/ Suffering from Excess Sweat?

by Anokhi Admin

Suffering from Excess Sweat?

Aug 09, 2013

Discover Your Treatment Options

Sweat is essential to survival and serves as the body’s coolant system. Sweat glands help your body get rid of excess heat by secreting fluid and promoting heat loss through evaporation. So, in the heat and humidity of summer, it’s natural to get a little sweaty. But imagine your hands, face, feet and underarms literally dripping sweat all the time.

Millions of people suffer from this condition, known as excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis. To increase awareness about this medical condition, July has been declared “No Sweat Month”. If you or someone you know may have this condition, here’s the top four things you need to know.

1) Hyperhidrosis affects your quality of life

Hyperhidrosis can have a serious impact on selfconfidence, personal relationships and even career success. People who sweat excessively under the arms (axillary hyperhidrosis) are prone to stained clothing and are at risk of increased skin infections. People with consistently sweaty palms (palmar hyperhidrosis) may feel anxious and embarrassed when shaking hands and may have difficulty gripping objects or using a keyboard. Consequently, these individuals become limited in their daily life and work activities. Research suggests that the quality-of-life impact of hyperhidrosis may result in people feeling unhappy, depressed and less confident about themselves.

2) Hyperhidrosis is not caused by too many or oversized sweat glands

The body’s millions of sweat glands work to keep your core body from going beyond 37 C, a ‘safe’ temperature at which your vital organs will not overheat. With hyperhidrosis, sweating occurs beyond what is necessary to cool the body.

There are two types of hyperhidrosis: Focal (primary) hyperhidrosis affects local areas such as the underarms, palms, feet and face. It is caused by a malfunction within the sympathetic nervous system. Generalized (secondary) hyperhidrosis usually affects the entire body and is caused by conditions such as menopause, metabolic disorders, neurological disorders and infections.

3) Various treatments exist – find the one that is right for you

Topical powders and ointments – ranging from talcum powder to over-the-counter antiperspirant containing aluminum chloride are very effective for mild axillary hyperhidrosis but less effective for moderate to severe cases. They are applied topically on a daily basis.

If hyperhidrosis is confined to the hands and feet, one may find relief from an iontophoresis machine, which uses an electric current in water to shut down the sweat glands in the areas treated.

Anticholinergic medications are oral prescription drugs that block the neurotransmitter which stimulates sweat production and are particularly helpful for those who sweat over the whole body or as an adjunct to other therapies.

Although commonly associated with cosmetic use, Botox can be effective for moderate to severe cases of hyperhidrosis. Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) therapy is a purified protein that is injected in small doses into the skin of the identified sweat area, preventing these glands from producing sweat. The treatment can last an average of seven months to a year.

A surgical procedure called endoscopic transthoracic sympathectomy (ETS) works by cutting or removing sympathetic nerves that control perspiration in specific parts of the body. It is often a last resort for people after trying more conventional treatments.

4) Don’t give up; there’s an effective treatment for you

Many people feel embarrassed by this condition, but they shouldn’t. There is hope. If you are suffering from excessive sweating, you are not alone. The key to dealing with your condition is to discuss your options with your physician.

_{For more information about where to find a hyperhidrosis expert near you, visit www.sweatmanagement.ca.}