While it is normal for people to sweat after their workouts or when exposed in a warm temperature, there are those who perspire heavily without any triggers. This condition is called hyperhidrosis, which is a disorder characterized by excessive sweating for no specific reason. Find out more about this disorder, its causes, implications, and possible treatment options.

Causes of Hyperhidrosis

Those who suffer from hyperhidrosis tend to sweat profusely and frequently even when it is inappropriate to the circumstance. For instance, the temperature may be mild and cool, yet you may find yourself sweating excessively. If you have no fever, or you are completely relaxed and not having anxiety attacks, but you are drenched in sweat, then this is certainly not normal.

According to health experts, hyperhidrosis may either be localized/primary focal, or it can also be generalized. With primary focal hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating is not caused by a particular medication or an existing illness. However, specific areas of your body undergo severe wetness such as your feet, hands, face, head, underarms and groin.

On the other hand, generalized or secondary general hyperhidrosis is due to an underlying ailment. Triggers include menopause, thyroid problems, rheumatoid arthritis, alcoholism, heart failure, leukemia, pregnancy and Parkinson’s disease. Sweating is also more common at night, and it is not just your feet, underarms or hands that get sopping wet, but your entire body.

In addition to these diseases and conditions that cause generalized hyperhidrosis, some medications may also increase the possibility of sweating excessively. Among these medications are some types of antibiotics, blood pressure and dry mouth medicines, as well as some supplements.

Treatment of Hyperhidrosis

If excessive sweating persists, or you experience other symptoms such as fatigue, increased urination, insomnia and cough, then it is best to consult your doctor. You may need to undergo some tests that will determine if you are indeed positive with hyperhidrosis.

Once a diagnosis has been made, your doctor will recommend medications and some medical procedures to treat this condition. These may include the use of antiperspirants that contain about 10 to 20 percent aluminum chloride hexahydrate. Medications that reduce the stimulation of your sweat glands may also be prescribed, although these are commonly linked with some side effects.

For severe cases, iontophoresis may be recommended, which is a type of procedure that uses electricity to turn the sweat glands off temporarily. However, this method is commonly prescribed for those who sweat excessively on the feet and hands. In other cases, underarm surgery and endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy may be necessary, although these are only applicable to individuals who failed to experience any improvement from medications.

Bottom Line

Excessive sweating may be a sign of an existing medical condition, so it is important to get it diagnosed and addressed sooner to prevent serious health problems. After some tests, your health care provider should be able to prescribe you with the most suitable course of treatment that would effectively resolve your concern. By having hyperhidrosis treated, you will experience a massive improvement in your personal life, productivity and confidence level.