The Science Behind Excessive Sweating
Otherwise known as hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating is often onset in adolescence or early adulthood. While sweating is an important bodily function that helps us regulate our internal temperature, this condition significantly increases the amount of sweating you experience.
Hyperhidrosis isn’t always linked to heat regulation or exercise. It can occur unexpectedly and often at the most inconvenient of times. Affected areas don’t just include the underarms and back, but also the hands, feet, legs and forehead. Excessive sweating as a result of this condition is typically caused by overactive nerves signalling the body to perspire. However, secondary hyperhidrosis also exists, which can be onset by a medical condition such as menopause, diabetes, some types of cancer or even a heart attack.
Repercussions of Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis can be embarrassing to live with, with sufferers usually blamed by others due to a general lack of knowledge about this condition. This can make for uncomfortable public encounters and overall discomfort.
What are the signs that I have hyperhidrosis?
Primary and secondary hyperhidrosis can occur at almost any age, though we see it commonly in teenagers and adults. If sweating interferes with your daily routine, it could be an indicator. If you begin to sweat more frequently than before or encounter uncomfortable bouts of night sweats despite feeling healthy, you may also have this condition.
Are there other symptoms that accompany this condition?
Yes, and they’re very serious if they occur. While rarer, you may experience light-headedness, chest pain and/or nausea while or after a period of excessive sweating. Be sure to get medical attention right away if any of these symptoms occur – don’t leave it to chance or shrug it off.
Do women and men both experience hyperhidrosis?
Yes. In fact, for women going through menopause, a period of hyperhidrosis is almost a given as the body’s internal clock begins to drastically change along with its temperature regulation. That said, men can also suffer from the condition just as easily at any stage.
How do I treat this?
While staying cool, cleansing your diet of unhealthy foods and exercising regularly can be seen as a benefit and help you sleep better, hyperhidrosis often requires medical treatment to be suppressed. Doctors may suggest various surgeries, but there are alternatives out there that are more affordable, less time-consuming and equally effective.
