Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, has many causes. For that reason, there is no single cure but the condition can be managed. Statistics show that approximately 5% of the U.S. population may suffer from hyperhidrosis, but the percentage is probably much higher due to unreported cases. It occurs in both men and women and may appear as early as infancy. Sweating is the body’s normal response to certain triggers, but the symptoms of hyperhidrosis occur without any obvious external reason – it has even been reported by patients relaxing in a swimming pool.
Did you know that ear wax and milk are generated by sweat glands? The body is almost completely covered with different types of sweat glands embedded in the skin. Perspiration mostly comes from the eccrine type which is found everywhere except the lips, ear canal, and certain parts of the genitals. Mostly composed of water, perspiration also contains salt and other chemicals. The number of eccrine glands decreases with age. When all of the sweat glands are working at full capacity, a young adult can secrete more than three liters an hour, although such output is dangerously dehydrating. The eccrine glands function for three major purposes:
Eccrine glands normally remain at rest until there is a reason to produce sweat:
The condition of unnecessary and excessive sweating is classified into two forms:
Primary hyperhidrosis is a stand-alone condition without a known specific cause beyond overactive neurological signaling. Usually emerging during childhood, it seems to have a strong genetic connection, meaning that other family members are often affected. This form of excessive sweating is most often limited to the palms, foot soles, armpits, face, and scalp.
Secondary hyperhidrosis can develop from several physical origins as well as medications. This form of excessive sweating usually involves most of the body and is commonly worse at night. It has been observed in all of the following:
You probably already bathe, use antiperspirants, maintain a cool home environment, and wear loose, absorbent clothing. Available medical treatments include prescription creams and wipes, iontophoresis involving the application of a mild electrical current to affected areas, Botox-type injections for the armpits, anti-anxiety medications, and medications that control overactive signaling from the nervous system.
To determine if you have excessive sweating, ask yourself three questions:
1. Are you constantly experiencing excessive sweating for no clear reason?
2. Has excessive sweating been an unwanted part of your life for a long time?
3. Is excessive sweating affecting every facet of your life -- working, going out in public, your choice of clothing, how you sleep, your self-esteem?
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that’s not your fault. Share your concerns with a healthcare professional who will explore the next steps with you.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.