In this article I will describe hyperhidrosis and what you can do if you suffer from this condition.
Some sad facts about Hyperhidrosis
Did you know that an estimated 3% of the world’s population suffers from hyperhidrosis? In the United States alone that amounts to around 9 million people!
It is a sad fact that the vast majority of these people will suffer in silence. In today’s society sweating and personal scent are taboo subjects that generate feelings of shame and embarrassment. This can significantly reduce the sufferer’s quality of life and can lead to social phobias, anxiety, low self-esteem and depression.
So let’s bust this taboo and reduce hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating to what it really is - nothing more than common, treatable condition.
What is Hyperhidrosis?
Sweating is a normal process that assists in regulating the body’s temperature. The following are examples of situations where the sweating mechanism is induced:
- Hot or humid temperatures
- Emotional stress
- Eating hot or spicy food
- Physical exercise
The condition of hyperhidrosis is characterised by excessive sweating. In other words sweating more than is required to regulate the body’s temperature.
Excessive sweating can occur anywhere on the body but each hyperhidrosis sufferer will typically experience more concentrated sweating in one particular area. Common areas of excessive sweating include:
- Armpits (most common)
- Face and head
- Hands
- Feet
In the majority of cases the cause of hyperhidrosis cannot be identified. Some practitioners believe hyperhidrosis results from an overactive sympathetic nervous system. The condition has also been linked to:
- Obesity
- Overactive thyroid gland
- Diabetes
- Illnesses or medications
- High levels of emotional stress of anxiety
Hyperhidrosis Treatments
There are a number of hyperhidrosis treatments available to sufferers. The effectiveness of each treatments is contingent on a number of factors including the area of excessive sweating. Common treatments include:
- Antiperspirant products - prescribed and non-prescribed.
- Oral medication - drugs such as Oxybutynin.
- Iontophoresis - using electric shocks to reduce the activity of the sweat glands.
- Botox injections - to paralyse the sweat glands.
- Surgery - to permanently remove or sever the sweat glands.
- Self-help strategies for hyperhidrosis management.
What to do if you suffer from Hyperhidrosis?
If you suffer from hyperhidrosis the first thing you should do is seek advice from a qualified medical practitioner. After an examination they will be able to give you advice on the best treatment options for your condition. Before considering a treatment ensure that you fully understand what is involved, including any possible side effects.
You should also consider natural treatments or control strategies such as those described in my article about how I beat my excessive underarm sweating.
The most important thing is to take action. If excessive sweating is reducing the quality of your life then you deserve better.
The worst thing you can do is suffer in silence.
This article is general in nature and does not represent medical advice. Always consult with a qualified medical practitioner before choosing a course of hyperhidrosis treatment.
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July 30th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Hyperhidrosis is a fairly common disorder shared by millions across the world. By definition, Hyperhidrosis is the excessive sweating of the head, face, hands, feet and armpits no matter the temperature or conditions.
The sweating is erratic, unpredictable and uncontrollable. You do have some options.
To stop the excessive sweating try:
1. Drysol
Drysol is a prescription deodorant that works wonders for underarm, hand and foot sweating. Apply it to your hands, feet, armpits or anywhere else you sweat at night before bed. You only need to apply it once a day - it’s not like regular deodorant. This stuff is Clinical Strength. Beware of irritation with Drysol. You may have to take a day or two off from this treatment if your skin gets too dry, sensative or red with a rash.
2. Drink more water to lower your body temperature.
A lot of people are confused by this solution. They think if they drink more water, it will give them that much more fluid to sweat out. This is totally incorrect. Drinking more water cools your core temperature and will alleviate some of the excessive sweating. Of course now you’ll need to worry about all those bathroom breaks.
3. Drink Green Tea or Sage Tea at night
Tea contains an astringent property which will dry out oils and prevent excess moister from escaping the skin. It essentially drys you from the inside out.
In addition to helping your complexion, green tea will neutralize many of the toxins that create the pungent odor in sweat. By the way, that odor is caused by bacteria that treats your sweat as a breeding ground. Gross!
4. Try Certain Dri (non-prescription deodorant)
You can buy this one at most pharmacies. Certain dry is a little less abrasive than Drysol so you won’t need to worry as much about irritation. It is however a little less strong. You’ll want to gauge your level of Hyperhidrosis by first trying Certain Dri. If your sweating continues, upgrade to Drysol and that should do the trick.
5. Avoid spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine
Don’t underestimate the power of your diet. Onions, Garlic, Curry, Coffee and a whole host of other ingredients are powerful triggers for hyperhidrosis sweating. Cut out some of these cultprits and see gradual but noticeable results. Add leafy greens and tea into your diet for a positive effect on sweating. Changing your diet will really cut out the spontaneous sweating from your daily lunch breaks.
6. Try Iontophoresis treatments.
This is more of a phase 3 solution. Try the clinical deodorants and diet fixes first. However, there is a treatment called Iontophoresis where you place your hands and feet into bowls or plates. The plates are filled with mineral water. Connected to the plates is an Iontophoresis electromagnetic device. Gentle electic pulses are distributed through mineral water. The minerals bond and temporarily change the nature of your sweat pores to block the sweat. This treatment works well. You can learn about it through the Source link I’ve provided below.
7. Try a Sage Tea Soak
There’s something called a Sage Tea solution what you do is…
a. Buy Sage Tea from your supermarket
b. Fill a large bowl with room temperature water
c. Put the sage tea bags in the bowl and let the tea dissolve a bit.
d. soak your hands for 15 minutes in the bowl.
Sage Tea will act as an astringent to dry the skin and prevent excessive sweating for many days to follow.
Don’t just do this soak one day. Do it everyday for 5 days straight (15 minutes at a time) and you’ll see great results.
If your hands tan from the tea, just wash them in the sink with antibacterial soap. The residue will come off easily.
8. ETS (Endoscopic Thorasic Surgery)
If the sweating is bad enough, some people will opt towards ETS (Endoscopic Thorasic Surgery). This is, however, a LAST resort. I recommend you try everything else possible before opting towards surgery. You can speak with your Dermatologist to find out more.
FOR MORE TIPS ON TREATING EXCESSIVE SWEATING, GO TO:
http://www.Prevent-Sweating.com
October 25th, 2008 at 7:34 am
can someone explain me what the drysol is? please