Hyperhidrosis: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that a person may experience and that appears for no apparent reason, even when it is not very hot or when one is not practicing physical activity. Excess sweat is most common in the armpits, palms of the hands and feet, but it can happen in any other part of the body.

This condition occurs due to excessive activity of the glands responsible for sweat production and is more common when there are other cases of hyperhidrosis in the family, although it can also be influenced by hormonal and/or emotional changes.

The treatment of hyperhidrosis should be guided by a dermatologist or general practitioner who may recommend the use of antiperspirant deodorants, creams or even botox injections, for example, which help reduce the intensity of sweat and improve quality of life.

Main symptoms

The main signs and symptoms of hyperhidrosis are:

• Excessive sweating that occurs for at least six months for no apparent reason;
• Excess sweat that appears on both sides of the body in approximately the same amount;
• Episodes of excessive sweating at least once a week;
• Presence of sweat even when resting;
• Sweat that interferes with daily activities such as work or relationships;
• Excessive sweating that starts before the age of 25.

The excessive sweating characteristic of hyperhidrosis can affect any part of the body, but is most common on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet or armpits.

Although in most cases, hyperhidrosis is not related to serious health problems, in some cases it may indicate a problem that needs to be evaluated by a dermatologist to begin the most appropriate treatment.

How to confirm the diagnosis

The diagnosis of hyperhidrosis must be made by a dermatologist or general practitioner based on symptoms and assessment of personal and family history.

In addition, the doctor may recommend blood and urine tests to check whether there is another condition that could be causing hyperhidrosis, such as diabetes, hypoglycemia or hyperthyroidism, for example.

The dermatologist may also recommend carrying out more specific tests, such as the starch-iodine test or the paper test, to identify the areas of greatest sweat production on the body and the severity of hyperhidrosis.

Possible causes

The causes of hyperhidrosis can be classified according to the origin and region of the body that experiences excessive sweating and include:

1. Primary hyperhidrosis

Primary hyperhidrosis, or essential hyperhidrosis, is the most common form of this condition that occurs due to excessive activity of the nerves in the sweat glands, which generate excessive signals for sweat production, even if they have not been activated by physical activity or increased blood pressure. temperature.

This type of hyperhidrosis mainly affects the soles of the feet, the palms of the hands and the face, and generally begins in childhood, being related to a family history of hyperhidrosis.

2. Secondary hyperhidrosis

Secondary hyperhidrosis, also called generalized hyperhidrosis, is characterized by the production of excessive sweat throughout the body, but it can also occur in a specific part of the body, being more common in adulthood. This type of hyperhidrosis is usually related to a health problem such as:

• Diabetes;
• Menopause;
• Hyperthyroidism;
• Hypoglycemia;
• Heart attack;
• Parkinson’s disease;
• Spinal cord injury;
• Infections, such as tuberculosis or HIV.

Furthermore, secondary hyperhidrosis can be caused by the use of some medications that have the side effect of increased sweat production, such as nortriptyline or desipramine. See more details on the main causes of excessive sweating and what to do.

It is important to seek medical help immediately whenever excessive sweating starts suddenly, especially if it is accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing, nausea or fever, or if night sweats appear for no apparent reason, as these may indicate serious health problems, such as stroke or cancer.

How the treatment is carried out

The treatment of hyperhidrosis is carried out by the dermatologist according to what caused this condition. In cases of secondary hyperhidrosis, treatment must be carried out specifically for the disease that is causing excessive sweat production.

However, if hyperhidrosis is not caused by any health problem, treatment should be carried out to control excessive sweating, as prescribed by a doctor, but typically includes:

• Absorbent insoles or pads: can be used on the feet or armpits to absorb excess sweat produced in these parts of the body;
• Antiperspirant deodorants containing aluminum chloride: should be applied before bed, as they help reduce the production of sweat in the armpits;
• Ointments containing glycopyrrolate: help relieve hyperhidrosis that affects the face or head;
• Medicines that reduce the activity of nerve impulsessuch as oxybutynin or oxyphencyclimine: block chemicals that stimulate sweat production.
• Antidepressant medications:may be indicated in some cases to help reduce sweat production, in addition to helping to reduce anxiety that can worsen hyperhidrosis;
• Botox injection in the affected area: allows you to temporarily block the nerves that cause excessive sweat production. The effect of this treatment lasts for around 6 months, requiring a new application after the effect is lost. Find out how botox injection is done;
• Iontophoresis: consists of applying a low voltage electrical current to the affected area, blocking the sweat-producing glands and helping to alleviate hyperhidrosis;
• Surgery to remove sweat glands (sympathectomy): It is a good option, but it is common to have increased sweat production in other areas that did not have excessive sweating. Understand better how sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis is performed.​

The doctor may also recommend treatment with a psychotherapist or psychologist to help reduce/control anxiety and stress, which can worsen or trigger hyperhidrosis.

Home treatment

A good home treatment option for hyperhidrosis is to drink sage tea regularly, as it helps regulate excessive sweat production and alleviate the symptoms of hyperhidrosis.

Furthermore, chamomile tea can help reduce anxiety, creating a feeling of harmony, which helps to calm states of agitation and nervousness, which can help alleviate hyperhidrosis that worsens due to anxiety or stress. Check out other natural calming options.