Excessive Sweating
Why General Information Isn’t Enough
- Here, we provide general information on hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), but what you need isn’t more general information—you need a consultation with an experienced thoracic surgeon. Only a specialist in endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy, the surgical procedure for excessive sweating, can assess whether this solution is right for you.
What Is Excessive Sweating or Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis, commonly known as excessive sweating, is a condition where the body produces more sweat than is necessary for temperature regulation. Without extreme heat or physical exertion, people with hyperhidrosis experience significantly higher sweat production. This overactivity of the sweat glands can lead to uncomfortable situations, appearing without typical triggers like warm weather or exercise.
How much does hyperhidrosis impact your life?
Excessive sweating can significantly affect quality of life. Many people wonder just how much this condition disrupts their daily routine. To assess how hyperhidrosis impacts you, it’s essential to consider both the physical and social challenges it brings.
Synonyms
- Excessive sweating
- Profuse sweating
- Sweating without cause.
Causes of Hyperhidrosis
Heredity plays a significant role in hyperhidrosis among otherwise healthy individuals, though the exact causes of this dysregulation in the sympathetic nervous system remain unclear. Therefore, your excessive sweating may also be linked to an underlying condition.
What Triggers Excessive Sweating?
Excessive sweating can occur even without high temperatures and may be triggered by:
- Moderate physical exercise
- Painful situations
- Moments of anxiety
Severe Symptoms of Excessive Sweating
- Social withdrawal and avoidance of social gatherings
- Temporary spikes in sweating
- Increased nighttime sweating
Differences Between Primary and Secondary Sweating
Primary sweating occurs independently and is not caused by another medical condition, whereas secondary sweating is a symptom of an underlying health issue. It’s essential to consult a thoracic surgeon to rule out underlying causes before starting any treatment.
In other words, you should consult a thoracic surgeon to determine if a medical condition is causing your symptoms before trying treatments that only address the symptom itself.
What Are Sweat Glands and How Do They Work?
Sweat glands are responsible for carrying sweat to the skin’s surface through pores, helping regulate body temperature by cooling the body.
How Many Types of Sweat Glands Are There?
Eccrine Sweat Glands
Found all over the body, eccrine glands produce a watery sweat primarily for temperature regulation
Apocrine (or Epocrine) Sweat Glands
Located in areas with hair, such as the armpits, groin, and around the nipples, apocrine glands secrete a thicker, protein- and lipid-rich sweat that can lead to body odor.
Why Doesn’t Any Treatment or Medication Provide a Definitive Solution for Hyperhidrosis?
No treatment or medication can offer a permanent solution for hyperhidrosis due to the complexity of the disorder and the variety of factors that may cause it. Hyperhidrosis results from the overactivity of sweat glands, which are regulated by the sympathetic nervous system.
What Treatments Are Available for Hyperhidrosis?
While each of the following treatments can provide temporary relief, none offers a permanent solution:
- Prescription Antiperspirants: Can cause skin irritation.
- Prescription Creams: Glycopyrrolate creams for facial and scalp hyperhidrosis offer temporary relief.
- Medications for the Nervous System: Can cause side effects like dry mouth, blurred vision, and bladder issues.
- Antidepressants: May reduce anxiety but can worsen hyperhidrosis.
- Botox Injections: Effective but temporary, with high cost and painful application.
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