Understanding and Treating Chronic Sweating

Chronic sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is a common disorder which produces a lot of unhappiness. According to the American Dermatological Association, an estimated 3% of the population suffers from this condition. People with hyperhidrosis produce an amount of sweat that far exceeds what is needed to cool the body. The condition can affect social, professional, and emotional aspects of a person’s life. This article will endeavor to help those affected by chronic sweating by talking about the condition and discussing the latest treatments for excessive sweating.

Chronic sweating typically starts in adolescence, and the most common sites for it to occur are the hands, feet, underarms, and the head or face. But it can occur anywhere on the body. The affected person can sweat even when the temperature is cool or when they are at rest.

While the actual cause for hyperhidrosis is not yet known. It is supposed that a problem with the sympathetic nervous system may be behind it. The sympatric nervous system manages the fight or flight response. A part of this response is to sweat, and in the case of hyperhidrosis, the sympathetic nervous system sends signals to the sweat glands at all times, even when it is unnecessary. Certain factors like caffeine, alcohol, certain medications, and anxiety, can worsen symptoms.

Symptoms

The main symptom of hyperhidrosis is wetness. If you have hyperhidrosis, your sweat glands produce so much sweat that it drips off your hands, soaks through your shirts, drips off your forehead, and even forms puddles in your shoes. This excessive amount of sweat can lead to skin infections and other health issues.

Diagnosis

Hyperhidrosis is usually diagnosed by a physical examination, medical history, and in certain situations, a sweat test. The sweat test involves the application of a powder that turns purple in the areas where there is excessive sweating.

Latest treatments for Excessive Sweating

Now let’s look at the latest treatments for excessive sweating. The usual treatments like antiperspirants, medication, iontophoresis, Botox injections, etc., remain, while there are also some newer treatments that have emerged.

The most common medication for hyperhidrosis is anticholinergic drugs which block nerve signals to your sweat glands. However, they can have side effects.

An alternative treatment that is getting popular is microwave therapy. In this treatment, a device sends microwave energy to the sweat glands to destroy them. The device cools the top layer of the skin to protect it during the process, and the treatment is often done in the clinic. The effect usually lasts for at least a year.

Botox injections are another popular treatment. These injections temporarily block a chemical in the body that stimulates the sweat glands. Most patients notice results 4 to 5 days after receiving treatment, and the effects usually last for about four to six months.

In extreme cases where other treatments do not work, surgery might be considered. This would usually involve removing the sweat glands or disrupting the nerves that trigger excessive sweating.

On a final note, it is crucial for people suffering from hyperhidrosis to remember they are not alone and that it is a condition that can be treated. Consult a dermatologist if you are suffering from excessive sweat to learn about all your treatment options.

“`