Hyperhidrosis is a condition when a person sweats excessively. This condition can occur even when not exercising or in hot weather. Hyperhidrosis can occur throughout the body or in certain parts of the body, such as in palm hand.
Sweating is a normal process to cool down an overheated body temperature. However, in people with hyperhidrosis, sweat comes out more than normal. This condition occurs even when the body does not need cooling.
Hyperhidrosis can be experienced by anyone. However, most people with hyperhidrosis start experiencing this condition in childhood or adolescence. Although not dangerous, hyperhidrosis can cause feelings of shame, stress, depression, and anxiety.
Causes of Hyperhidrosis
The process of sweating starts from the body temperature sensor. When the body detects a rise in temperature, the body's nervous system immediately triggers the sweat glands to secrete sweat. This is done so that the body temperature decreases.
Apart from being caused by an increase in body temperature, sweating is also normal when you feel nervous.
Based on the cause, hyperhidrosis is divided into two types, namely;
Primary hyperhidrosis
In primary hyperhidrosis, the nervous system is overactive in stimulating the sweat glands. As a result, sweat glands secrete sweat even though it is not triggered by physical activity or an increase in body temperature.
The exact cause of primary hyperhidrosis is not known. However, it is suspected that this condition is passed down from the family.
Secondary hyperhidrosis
Secondary hyperhidrosis occurs due to another medical condition. These conditions include diabetes, hyperthyroidism, gout, menopause, overweight (obesity), and some types of cancer.
In addition to medical conditions, secondary hyperhidrosis can also appear as a side effect of taking certain medications or supplements. Opioid withdrawal conditions can also cause symptoms of excessive sweating.
Symptoms of Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is characterized by excessive sweating without any triggers.
A person can be suspected of having hyperhidrosis if:
- Beads of sweat can be seen clearly when the weather is not hot or when you are relaxed (not much activity)
- His clothes are often wet with sweat
- Having trouble with activities, such as having difficulty opening the door or holding a pen because your palms are wet with sweat
- The skin appears thin, cracked, and flaky, with a paler or reddish tint
- Frequent skin infections in parts of the body that sweat too much
Symptoms of hyperhidrosis can be different, depending on the type. Here is the explanation:
- Primary hyperhidrosisPrimary hyperhidrosis usually occurs in one or more areas of the body, especially in the armpits, hands, feet, or forehead. Excessive sweating does not appear during sleep, but can occur immediately after waking. Generally, primary hyperhidrosis occurs since childhood or adolescence.
- Secondary hyperhidrosisSecondary hyperhidrosis usually causes the entire body to sweat profusely, even while sleeping. Patients usually only experience secondary hyperhidrosis after adulthood.
When to go to the doctor
Sometimes, excessive sweating can be a sign of a serious medical condition. Immediately go to the doctor or the nearest emergency room if excessive sweating is accompanied by nausea, chest pain, and dizziness or feeling like you are about to pass out.
It is also necessary to see a doctor if you experience the following conditions:
- Starting to sweat more than usual
- Sweating at night without any triggers
- Excessive sweating interferes with daily activities
- Sweat causes emotional distress or disturbance in social life
Diagnosis of Hyperhidrosis
To diagnose hyperhidrosis, the doctor will ask questions about the symptoms experienced, the age when complaints first appeared, as well as the patient's and family's medical history. After that, the doctor will perform a thorough physical examination.
To determine the cause of hyperhidrosis, the doctor will perform additional tests, such as:
- Blood and urine test
The doctor will take a sample of the patient's blood or urine for examination in the laboratory. This test is used to determine whether there are medical conditions that can cause hyperhidrosis, such as hyperthyroidism and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
- Sweat test
This test is done to find out which parts of the body have hyperhidrosis and how severe it is.
Hyperhidrosis Treatment
Treatment for hyperhidrosis is based on the cause. If it is caused by a medical condition, the doctor will treat the condition first before treating hyperhidrosis. However, if the cause of hyperhidrosis is unknown, the doctor will immediately treat excessive sweating.
Treatment steps that are usually taken by doctors to treat hyperhidrosis are:
1. Administration of drugs
The drugs that are generally given are: antiperspirant containing aluminum chloride. This medicine is applied to the skin at night and must be washed off in the morning.
It's important to remember that antiperspirants can cause irritation to the eyes and skin. Therefore, its use must be with a doctor's instructions and carried out with caution.
Other drugs that can be prescribed by doctors are anticholinergic drugs, such as: glycopyrronium, to inhibit the work of nerves that trigger sweating. Antidepressant drugs can also be given to reduce sweat production and reduce anxiety that can exacerbate hyperhidrosis.
2. Iontophoresis (sweat blocker)
This procedure is performed if hyperhidrosis occurs in the hands or feet. This therapy is done by immersing the patient's hands or feet in water. After that, electricity will be channeled through the water to block the sweat glands.
This therapy is effective in many patients. However, the effect does not last long and the therapy must be repeated many times.
Initially, the patient may require 2–3 therapy sessions in 1 week, for 2–5 weeks. After that, the patient can reduce the therapy schedule to once a week or once a month when his complaints have improved.
3. Botulinum injection toxin (botox)
Botox injections can temporarily block the nerves that cause excessive sweating. Botox injections are given several times in sweaty parts of the body by starting with local anesthesia.
The effects of Botox injections can last up to 12 months and must be repeated. However, please note, this therapy can cause temporary muscle weakness in the injected body part.
4. Microwave therapy
This therapy uses microwave energy to destroy sweat glands. This therapy is carried out for 20-30 minutes, every 3 months, until the patient recovers. However, this therapy can cause side effects in the form of discomfort and changes in sensation on the skin.
5. Operation
If excessive sweating occurs only in the armpits, the doctor will perform surgery to remove the sweat glands. However, this procedure is only performed on hyperhidrosis that cannot be treated by other treatment methods.
Meanwhile, to control sweat on the hands, doctors can perform a sympathectomy. A sympathectomy is performed by burning or pinching the spinal nerves that control sweating in the hands. Sympathectomy cannot be performed if hyperhidrosis occurs in the head or neck.
In addition to undergoing medical treatment, patients can perform self-care to control sweating and prevent body odor, such as:
- Shower every day to prevent bacteria from growing on the skin
- Drying the body after bathing, especially the armpits and between the fingers
- Wear leather shoes and cotton socks that absorb sweat
- Change socks regularly or when they start to feel damp
- Not wearing closed footwear too often
- Choose clothes that are cool on the skin for daily activities and clothes that easily absorb sweat for exercising
- Practice relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, to control stress that can trigger hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis Complications
Hyperhidrosis can lead to infection if the skin is often moist or too wet. In addition, hyperhidrosis can also make sufferers embarrassed because their clothes or armpits look wet. These conditions can indirectly interfere with performance at work or study.
Hyperhidrosis Prevention
Hyperhidrosis due to heredity cannot be prevented. The prevention of secondary hyperhidrosis depends on the cause.
For example, hyperhidrosis due to a side effect of a drug can be prevented by changing the drug. Meanwhile, in hyperhidrosis due to consumption of caffeinated drinks, prevention can be done by stopping consuming caffeinated drinks.
Please note, prevention cannot be done in secondary hyperhidrosis caused by certain diseases, such as heart disease or cancer.