Hyperhidrosis, Excessive Sweating
Definition
Sweating is your body's mechanism to cool itself. In most circumstances,
it's both natural and healthy. But some people experience frequent
or constant excessive sweating — called hyperhidrosis (hi-pur-hi-DRO-sis).
Hyperhidrosis is the secretion of sweat in amounts greater
than needed to cool the body. Hyperhidrosis usually affects the
palms of the hands, soles of the feet and underarms. Besides
disrupting normal daily activities, hyperhidrosis can cause social
anxiety or embarrassment. Fortunately, several options are available
to treat hyperhidrosis. In severe cases, surgical procedures
can be very effective at stopping sweat.
Symptoms
Although when, where and how much you sweat varies widely, most
people sweat when they exercise or exert themselves, are in a
hot environment, or are nervous, anxious or under stress. The
excessive sweating experienced with hyperhidrosis far exceeds
such normal sweating.
Signs and symptoms of hyperhidrosis include:
Frequent, noticeable, excessive sweating that can soak through
clothing
Abnormally excessive and bothersome perspiration on your feet,
underarms, head or face
Clamminess or dripping of sweat droplets on the palms of the
hands or the soles of your feet
Hyperhidrosis is defined as sweating that disrupts your normal
activities. Episodes usually occur at least once a week without
an obvious reason.
For some people, hyperhidrosis interferes with their social
life. People may have trouble working or enjoying recreational
activities with constantly wet hands — or become withdrawn
due to self-consciousness about shaking hands with others, having
stained shirts or potential body odor.
When to see a doctor - See your doctor if:
You suddenly begin to sweat more than usual.
Sweating disrupts your daily routine.
You experience night sweats for no apparent reason.
Seek immediate medical attention for a cold sweat, especially
if you have symptoms of lightheadedness or chest and stomach
pains. A cold sweat is usually your body's response to a serious
illness, including cardiac disease, anxiety or severe pain.
The bad news! The underlying cause of hyperhidrosis (excessive
sweating) is unknown. The major theory is a result from the Sympathetic
Nervous System (SNS). This system seems to be overactive and
originating from the brain. This is what makes it hard for the
physician to diagnose correctly.
We also know that anxiety does aggravate the problem. The
most common symptom patient with hyperhidrosis is they get nervous
and they start sweating, and sweating and sweating. Other signs
are facial blushing, palm, facial and foot sweating.
*These statements have not been
evaluated by the FDA, and are not meant to diagnose, cure or
treat any disease.
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