When a person shakes your hand, they expect it to be dry; if not, they’ll probably get a disgusted look and make every attempt to find the nearest bathroom. Our body uses sweat to control its temperature, a process triggered by the Sympathetic Nervous System. Unfortunately, about 1% of the population has a condition called Hyperhidrosis in which the system works harder than it needs to and ends up creating excess sweat.
It usually appears during childhood and can persist throughout adulthood, sometimes being amplified by anxiety. Hyperhydrosis has several areas of manifestation, such as facial, hand, armpits, trunks and thighs.
Often, people try to hide their situation from others which leads to emotional distress that can, and usually does, increase the amount of sweat they produce. This in turn makes matters even worse and may result in serious psychological damage or emotional scarring.
The highest number of sweat glands can be found in the palms of the hands. The sympathetic nervous system controls the gland’s activity and it works independently from the patient’s will, as it is an involuntary process. Excessive sweating appears as a direct effect of the hyper activity of the sympathetic nervous system
Hyperhidrosis can be divided into two categories:
Primary hyperhidrosis
It has localized manifestations and can affect:
- Hands: palmar hyperhidrosis
- Feet: pedal hyperhidrosis
- Underarm: axillary hyperhidrosis
- Face: facial hyperhidrosis
Several forms of treatment are available for primary hyperhidrosis like antiperspirants, medication, sympathectomy and Ionotophoresis.
Secondary hyperhidrosis
Secondary hyperhidrosis affects the entire body, conditions that may cause it can include:
- Malignancy
- Infections
- Obesity
- Autoimmune disorders
- Hyperthyroidism
- Menopause
- Psychiatric disorders
When treatment is prescribed for secondary hyperhidrosis the things to be considered are the triggering factors mentioned above.
Dealing with Excessive Sweating
If you suffer from excessive sweating, you are well aware of how stressful social encounters can be in a world where everyone wants to shake your hand. Just handling papers and trying not to get them wet can be a daunting task and usually leads to a very embarrassing encounter.
This website is all about excessive sweating, the types of hyperhidrosis, cures and treatments. You’ll find plenty of information and resources to help you make a well informed and unbiased decision as to how you should proceed.
There are extremists that believe any type of medial treatment for hyperhidrosis is bad or that the only cure for excessive sweating is surgery. You owe it to yourself to consider all the alternatives to surgery before you choose that path. For example, many people have found that simply focusing in on an image like the one below can help!
Picture yourself relaxed and standing at the top of a mountain. It’s a perfect day, the wind is gently blowing and the temperature is just right; Air surrounds you and quickly evaporates any moisture, you’re at peace and know that everything will work out.
Believe it or not, this simple use of imagery performed twice a day has helped those with mild cases of hyperhidrosis control their sweating.
Regardless of how severe your case is, we’re sure you’ll find the information contained within this site informative and beneficial. If you have any questions of care to share your experience, please do so. Help others going through what you are by sharing your story (simply leave a comment).