guide to Hyperhidrosis
It's normal to sweat if you get hot or do exercise , but if you’re worried that your sweating exceeds what you consider to be normal, where sweating isn’t prompted by exercise or to regulate body temperature but rather occurs excessively and on occasion at random, then you could be suffering from a condition called hyperhidrosis.
Sweat is secreted by the eccrine glands in the skin primarily in order to cool the body. These glands occur all over skin but are highly concentrated on the palms, soles, forehead, and armpits, which is why sweat tends to be most noticeable in these areas.
There are also larger sweat-producing apocrine glands that populate the groin, nipple, and armpit, though rather than the watery sweat of the eccrine glands apocrine gland sweat tend to cause body odour when it has a chance to mix with the bacteria that lives on our skin.
The apocrine glands are generally associated with sweating for reasons other than temperature regulation i.e. when anxious or preparing for a challenging situation, when eating spicy food or those one is intolerant to, when hormones are shifting, and when excited.
The difference between the sweat that is considered to be part of daily function and hyperhidrosis, is both the amount of sweat itself and the lack of a clear reason such as keeping body temperature stable when it’s, say, hot outside. As yet, scientists don’t really know what causes hyperhidrosis, and are looking into whether genetics play a role, and if other factors come into it.
Many with hyperhidrosis are affected not only by the sweating, but also by the prospect of sweating to excess in social situations. This can be challenging and some sufferers can find being around people tricky; this may have a knock on effect on their work life as well as their social life, and by extension their wellbeing.
In the first instance, it’s worth exploring ways to manage hyperhidrosis. This could include wearing loose-fitting clothing, switching to a stronger antiperspirant, trying sweat shields in areas where it is most pronounced, or using powders to absorb excess sweat.
If, however, it continues to present problems, there are further measures. GPs can recommend tablets to reduce sweating (these work by limiting sweating overall by preventing the stimulation of sweat glands), or muscle reducing injections. Botox® works by blocking the nerves responsible for activating your sweat glands.
The treatment is usually very effective; resulting in an almost complete cessation of underarm sweating that can last up to six months from just one treatment session. It is important to note that Botox® injections for excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) is not a cure. Symptoms will eventually return and further treatments will be required.
But while sweat underarms will help keep you dry, that doesn’t stop you from sweating in other places like feet, back and hands. If you’re using Botox, you still may want a deodorant because the smell is different than the sweat. The smell is often bacterial or chemical. It may reduce it because you’re having less sweat coming out, but you may still want to use a deodorant to mask any odours.
If you would like to know more, then please contact me to arrange a consultation
