Do you find yourself sweating more than normal? Do you worry about constantly sweaty palms, a significant amount of underarm sweat, or other sweat-related problems? You might be suffering from a condition called hyperhidrosis. If you’re worried about hyperhidrosis, it’s important to search online to see if you meet any of the potential symptoms of the conditions.
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that causes excessive sweating. And it can be both frustrating and potentially embarrassing to live with. If you’re looking for ways to treat hyperhidrosis, you can search online for potential solutions today.
What Causes Hyperhidrosis?
In order to understand hyperhidrosis, it’s a good idea to learn how it begins. At its simplest, hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that causes you to sweat excessively. You might find yourself sweating in odd situations – like cold weather – or for no reason at all. In any case, hyperhidrosis isn’t like typical sweating. It’s more significant, and it often isn’t linked to your environment.
Hyperhidrosis can be caused by different health conditions, like menopause or hyperthyroidism. However, hyperhidrosis comes in different forms. And each specific type of hyperhidrosis can be caused by something different.
The following are the two main types of hyperhidrosis.
Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis
Primary focal hyperhidrosis is most commonly caused by a family history of excessive sweating. This type produces extra sweat on the feet, hands, face, head, and underarms, and it typically begins as early as childhood.
Secondary Generalized Hyperhidrosis
Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis is most commonly caused by other medical conditions. It can also appear as a side effect of some medications. It can be caused by conditions like heart disease, cancer, menopause, lung disease, or adrenal gland disorders. Antidepressants are typically the type of medication that can lead to hyperhidrosis. No matter what’s causing this type of hyperhidrosis, it often appears in adults. And this form can cause excessive sweating all over the body, with no particular location.
If you’re concerned about your risk for hyperhidrosis, make sure to talk with your doctor. He or she can properly assess your health history, your family history, and any medications that might lead to hyperhidrosis now or in the future.
The Symptoms of Hyperhidrosis
The symptoms of hyperhidrosis are fairly simple. Because this condition is characterized by the excessive sweating it causes, you’ll want to look for sweating that exceeds your normal amount.
Of course, this excessive sweating can vary depending on the type of hyperhidrosis. While primary focal hyperhidrosis tends to affect the hands, feet, underarms, and face, secondary generalized hyperhidrosis can occur all over the body.
You should see your doctor if you begin to experience the following:
- Sweating that disrupts your everyday activities.
- Emotional distress caused by sweating.
- Suddenly sweating more than usual.
- Experiencing night sweats for no apparent reason.
When your sweating begins to disrupt your life or your sleep, it’s time to speak with a professional. You can get help for hyperhidrosis, and there’s no reason you need to suffer its effects day in and day out.
Treating and Managing Hyperhidrosis
Although hyperhidrosis is a worrisome health condition, there are treatments that can help. You can find ways to resolve or manage your symptoms, and you can slow or minimize excessive sweating by using one or a combination of different treatment options.
You might see your usual primary care physical for treatment, or you may see a dermatologist. Dermatologists can help provide treatment options for this unique medical condition.
The type of treatment that’s right for your specific case of hyperhidrosis depends on the type of hyperhidrosis you have and where your excessive sweating occurs. However, most people with hyperhidrosis can consider treatments like:
- Clinical-strength or prescription antiperspirants.
- Iontophoresis, which uses an electric current to stop excessive sweating on the hands and feet.
- Botulinum toxin injections.
- Prescription cloth wipes, which help underarm sweating.
- Prescription medications.
- Surgery.
Make sure to talk with your doctor about the different risks and applications of each treatment option. You might be a good candidate for some treatment methods but not others, and it’s important to consider all of the choices available to you.
You can also keep an eye out for new treatment options. The FDA is approving new medications and treatment options, and these may become viable options for you in the future. The best way to treat your unique case of hyperhidrosis is to be informed about the latest treatment options. And you’ll want to talk with your doctor regularly about whether or not your treatments are working effectively to relieve you symptoms.