Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating) and Causes

Types of Hyperhidrosis

Primary Focal (Essential)Hyperhidrosis

Also known as focal hyperhidrosis, this is the most common type. It typically affects the palms (palmar hyperhidrosis), soles, face, and armpits. It is not caused by an underlying medical condition but may run in families. Sweating is usually symmetrical and worsens during stress or anxiety.

Secondary Generalized Hyperhidrosis

This type results from another medical condition or medication. Sweating occurs across larger body areas, even during rest or sleep. Conditions that cause over-sweating are:

• Diabetes
• Hot flashes during menopause
• Thyroid issues
• Low blood sugar levels
• Certain types of cancer
• Heart attack
• Nervous system dysfunctions
• Infections

Common Causes of Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis refers to excessive sweating that goes beyond what is needed to regulate body temperature. It can be caused by various factors, ranging from genetics to medical conditions and lifestyle triggers.

• Primary Hyperhidrosis: Caused by overactive sweat glands without an underlying medical condition, often hereditary.
• Secondary Hyperhidrosis: Triggered by medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, infections, or menopause.
• Medications: Side effects of certain drugs, like antidepressants or painkillers, can lead to excessive sweating.
• Stress or Anxiety: Emotional stress or anxiety can over-activate sweat glands.
• Neurological Disorders: Conditions like Parkinson's disease or spinal cord injuries may cause abnormal sweating.
• Obesity: Excess body weight can lead to increased sweating due to heat regulation.
• Dietary Factors: Spicy foods or alcohol can trigger temporary excessive sweating.

Conditions that Cause Hyperhidrosis

• Hyperthyroidism
• Pheochromocytoma
• Tuberculosis
• Lymphoma
• Hypoglycemia
• Gout
• Acromegaly
• Endocarditis
• HIV/AIDS
• Carcinoid Syndrome

Symptoms of Hyperhidrosis

• Excessive sweating in specific areas like hands, feet, face, or armpits.
• Sweating that soaks through clothes or drips off the skin.
• Cold, clammy skin even in normal temperatures.
• Frequent skin infections due to prolonged dampness.
• Difficulty holding objects due to sweaty hands.
• Emotional distress or embarrassment caused by visible sweating.
• Sweating disrupts daily activities, like writing or gripping tools.

When to Visit a Doctor?

Excessive sweating can be a sign of a serious condition. Seek medical attention right away if your excessive sweating is accompanied by lightheadedness, chest pain, or nausea.

Diagnosis and Tests

Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and symptoms during your session. You could also need a physical exam or testing to figure out what's causing your problem.

• Lab Tests: Your doctor may recommend blood, urine, or other lab tests to determine if your sweating is caused by another medical problem, such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
• Tests on sweat: A Sweat test for thermoregulation, an Activated pop-up dialogue box test, an iodine-starch test, skin conductance, and a thermoregulatory sweat test are among the tests available to localize sweating locations and determine the severity of your problem.

Treatment and Management

• Antiperspirants: Strong OTC or prescription-grade.
• Botox for Hyperhidrosis: FDA-approved botulinum toxin injections block nerve signals to sweat glands, effective especially in palmar hyperhidrosis and underarm sweating.
• Lontophoresis: This treatment uses a mild electrical current to reduce sweating, especially for hands and feet.
• Microwave Therapy (MiraDry): A non-invasive treatment using microwaves to target and destroy sweat glands, commonly used for underarm sweating.
• Surgical Options: In severe cases, surgery like sympathectomy may be performed to cut or remove the nerves causing excessive sweating.

Treatment depends on the severity and area of hyperhidrosis, and often, a combination of treatments gives the best results.

Prevention Tips for Hyperhidrosis

• Avoid known sweat triggers like spicy food, caffeine, and alcohol.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Dress in breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics.
• Stay cool and hydrated to regulate body temperature.

Home Remedies for Hyperhidrosis

• Over-the-counter Antiperspirants: Apply stronger antiperspirants to affected areas to reduce sweating.
• Keep Skin Dry: Use absorbent powders or wear moisture-wicking clothing to keep your skin dry.
• Manage Stress: Try relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing, or meditation to control stress-related sweating.
• Wear Loose, Breathable Clothing: Avoid tight clothes and go for cotton or moisture-wicking materials to reduce sweating.
• Dietary Changes: Cut down on caffeine, spicy foods, and alcohol, as they can trigger excessive sweating.

Lifestyle Changes for Hyperhidrosis

• Practice stress management: Try yoga, deep breathing, or mindfulness.
• Maintain proper personal hygiene to reduce odor and infection risk.
• Use breathable footwear and change socks frequently.
• Avoid tight clothing; prefer loose-fitting, cotton or performance fabrics.
• Carry extra clothing or wipes for high-sweat situations.