Excessive Sweating (also known as Hyperhidrosis)
Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is a common disorder which produces a
lot of unhappiness. An estimated 2%-3% of Americans suffer from excessive
sweating of the underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis) or of the palms and soles of the feet (palmoplantar hyperhidrosis). Underarm
problems tend to start around puberity, while palm and sole sweating may begin
earlier, often during childhood. Untreated, these problems may continue
throughout life.
Sweating is embarrassing, it stains clothes, and it complicates
business and social interactions. Severe cases can have serious practical
consequences as well, making it hard for people who suffer from it to hold a
pen, grip a steering wheel, or shake hands.
What is the cause of hyperhidrosis?
Although neurologic, metabolic, and other systemic diseases can sometimes
cause excessive sweating, most cases occur in people who are otherwise healthy.
Heat and emotions may trigger hyperhidrosis in some, but
many who suffer from hyperhidrosis sweat nearly all the time, regardless of their mood or the
weather.
What is the treatment for hyperhidrosis?
Through a systematic evaluation of causes and triggers of excessive sweating,
followed by a judicious, stepwise approach to treatment, many people with this
annoying disorder can achieve good results and improved quality of life.
The approach to treating hyperhidrosis generally proceeds as
follows:
- Over-the-Counter antiperspirants:
Home remedies like these are usually tried first because they are
readily available. Antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride (for
example, Certain-Dri) may be more effective when other antiperspirants
have failed. So-called "natural" antiperspirants are often not very
helpful.
- Prescription-strength antiperspirants: those containing aluminum chloride hexahydrate, such as Certain-Dri.
- Iontophoresis: a device
which passes direct electricity through the skin using tap water
- Oral medications: from the group of medications known as anticholinergics, which reduce sweating
- Botox (botulinum toxin): approved in the U.S. by the FDA for treating excessive axillary
(underarm) sweating
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