Understanding Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis): Causes and Treatments
Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, affects around 3% of Americans. It is classified into primary and secondary types, with various treatment options available including antiperspirants, iontophoresis, miraDry, and laser therapy. Managing underlying causes is key for secondary hyperhidrosis. Early intervention helps improve quality of life by reducing social embarrassment and skin infections.
Understanding Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis): Causes and Treatments
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by abnormally high sweat production. Approximately 3% of Americans are affected by this disorder, also referred to as polyhidrosis or seborrhea.
This condition is categorized into Primary (idiopathic or focal) and Secondary types. Primary hyperhidrosis has no known cause and typically affects areas like the armpits, palms, and soles. In contrast, secondary hyperhidrosis results from underlying medical issues and often distributes across the entire body.
Primary Hyperhidrosis
Usually causes discomfort but isn’t considered a serious health threat.
Excessive sweating can lead to social embarrassment, stain clothing, and hinder social and professional interactions. It often begins during adolescence, especially in the armpits, while palmoplantar hyperhidrosis tends to start earlier. Bacterial infections can worsen symptoms, causing foul odors.
Initial management includes over-the-counter antiperspirants containing low-dose aluminum compounds, which are affordable and readily available. Prescription-strength antiperspirants with aluminum chloride hexahydrate may be recommended.
Other treatments involve iontophoresis, which passes a gentle electrical current through water to reduce sweating. In more persistent cases, miraDry uses microwave energy to destroy sweat glands permanently—consult with your healthcare provider for options.
In severe scenarios, laser therapy may be employed to eliminate sweat glands in the underarm area.
Secondary Hyperhidrosis
This type indicates sweating as a symptom of another underlying health problem, affecting the whole body. Causes include conditions like diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, hyperthyroidism, infections, or side effects of medications. Long-term effects may involve skin and nail infections, warts, emotional issues, and decreased confidence. Accurate diagnosis depends on medical history and response to treatments.
Management involves symptomatic relief such as specialized pads, changing clothes frequently, and addressing the root cause when possible.
