Underam, Palms, Soles - Sweaty and Wet.... Let's Tackle it.
Sweating is nature's way of cooling our body temperature. However, Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive sweating, which can interfere with daily activities leading to social anxiety and embarrassment. It is sweating that occurs, not when in a hot environment, not when one is anxious or tensed.
Hyperhidrosis affects approximately 3 in every 100 individuals. In this blog, we will discuss the causes of hyperhidrosis, treatment options and their benefits, lifestyle changes, and how we can make the lives of those with hyperhidrosis better.
Causes of Hyperhidrosis:
Hyperhidrosis can be caused by a variety of factors, including
genetics,
underlying medical conditions, and
certain medications.
Primary hyperhidrosis: It is also known as focal hyperhidrosis. It is a type of excessive sweating that occurs without an underlying medical condition. It happens because the related nerves send wrong signals, making the sweat glands overactive. It tends to run in families.
Secondary hyperhidrosis: on the other hand, is caused by an underlying medical condition such as
hyperthyroidism,
menopause, or
diabetes.
Thyroid Disorder
Nervous system Disorder
Certain medications such as antidepressants, beta-blockers, and opioids.
Common Areas involved in Hyperhidrosis:
Underarm
Palms
Soles
Back
Scalp
Full body, in that order.
How Excessive sweating affects daily activities?
With sweaty palms, studying, writing in exams becomes a very difficult situation for children. People in their work environment, cannot handle the laptop or their work table mess. Sweaty feet restricts their activities as it makes them slippery and with a tendency to fall, have to be on the lookout always.
Diagnosis of the Causes of Hyperhidrosis:
A few lab tests are done and history is taken to rule out the secondary causes of sweating. If there's no underlying cause, it is taken as primary.
Treatment Options and Their Benefits for hyperhidrosis:
There are several treatment options available for hyperhidrosis, each with their own benefits and limitations.
1)Antiperspirants are the first line of treatment and they are the simplest. They work by blocking the sweat glands, reducing the amount of sweat produced. Antiperspirants got in supermarket are mild, when coming to handling this condition. Prescription grade ones are needed to give better control of sweating. The benefit is it is a home care. The limitation is, it is cumbersome and has to be done life long. Also, missing for a day brings it all back to square one.
2) Iontophoresis: The Process of treatment, you soak your hands or feet in a pan of water while a device passes mild electric current through the water. The current blocks the nerves that trigger sweating.
3) Microwave therapy. With this therapy, a handheld device (miraDry) delivers microwave energy to destroy sweat glands in the armpits. Treatments involve two 20- to 30-minute sessions, three months apart. Possible side effects are a change in skin sensation and some discomfort.
4) Botulinum Injection for hyperhidrosis: Botulinum is a protein which when injected into the affected area, interacts with the neuromuscular junction and cuts off the nerve stimulation of the hyperactive sweat glands. Without nerve stimulation, sweating reduces and disappears. The advantage is that it is done once and you can be sweat free for upto 4-6months. The Brands used are:
Botox
Nabota
Xeomin
Siax
Surgical procedures such as sympathectomy, a procedure in which the nerves that control sweating are cut, can also be used to treat hyperhidrosis. This procedure is usually reserved for severe cases of hyperhidrosis that do not respond to other treatment options.
Lifestyle Changes:
In addition to medical treatment, certain lifestyle changes can also help manage hyperhidrosis. These include:
Wearing breathable clothing made from natural fibers such as cotton
Avoiding tight-fitting clothing that can trap sweat
Showering frequently and using antibacterial soap to reduce the odor caused by sweating
Using foot powders to keep feet dry
Avoiding spicy foods and caffeine, which can trigger sweating
Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated
Ray & Rio's Speciality Clinic, is located at Egmore & Neelankarai, Chennai, handling hyperhidrosis treatment and providing Botox for Hyperhidrosis, Making Lives Better for Those with excessive sweating.Our Senior Dermatologist, Dr. Annie Flora has an experience of more than 12 years in Botox treatments. Call us today or book your appointment for sweat reduction treatment at Ray & Rio's Speciality Clinic, one of the Best Skin Care Clinic in Chennai
