So, changes in your body temperature, anxiety, anger, exercise or stress can make you sweat, but what happens when you sweat for no apparent reason?
Hyperhidrosis occurs when there is an excessive amount of sweating when it is not related to heat or exercise. Even so, that sweat can drip out of your palms, feet, head and clothes. It can cause social anxiety and disrupt many of your daily activities.
There are two types of hyperhidrosis, the first, the primary focal hyperhidrosis is when sweat is perspired mostly on your hands, feet, face, head and underarms. It is seen since childhood and it is present in about 30 to 50 percent in people with a family history of excessive sweating.
The secondary and generalized hyperhidrosis is caused by a medical condition such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, hyperthyroidism, menopause, adrenal gland disorders, and infectious diseases such as tuberculosis or HIV/AIDS or due to side effects of medicine intake. It is found after you are 25 years old and can be found in only one area of your body or as its name suggests, all over your body.
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When is Sweating Too Much?
To get the diagnosis of excessive sweating, certain criteria has to be found. First, it interferes with your day to day activities such as using a computer or turning a doorknob, it is present in both sides of your body, the problem has occurred for over 6 months with no apparent reason and there is a family history of hyperhidrosis.
Sweat is visible and skin may turn soft, white and will peel easily in certain areas.
Some medical testings are necessary such as blood, urine or other lab tests to see if it is caused by another medical condition.
The iodine-starch test, skin conductance and thermoregulatory tests are all sweat tests to measure the amount of sweat your body is producing and decide the best treatment for you.
Treatment
Prescription antiperspirants that include aluminum chloride are the first to-go treatment. Iontophoresis is another alternative, which is a device used to send low electrical currents directed to your hands, feet and armpits to stop your sweat glands from producing excessive sweat.
Botox injections are another type of treatment that will block the nerves, stopping your sweat glands to be stimulated. There are certain oral medications such as anticholinergics that also reduce sweating. Laser therapy can target and eliminate the underarm sweat glands and surgery such as the thoracic sympathectomy will be used if everything else fails.
What are some herbal remedies for hyperhidrosis?
Herbal remedies won’t eliminate the problem, but might help with some of the symptoms. Black cohosh and red clover, which are used in treating hot flashes felt during menopause might be useful for hyperhidrosis. When it occurs at night, try using schisandra, white peony or sage.
Schisandra is the most popular out of all of them since it has a calming effect and is known to reduce the stimulant effects of caffeine.
Also suggested as potential treatment are acupuncture, biofeedback, hypnosis and relaxation techniques.
Hyperhidrosis symptoms change from person to person, so one therapy might work for you, but not to others. Before deciding which is the best treatment for you, be sure to seek professional help so that the best treatment is provided to you.
