Demystifying Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a medical term that refers to excessive sweating that exceeds the body’s normal need for cooling. This condition can be a challenging predicament, significantly impacting one’s quality of life and emotional well-being.
There are two main types of hyperhidrosis; primary and secondary. Primary hyperhidrosis usually affects areas of the body such as the hands, feet, underarms, face, or a combination of these areas. Secondary hyperhidrosis is typically caused by a medical condition or medication side effect and involves the entire body.
Causes and Prevalence of Hyperhidrosis
Primary hyperhidrosis often starts in childhood or adolescence. Although the exact cause isn’t known, it may have a genetic component as it sometimes runs in families. In contrast, secondary hyperhidrosis can start at any age and is triggered by a different health condition like diabetes, menopause, thyroid issues or certain medications.
Hyperhidrosis affects approximately 1% to 3% of the population, but because many people often do not seek medical advice for this condition, the actual number could be much higher.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The primary symptom of hyperhidrosis is wetness. If you have hyperhidrosis, you may sweat in just one area, or the sweating may be all over. For example, with palmar hyperhidrosis, the hands can be so sweaty that the sweat drips down the wrist.
To diagnose hyperhidrosis, a doctor will conduct a physical examination and ask about the patient’s medical history. In some cases, a thermoregulatory sweat test may be performed. This test helps identify the areas of excessive sweating and can also rule out other conditions.
Treatment for Hyperhidrosis
Treatment options for hyperhidrosis include over-the-counter antiperspirants, prescription antiperspirants, iontophoresis, oral medications, botox injections, and as last resorts, surgical procedures. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and the patient’s personal considerations.
Specialized discussions in the medical community surround palmar excessive sweating treatment. Some conservative treatments include antiperspirants, iontophoresis (a device that passes a mild electrical current through water onto the skin), and botox injections. However, in severe cases, a surgical procedure called endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) may be considered. This procedure interrupts the nerves that cause excessive sweating.
Regrettably, hyperhidrosis can have a significant psychological impact. It’s crucial for patients to discuss their symptoms with a healthcare provider to help identify the best course of action. Fortunately, today there is increasing awareness, more research, and advanced treatment options to help patients overcome this obstacle and improve their quality of life.