Sweating is the natural mechanism of the body by which it tries to cool down and get rid of excess heat. However, in some cases, people can feel a layer of sweat forming on their palms, feet, underarms, and even face, without any obvious reason or at normal temperatures. This can happen without any heat, workout, or nerves being involved. This condition is called hyperhidrosis. It can cause a great deal of discomfort and even embarrassment to people. This might leave them wondering about the reasons for this excessive sweating. Whether it is because of anxiety, a health condition, or just genetics, excessive sweating can deeply impact the life of a person, significantly reducing their quality of life, confidence, professional interactions, and even clothing choices. The good news, however, is that patients do not need to live with this condition forever. With the advancements in modern medicine and technology, various treatment options, including topical treatments, medications, and minimally invasive surgeries, are now available to treat this condition. In this article, we will discuss in detail about the problem of excessive sweating, so that people affected by it can have a better understanding of the situation and excessive sweating treatment.
What is hyperhidrosis?
hyperhidrosis is a condition in which a person starts to sweat more than is needed to regulate the temperature. People affected by this condition might experience sweating while they are at rest, in cold temperatures, or in any other situation when they don’t generally expect to sweat. Normally, sweat is an odourless fluid that the body uses to cool down. It is stored in the sweat glands that are present beneath the skin. The sweat travels from the sweat glands to the surface of the skin through ducts, where it gets converted from liquid to gas, thus cooling the body down. When the sweat glands start to work overtime, the condition of hyperhidrosis develops. Hyperhidrosis is generally categorised into two types. These include:
- Primary Hyperhidrosis: It is a chronic condition caused by genetic changes in a person. It can be inherited by a person from their family. This is the most common type of hyperhidrosis, which usually starts after the age of 25.
- Secondary Hyperhidrosis: It refers to the excessive sweating caused in a person because of an underlying condition or a side effect of certain medications. These conditions include diabetes and Parkinson’s disease.
What are the symptoms of Hyperhidrosis?
Sweating is the most common and obvious symptom of hyperhidrosis. Other symptoms, along with sweating, include:
- Wetness on the skin
- Dampening of clothes
- Beads of fluid dripping off from cheeks or forehead
- Itching or inflammation due to skin irritation
- Body odour is due to the mixing of bacteria with the sweat
- Cracking or peeling of the skin on the feet
The symptoms of hyperhidrosis might vary in intensity from person to person. In some patients, the symptoms might be less severe and might come and go, while in others, these symptoms can be highly severe, impacting their day-to-day life and normal chores.
Which triggers can cause hyperhidrosis?
The body of a person releases sweat in order to cool down. There are certain conditions that might trigger hyperhidrosis. These include:
- Certain emotions or mental conditions, like stress, anxiety, or nervousness.
- Humidity or warm temperatures
- Physical activity or intense exercise
- Foods or beverages that are high in sugars or salts, fatty foods, and high-protein foods.
- Some medical conditions that might cause hyperhidrosis include diabetes, tuberculosis, anxiety, cancer, heart disease, thyroid issues, menopause, obesity, or Parkinson’s Disease.
If hyperhidrosis is severe and is still not addressed with an appropriate hyperhidrosis treatment near me, it can lead to some health complications. These include skin infections, paleness, and discolouration or cracking of skin, and unusually soft or moist skin. Apart from this, hyperhidrosis can cause the mental health of a person to deteriorate. People suffering from this condition might find themselves changing their routines or trying to hide their symptoms from other people. So much so that people who experience severe hyperhidrosis might be hesitant to even raise their hands or shake hands with someone. Hence, it is of utmost importance for people facing this condition to consult a professional healthcare provider in order to make sure that they get the best possible treatment for this condition. A doctor might advise some tests, like the starch-iodine test, the paper test, and blood or imaging tests in order to determine whether a person has this condition or not.
If you are looking for the best endocrinologist in Mohali or the best endocrinologist hospital near me, Sohana Hospital might just be the right option for you. Sohana Hospital Mohali is home to the world’s most advanced technology and North India’s most trusted and renowned healthcare specialists who provide the most comprehensive and holistic treatment for all the health ailments of the patients in the region with the most patient-centric approach. Book your appointment today and take the first step towards a healthier, confident and more comfortable life.