Sweating excessively, or hyperhidrosis as it's medically called, can be a real pain to deal with, not only because of the physical symptoms but also due to the mental health effects it can have on people.
What is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a disorder of excessive sweating, sometimes for no apparent reason. This can cause people to sweat so much that it soaks through their clothes.
Sweating in general can be extremely uncomfortable and embarrassing, hence why lots of people never seek help. By understanding more about the condition, and the treatments available, individuals can reduce their symptoms and regain control over their lives.
There are two types of hyperhidrosis: Focal hyperhidrosis and generalised hyperhidrosis.
Focal hyperhidrosis is where sweating mainly occurs on your feet, hands, face, head, and underarms. 30 to 50 per cent of people with this type of hyperhidrosis have a family history of excessive sweating.
Generalised hyperhidrosis is caused by a medical condition or as a side effect of certain medications which usually affects the entire body. Conditions that can cause this type of hyperhidrosis include heart disease, diabetes, cancer, lung disease, Parkinson's disease, and many other conditions.
Symptoms of hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating that's lasted longer than six months
Excessive sweating incidents of at least once per week
Sweating so much that it soaks through clothing
Sweating that interferes with daily activities.
Treatments for hyperhidrosis
There are several ways to treat hyperhidrosis, including:
Prescription antiperspirants. Your healthcare provider can prescribe an antiperspirant with aluminium chloride.
Nerve-blocking medicines. These are able to block the nerves that trigger sweat glands.
Botulinum toxin injections (botox). Botox injections in the affected area can block the nerves that trigger the sweat glands.
Therapy to help reduce anxiety.
Iontophoresis, which is a type of treatment that uses a mild electrical current delivered through water to treat affected areas of the skin.
Surgery may be clinically indicated in some cases. This procedure is where the sweat glands can be removed.
The above treatments should be discussed with a medical professional to ensure you are getting the best treatment and recommendation for your particular situation.
If you're struggling with excessive sweating and want more information, visit your GP or contact a Sonder team member who can provide more information and support.
If you have any questions or need extra support, we're here to help you anytime, in any language. Simply start a chat with us via the home screen of the Sonder app.
Information sourced from: Healthline, HealthDirect and Botanix.
Image credit: Key and Peele
All content is created and published for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health professional.