Sweaty

 Don't sweat the petty things, and don't pet the sweaty things.” (George Carlin)

Hyperhidrosis is when your body sweats more than it needs to for the purpose of regulating body temperature. Some people experience excessive sweating as a child or teenager. And for others, the condition emerges later in life. While some people with hyperhidrosis sweat heavily in just one area, others perspire across their entire body.

Nearly five percent of the population suffers from this illness, and thousands more live undiagnosed. Some people experience excessive sweating as a child or teenager, and for others, the condition emerges later in life. While some people sweat heavily in just one area, others perspire across their entire body. Although there are many types of hyperhidrosis, they all fall into two categories:

Primary hyperhidrosis refers to excessive sweating in one area. The underarms, hands, feet, torso, groin, head and forehead are common affected areas.

Secondary hyperhidrosis refers to excessive sweating caused by another medical condition or medication. People with secondary hyperhidrosis sweat all over their body (and are more likely to sweat while sleeping).

Medical conditions that can cause secondary hyperhidrosis include: diabetes, obesity, menopause, and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Some medications that can lead to excessive sweating include: antidepressants (such as Norpramin, Pamelor and Protriptyline), Pilocarpine (for dry mouth) or iron and zinc supplements.

You can try these proven techniques for combating hyperhidrosis:

Antiperspirants-The easiest way to tackle excessive sweating is with an antiperspirant, which most people already use on a daily basis. Most antiperspirants contain aluminum salts. When you roll them onto your skin, antiperspirants form a plug that blocks perspiration. Over-the-counter antiperspirants may be less irritating than prescription antiperspirants. Start with an over-the-counter brand, and if that doesn't work, ask your doctor about a prescription.

Many antiperspirants are sold combined with a deodorant, which won't stop you from sweating but will help control the odor from your sweat. Antiperspirants aren't only for your underarms. You can also apply some of them to other areas where you sweat, like your hands and feet. Some may even be applied to the hairline.

Don't just roll or spray on your antiperspirant/deodorant in the morning and forget about it. Also consider applying your antiperspirant at night to clean, dry skin. Your sweat glands are less active when you sleep, which allows the product to work better the day after.

          Helpful lifestyle changes-

·        Avoid sweat triggers like spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol.

·        Avoid synthetic fabrics and wear loose-fitting clothing.

·        Change your clothes regularly and wash and dry them properly to       avoid body odor and sweat patches.

·        Help sweaty feet by wearing shoes made from materials that draw  sweat away from the skin. Sandals (or flip-flops) in the summer will let your skin breathe.

·        Wear shoes and socks made from natural materials that draw moisture away from the feet like cotton, linen, and bamboo.

·       Sometimes losing excess weight can better control extreme sweating (by lowering the body temperature). 

          Medical Treatments-

Iontophoresis: During this treatment, you sit with your hands, feet, or both in a shallow tray of water for about 20 to 30 minutes while a low electrical current travels through the water. No one knows exactly how this treatment works, but experts believe it blocks sweat from getting to your skin's surface. You'll have to repeat this treatment at least a few times a week, but after several times you may stop sweating. Once you learn how to do Iontophoresis, you can buy a machine to use at home.

Some people only require a couple of treatments a month for maintenance. Although Iontophoresis is generally safe, because it uses an electrical current it's not recommended for women who are pregnant and people who have pacemakers or metal implants (including joint replacements), cardiac conditions, or epilepsy.

Botulinum toxin: Another treatment option for heavy sweating is injections of Botulinum toxin A (Botox), the same medicine used for wrinkles (or migraines). Botox is FDA-approved for treating excessive sweating of the underarms, but some doctors may also use it on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet also.

Botox works by preventing the release of a chemical that signals the sweat glands to activate. You may need to have several Botox injections, but the results can last for almost a year.

Anticholinergic drugs: When you've tried antiperspirants and treatments like Iontophoresis and Botox and they haven't worked, your doctor might recommend a prescription medicine such as Anticholinergic drugs. Oral Anticholinergic drugs stop the activation of the sweat glands, but they aren't for everyone because they can have side effects such as blurred vision, heart palpitations, dry eyes, dry mouth, and difficulty peeing.

Surgery: You may have seen plastic surgeons advertising surgical procedures for excessive sweating. Surgery is only recommended for people with severe hyperhidrosis that hasn't responded to other treatments. During surgery, the doctor may cut, scrape, or suction out the sweat glands.

Another surgical option is endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS), in which the surgeon makes very small incisions and cuts the nerves in your armpit that normally activate the sweat glands. This procedure is very effective, but it's used only as a last resort on people who have tried every other treatment. ETS can't be reversed, and it can leave scars. One side effect almost everyone who gets ETS has to deal with is compensatory sweating, which is when your body stops sweating in one area, but starts sweating in another (such as the face or chest) to compensate.

MiraDry System: Performed in a doctor's office, this procedure uses thermal (heat) energy that targets and eliminates the sweat and odor glands in your underarm. Once the glands are destroyed, they do not grow back.

 “A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” (Colin Powell)[i]

---

[i] Adapted from:

·        “Excessive Sweating: Treatment Tips” by Stephanie Watson

·        “Excessive Sweating” and “Hot to Stop Sweating” by Degree

·        “Understanding Hyperhidrosis Causes and Treatments” by Thompson Tee