Introduction

Hyperhidrosis is the condition of excessive sweating. The condition is largely unreported. It may be caused due to the underlying medical condition or side effects of medications. There are various ways to reduce or prevent sweating during the summer. If you have excessive sweating, book an appointment with a skin specialist in Dwarka.

Excessive Sweating

Sweating is the natural process of the body for maintaining temperature. However, in certain cases, the patient sweats more than is needed by the body or even the situation does not demand to sweat. Excessive sweating is medically known as hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis may occur at any time such as in cool weather.

Most cases of hyperhidrosis remain unreported. This is because the patient fails to understand that they have a medical problem. They do not visit the dermatologists for getting the appropriate treatment. Almost 4.8 percent of people in America suffer from hyperhidrosis.

Hyperhidrosis is of two types:

Primary focal hyperhidrosis: Primary focal hyperhidrosis is the most common form of hyperhidrosis. It affects almost 1-3% of the people. Almost 50 percent of the people suffering from this type have a family history of hyperhidrosis.  In primary focal hyperhidrosis, sweating is localized and can affect head, face, underarms, hands, and feet. Primary focal hyperhidrosis generally starts from childhood.

Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis: Unlike primary focal hyperhidrosis, the secondary generalized hyperhidrosis generally starts from adulthood. In this condition, there is excessive sweating from all over the body. The general cause of such hyperhidrosis is either the underlying medical conditions or a side effect of medications.

Causes For Excessive Sweating

There are different causes for primary focal hyperhidrosis and secondary generalized hyperhidrosis.

The cause of primary focal hyperhidrosis, in most cases, remains unknown. In this type of hyperhidrosis, the nerves signaling the sweat glands become overactive and there is increased sweating. The condition is sometimes linked to mental status, nervousness and stress. However, recent research indicates that there is very little or no connection between anxiety and emotional stress with primary hyperhidrosis. As the primary focal hyperhidrosis runs in families, it is believed that there may be a genetic component involved.

Secondary hyperhidrosis is caused either as a side effect of certain medications or underlying medical conditions.

The medical condition that may cause secondary hyperhidrosis are:

• Hyperthyroidism
• Menopause
• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Parkinson’s disease
• Lung Disease
• Cancer
• Adrenal gland disorder
• Spinal cord injuries
• Infections
• Obesity
• Gout

The medications that may cause hyperhidrosis as a side effect include:

• Nortriptyline
• Desipramine
• Protriptyline
• Pilocarpine
• Zinc

How To Manage Excessive Sweating During Summer

Following are the measures to manage excessive sweating during the summer:

• Use a good quality antiperspirant. In the case of mild hyperhidrosis, Aluminium chloride-containing antiperspirant offers good protection.
• Stay away from spicy food and lower the quantity of caffeine.
• Wear breathable fabrics.
• Consult a doctor.
• Remain stress-free and relax your mind.
• Avoid deodorant immediately after the shower. Apply only once your skin is completely dry.
• Try alternate treatments such as acupuncture.
• Take fresh juices such as tomato juice.
• Lower the content of dairy products from your diet.