A Symptom of Abnormal Sweating, Its Causes and Treatment

Types of Hyperhidrosis

Focal Hyperhidrosis

It is also known as primary focal hyperhidrosis, is a long-term skin disorder. This illness results from a genetic alteration or mutation. It is something you could inherit from your birth family.

The most prevalent kind of hyperhidrosis is this one. Usually, it affects your face, hands, feet, and armpits. It usually begins before the age of 25.

Generalized Hyperhidrosis Secondary

Excessive sweating brought on by an underlying medical condition or a drug side effect is known as generalized hyperhidrosis. Diabetes, Parkinson's illness, and prescription drugs like naproxen are a few examples. Sweating while you sleep is a possible symptom of generalized hyperhidrosis.

Conditions That Cause Abnormal Sweating

Abnormal sweating can be a symptom of various conditions, and understanding the underlying cause is important for appropriate treatment.

• Hyperhidrosis: A condition where sweat glands are overactive, causing excessive sweating without obvious triggers.
• Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid speeds up metabolism, increasing sweat production.
• Diabetes: Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) and nerve damage can lead to excess sweating.
• Infections: Fever from bacterial or viral infections can cause sweating.
• Anxiety Disorders: Stress and panic attacks often lead to sweating.
• Heart Conditions: Heart attacks or heart failure may be accompanied by cold sweats.
• Cancers: Some cancers like lymphoma may cause night sweats.
• Obesity: Excess body weight can increase sweat levels due to added strain on temperature regulation.

Common Causes of Abnormal Sweating

Hyperhidrosis is brought on by overactive sweat glands. Sweat is produced by your eccrine glands, also known as sweat glands, to help you stay cool when you feel hot. This process comes into play when you workout or feel anxious. Your eccrine glands become active and sweat more frequently when you have hyperhidrosis than when your body is overheated.

Sweating helps your body cool down and keep you from getting too hot. Your surroundings may contain some triggers that encourage your sweat glands to secrete more perspiration, such as:

• Feelings such as tension, fear, anxiety, or trepidation.
• High humidity or warm temps.
• Physical activity or exercise.
• Certain foods and drinks, such as those that are heavy in protein, sweet and salty, fatty, spicy, or both. Examples of beverages are alcoholic drinks and caffeinated drinks like coffee.

Symptoms of Abnormal Sweating

Sweating is the primary sign of hyperhidrosis. Sweating can cause you to feel:

• Moisture on your skin.
• Wet apparel.
• Drops of liquid oozing from your forehead or cheeks.

Over time, the following signs and symptoms may result from hyperhidrosis:

• Sweat affects your skin, causing itching and inflammation.
• Body odor is the result of perspiration particles combining with microorganisms on your skin.
• flaking or cracked skin on your feet.

The intensity of hyperhidrosis symptoms varies. You can experience intermittent mild symptoms or persistent symptoms that interfere with your daily activities.

When to Visit a Doctor?

If abnormal sweating persists or worsens, it may be a sign of an underlying condition that needs medical attention.

• Excessive or unexplained sweating
• Sweating with other symptoms like chest pain or dizziness
• Persistent night sweats
• Impacting daily life or causing embarrassment

Diagnostic Tests for Abnormal Sweating

Hyperhidrosis will be diagnosed by a medical professional following a physical examination and further inquiry about your symptoms and medical background.

A diagnosis of hyperhidrosis may result if you have had excessive sweating for at least six months and have indicated yes to at least two of the following questions:

• You may sweat on your face, palms, soles, or underarms.
• On both sides of your body, you perspire in the same way.
• Either you don't sweat at night or you sweat less.
• Sweating fits typically linger for a week or longer.

Treatment and Management for Abnormal Sweating

Abnormal sweating can be treated in many ways, from simple to advanced, depending on the reason and severity.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps manage stress or anxiety-related sweating through behavioral techniques.
• Acupuncture: A traditional method that may help regulate sweat production by targeting specific pressure points.
• Biofeedback: A technique that helps control physiological functions like sweating by teaching relaxation techniques.
• Ionized Water Treatment: A newer therapy that uses ionized water to reduce excessive sweating.
• Botox Injections: Temporarily blocks sweat glands.
• Microwave Therapy (MiraDry): Destroys sweat glands for long-lasting relief.
• Surgery: Removes sweat glands or cuts nerves in severe cases.

Prevention for Abnormal Sweating

Here are some simple prevention tips to help reduce abnormal sweating:

• Avoid Sweat Triggers: Limit spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol.
• Stay Cool: Use fans, AC, or cool showers to control body temperature.
• Manage Stress: Practice yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises to reduce stress-induced sweating.
• Maintain Healthy Weight: Extra weight can increase sweat levels.

Lifestyle Changes for Abnormal Sweating

Making a few daily adjustments can help manage and reduce excessive sweating:

• Sleep in a Cool Environment: Use breathable bedding and keep your room ventilated to prevent night sweats.
• Avoid Hot Showers Before Bed: Opt for lukewarm showers to prevent body heat from triggering sweat.
• Limit Hot Beverages: Drinks like coffee or tea can raise body temperature and increase sweating.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps regulate body temperature and reduce sweating.
• Trim Body Hair: Reduces sweat and odor buildup, especially in underarm areas.
• Wear Breathable Clothing: Choose loose, cotton fabrics to allow airflow.
• Practice Good Hygiene: Shower daily and keep sweat-prone areas clean and dry.

Home Remedies for Abnormal Sweating

Here’s a simple list of effective home remedies for abnormal sweating:

• Cool Showers: Help lower body temperature and reduce overall sweating.
• Avoid Spicy Foods & Caffeine: These can trigger sweating episodes.
• Aloe Vera Gel: Soothes skin and may help reduce sweating when applied topically.
• Essential Oils: Lavender or peppermint oils may offer cooling and calming effects.
• Diet Changes: Add foods rich in magnesium (like leafy greens, bananas, nuts) which may help reduce sweating.