a guarantee of any success. This information has been previously researched but you should do your own research to expand your knowledge. This should not be consider as medical advice.