Hyperhidrosis
Introduction
A medical disease called hyperhidrosis is characterised by excessive sweating, usually more than is required for thermoregulation. It impacts 3% of people and can be extremely physically and emotionally taxing.
The two kinds of hyperhidrosis are primary and secondary. Primary hyperhidrosis, also referred to as focal hyperhidrosis, is a disease that produces excessive sweating without a known cause in particular body parts, such as the hands, feet, underarms, or face. Contrarily, secondary hyperhidrosis, which tends to be more widespread, is brought on by a preexisting medical condition like hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or menopause.
Life quality can be significantly impacted by hyperhidrosis, which can cause social anxiety, embarrassment, and trouble establishing relationships.
Pathophysiology
Although the precise pathophysiology of hyperhidrosis is not fully known, it is thought to be caused by an excessive sympathetic nervous system activity, which regulates sweating. In primary hyperhidrosis, there is no known reason for the excessive sweating, and certain parts of the body, like the hands, feet, underarms, or face, seem to have an overactive sympathetic nervous system. Acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates sweat glands to generate sweat, is released by sympathetic nerve fibres that innervate the sweat glands in these areas. The nerves that release acetylcholine may be more sensitive or overactive in individuals with hyperhidrosis, causing the sweat glands to produce excessive amounts of sweat. The excessive perspiration can have a negative effect on quality of life and be physically and emotionally upsetting.
Signs and Symptoms
Excessive sweating that goes beyond what is required to control body temperature is the main symptom of hyperhidrosis. The sweating may be more widespread or it may only affect a few parts of the body, like the hands, feet, underarms, or cheeks.Wet or damp clothing, particularly in the affected areas
- Strong or unpleasant bodily odour
- Skin illnesses brought on by too much moisture, such as bacterial or fungal infections;
- Chafing or skin irritation in the affected regions
- Difficulty holding items like a pen or phone because of perspiration-covered hands
- Difficulty grasping or manipulating items because of perspiration-covered hands
- Social nervousness or embarrassment brought on by excessive sweating
Even though sweating is a natural physiological reaction to heat or physical exercise, hyperhidrosis causes excessive sweating that can happen at odd times or in cooler settings. It’s crucial to speak with a healthcare expert for a proper assessment and treatment if your excessive sweating affects your daily activities or causes you emotional distress.
How do Dermatologists treat Hyperhidrosis?
Dermatologists can offer several treatment options for hyperhidrosis, depending on the severity and location of the excessive sweating. Some treatment options include:
- Antiperspirants: When applied to the affected areas, over-the-counter or prescription-strength antiperspirants containing aluminium chloride can help decrease sweating.
- Topical medications: When applied topically to the affected regions, prescription drugs like glycopyrrolate or anticholinergic creams can help lessen sweating.
- Iontophoresis: In this procedure, the affected region, such as the hands or feet, is exposed to a low-level electrical current in an effort to lessen sweating. It can be carried out at home or in a dermatologist’s clinic.
- Botulinum toxin injections: Botulinum toxin, also referred to as Botox, can be injected into the troublesome regions to stop the release of acetylcholine and stop sweating. This procedure is frequently used to address excessive sweating in the hands, feet, and underarms.
- Oral medications: In some circumstances, oral drugs like beta-blockers or anticholinergics may be given to lessen sweating.
- Surgery: In extreme circumstances, it may be possible to have the sweat glands in the affected region removed or destroyed during surgery.
