Excessive sweating, whose medical name is hyperhydrosis, is a condition that occurs as a result of the body’s heat regulatory mechanism more than normal. Sweating is a physiological process necessary to balance body temperature and throw out toxins. However, in hyperhydrosis patients, sweat glands become extremely activated and excessive sweating occurs regardless of the physical activity or emotional state of the ambient temperature. This may adversely affect social life, self -confidence and daily activities.
What is excessive sweating (hyperhydrosis)?
It is characterized by the body’s production of more than normal sweat. Sweating is a natural process that regulates body temperature. However, sweat glands become more active in hyperhydrosis patients. Excessive sweating occurs independent of ambient temperature, physical activity or stress factors. This may concentrate in certain areas such as palms, feet soles, armpits, faces and heads. In some patients, it can be seen in the whole body. Hyperhydrosis can make daily activities difficult and affect social life negatively. Significant sweat stains in continuous damp hands, sweaty feet or garments are among the common symptoms of hyperhydrosis. Hyperhydrosis, primary (primary) and secondary (secondary) hyperhydrosis are divided into two main groups:
- Primary (primary) hyperhydrosis: Although the cause is not known exactly, it shows genetic transition. Primary hyperhydrosis, which started in childhood or adolescence, may continue for life. Excessive sweating in hands, feet, face area and armpits is common. It occurs symmetrically on both sides of the body. Night sweating is usually not seen.
- Secondary (secondary) hyperhydrosis: It occurs due to disease or drug use. Night sweats are widely seen. It may concentrate on the whole body or in a particular region. Suddenly start or occur in hyperhydrosis at the age of later ages is usually a sign of secondary hyperhydrosis.
In addition to being a physical health problem, hyperhydrosis can lead to psychological and social concerns for patients. It can adversely affect the patient’s self -confidence, business life and daily activities when left untreated.
Causes excessive sweating (hyperhydrosis)?
Primary hyperhydrosis occurs due to genetic predisposition and occurs especially in the palm interior, feet soles, armpits and facial areas. It starts during childhood or puberty and may continue for life. The reason is not exactly known. However, the communication between the nervous system and the sweat glands is thought to be extremely active. Secondary hyperhydrosis occurs under the effect of ashal or external factors. Hormonal changes such as menopause, thyroid diseases, diabetes, neurological diseases (Parkinson, paralysis), obesity, infections and some drugs may cause secondary hyperhydrosis. Intense stress, excessive spicy food consumption and excessive caffeine intake are also among the factors that trigger sweating. In some patients, excessive sweating may be triggered by psychological factors (anxiety and stress). Especially in stressful cases, excessive sweating may be seen in hands, faces and armpits. Sudden start of hyperhydrosis or seen with night sweating may be a symptom of a disease. Therefore, it requires evaluation.
What are the symptoms of excessive sweating (hyperhydrosis)?
The most prominent symptom of hyperhydrosis is excessive sweating without depending on ambient temperature, physical activity or stress level. Primary hyperhydrosis usually occurs symmetrically, such as sweating of both hands at the same time. Secondary hyperhydrosis can affect the large areas of the body and usually occurs with night sweating. Excessive sweating can cause social anxiety, work and private life negatively. Symptoms of excessive sweating are as follows:
- Excessive sweating in the hands, feet, armpits and percentage.
- Hands are constantly moist and creates a disturbing feeling during handshake.
- Sweat stains under the armpits are significant, frequent wetting of clothes.
- The constant wet of socks due to excessive sweating in the feet and the formation of odor.
- Summer-winter perspiration attacks during the day, regardless of the summer and winter.
- Sweating that makes daily activities difficult (for example, wetting of paper when writing, slippery of the phone screen).
- Waking up with night sweats (especially seen in secondary hyperhydrosis).
- Skin irritation, development of fungal and bacterial infections in regions that remain constantly wet.
- Loss of self -confidence and anxiety disorder due to excessive sweating in social environments.
How to diagnose excessive sweating (hyperhydrosis)?
The doctor analyzes the age of the sweating, in which areas of the day, which is concentrated on which times of the day, and whether it is affected by factors such as stress and temperature. Physical examination and some tests can be applied to make definitive diagnosis. The starch-iot test is a test performed by applying a iodine solution to the sweating areas. As the sweating increases, the region turns into dark color. In the gravimetric test, the amount of sweat produced by the body for a certain period of time is measured by using special paper. Blood tests, thyroid function tests and diabetes tests are performed in patients with suspicion of secondary hyperhydrosis. In case of excessive sweating at night or sudden onset hyperhydrosis, advanced examinations may be required to investigate diseases.
How to treat excessive sweating (hyperhydrosis)?
It is determined according to the severity of sweating, the cause and the effect of the patient’s quality of life. The aim of the treatment is to control the over activity of the sweat glands and to alleviate symptoms. In mild and moderate hyperhydrosis cases, sweating preventive creams recommended by the doctor are recommended as the first treatment option. In more severe cases, botox (botulinum toxin) injection and drugs can be used. Botox injections block nerve signals and prevent the excessive operation of the sweat glands. It is especially effective in palms, feet base and armpits. Ionophoresis treatment reduces sweating by exposing it to a low -voltage electric current with low -voltage electric current.
What is good for sweating?
Some natural and lifestyle changes can be effective to control excessive sweating. From eating habits to stress management, clothes selection to skin care, it is possible to reduce sweating with various precautions. Some suggestions you can apply in your daily life are:
- Use relaxation techniques: Yoga, meditation and breathing exercises are very effective in reducing stress -based sweating.
- For plenty of water: The body’s dehydration can work more sweat glands. Consuming at least 2-2.5 liters of water per day can help balance the excessive activity of the sweat glands.
- Choose clothes made of natural fabrics: Breathing fabrics such as cotton, linen and bamboo reduce sweating, while synthetic fabrics can cause sweat to remain in the body.
- Avoid spicy and caffeinated foods: Hot pepper, garlic, onion and excessive spicy foods can trigger sweating. Likewise, drinks containing caffeine such as coffee and tea can increase the amount of sweating by stimulating the nervous system.
- Take a cold shower: Taking a daily cold or warm shower can help to control sweating by lowering body temperature.
- Keep your hands and feet dry: Natural absorbent carbonate or talc powder can be used for hand and foot sweating.
- Use Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera gel can alleviate sweating by making a refreshing effect on the skin.
- Clean the skin with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar, It can reduce excessive sweating by regulating the pH balance of the skin. It can be applied to the armpits and feet with the help of cotton.
