About Hyperhidrosis :

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that causes excessive (too much) sweating. Sweating cools the body, which prevents us from overheating. People who have hyperhidrosis, however, sweat when the body does not need cooling. They sweat from one or two areas of the body.

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Who can get :

• Family member who sweats excessively.

• Medical condition that causes the sweating such as Diabetes, Gout.

• Medicine or food supplement that they take, which can cause excessive sweating.

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Causes :

• Exact cause unknown, but overactive nerves could be the reason.

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Presentation :

• Visible sweating even without any exertion. 

• Sweating interferes with everyday activities.

• Skin turns soft, white, and peels in certain areas.

• Frequent skin infections as certain parts are usually moist. Athlete’s foot and jock itch are common skin infections.

 

Types :

​Primary Hyperhidrosis

• “Focal” means that the excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) affects one or a few parts of the body. 

• "Bilateral" means both sides of the body: If the excessive sweating occurs, the person usually notices both underarms sweat excessively. The same holds true for the hands and feet. 

• Sweating may begin soon after the person wakes up, but usually does not notice unless the room is hot. 

• This type of hyperhidrosis usually begins when the person is a child or adolescent.

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Secondary hyperhidrosis

Means that the excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) has an underlying cause such as

• Medical condition 

• Side effect of taking a medicine or food supplement.

In this, 

• The entire body sweats excessively.

• Sweating occurs during sleeping.

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HYPERHIDROSIS: Tips for Managing

• See a dermatologist for a diagnosis.

• Make sure you are using an antiperspirant rather than a deodorant. Antiperspirants can reduce sweating. Deodorants mask or stop body odor, but allow you to sweat. 

• Apply antiperspirant to dry skin before going to bed.

• Keep a sweat journal to know your trigger factors.

• For sweaty feet

1. Wear sandals rather than closed shoes. 

2. Wear shoes made of a natural material like leather. This allows air to circulate.

3. Slip off your shoes whenever you can.

4. Avoid wearing the same shoes 2 days in a row. You want the shoes to dry completely before you wear them again.

5. Wear anti perspirant socks that wick moisture away from your skin. 

6. Change socks daily or more often if the socks are wet.

7. Wash socks before you wear them again.

8. Apply antiperspirant to your feet before you go to bed, and wash it off when you wake up.