Understanding Hyperhidrosis For Better Control And Treatment

excessive sweating that is medically known as hyperhidrosis is a common problem. though sweating is a normal body function but when this function becomes abnormal then it is called hyperhidrosis. The body prespire much more than in normal routine even under normal environmental conditions when you are not exercising, doing any strenuous work, feeling hot or anxious.

Know the types of hyperhidrosis

there are three different types of hyperhidrosis. knowing these types will help to decide about the causes and treatment for excessive sweating.

• Primary/focal hyperhidrosis: in this types of hyperhidrosis, the patient experience excessive sweating in palms of hands, underarms, soles of feet and on the face without any apparent cause. sweat glands are abnormally active in these areas while in the rest of the body sweating is normal. this condition generally starts before the age of 25 but can also develop at later age.

• Secondary focal hyperhidrosis: this type of hyperhidrosis is uncommon and have some underlying cause. it may target one area of the body such as one leg or hand as a result of spinal injury. The doctor may recommend some tests to identify the underlying cause of the condition.

• Generalised Hyperhidrosis: in this type of excessive sweating the whole body sweats more than normal. This condition is less common as compared to primary hyperhidrosis and is caused generally due to some underlying medical condition. for instance anxiety disorders, heart problems, infections, side effects of some medications etc,

Available treatment options

There is a need of systematic evaluation of the underlying causes and triggers of hyperhidrosis followed by a sensible and step wise approach towards treatment for excessive sweating. it is possible for the patients to achieve better quality of life by approaching proper medical help and treatment. Generally the approach adopted to treatment for excessive sweating  proceed in the following way;

• Use of over-the-counter antiperspirants: usually, home remedies are first tried for controlling excessive sweating. when they fail , use of over-the-counter anti-perspirants with aluminum chloride is recommended.

• Prescribed anti-perspirants: these are prescribed by the dermatologist or doctor and usually contain aluminum chloride hexahydrate.

• Iontophoresis: when the anti-perspirants does not give the desired results, then this treatment for excessive sweating is used. It makes use of a device which pass a mild electric current through container filled with tap water. The patient immerse the hands or feet in water while electric current is passed which deactivates the sweat glands, but this treatment is time extensive.

• Oral medications: these can also be given to control excessive sweating such as anticholinergics but they have numerous side effects therefore their use is limited.

• Botox treatment for excessive sweating: Botulinum toxin injections are FDA approved treatment for axillary (underarms) hyperhidrosis treatment. It blocks the signals from the nerves to the sweat glands which stops their working. It helps in reducing sweat up to 80%.

• microwave destruction of sweat glands: a device is used which selectively destroys the sweat glands preventing excessive sweating.