Hyperhidrosis: How can I stop sweating so much?

Hyperhidrosis (Excessive sweating)

What is sweat? Why do we sweat?

Sweating, it is an essential survival instinct, a function that dates back to our humble beginnings to regulate our body temperature.  Glands deep in our skin produce sweat. Sweat glands, though all over the body are present mostly on the forehead, the armpit, palms and the sole of the feet.

The sweat on the surface of our skin evaporates, drawing heat from our skin and body to cool it down. This helps us to avoid overheating and problems such as heatstroke which are potentially fatal.

So then, if sweating is perfectly normal and a good thing, then why is it seen as such a problem?

Problems with sweating too much

Primal functions aside, extreme sweating is uncomfortable and embarrassing.  Sweat is unsightly on our skin and clothes (causing yellow stains) and often the cause of body odor (produced in conjunction with skin bacteria, not an odor from sweat itself). Given that sweat is made of our own bodily fluid, if this fluid is not replaced quickly enough, one is at a greater risk of dehydration.

People who are conscious of their excessive sweating will usually sweat more as awareness of their sweating adds additional stress, embarrassment and anxiety to the equation.

Excessive sweating is referred to as hyperhidrosis and 3-5% of the population is affected by this condition.

Why do I sweat so much?

Question: I think I might have a sweating problem, why do I sweat so much?

There are environmental, physical and psychological conditions that effect how much we sweat.

• Hot and warm temperatures – Seasonal, indoor heating
• Physical exertion
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Excitement
• Spicy food
• Fever from illness

Genetically, some people sweat more then others in addition to an individual’s psychological disposition.

The question is, are you sweating too much under the wrong conditions?

Am I sweating too much?

We know that sweating is normal and that it is good for us, but we are also well and truly aware with the problems that sweating too much can cause.

If we find ourselves sweating under the conditions that sweating is expected, then it is understandable. But when we start to feel that we are sweating too often when environmental and psychological conditions do not warrant it, then we may be suffering from hyperhidrosis.

Types of hyperhidrosis

There are two main types of hyperhidrosis, primary and secondary.

The exact cause of primary hyperhidrosis is unknown, but it is considered the result of emotional triggers.

Secondary hyperhidrosis is the result of another condition/disease. Some of the conditions secondary hyperhidrosis is linked to include

• Obesity
• Spinal injury
• Infection
• Neurology conditions
• Menopause
• Fever from illness
• Diabetes
• Side effects of drugs
• Hyperthyroidism - an overactive thyroid gland

Palmar hyperhidrosis is a frustrating excessive sweating of the hands. It is believed to be caused genetically and results in sweat so extreme that palms can literally drip sweat. The side effects of this kind of hyperhidrosis can be socially debilitating.

Sleep hyperhidrosis, also known as night sweats happens while one sleeps. It can disturb sleep and wake people up with clothing and bedding wet with sweat. In addition to seeking help and treatment of this hyperhidrosis, sleep wear to keep a person dry and bedside water to rehydrate will help manage the symptoms.

Diagnosis - Do I have hyperhidrosis?

The starting point for the diagnosis of hyperhidrosis is usually with a dermatologist who will closely observe the presence of sweat on the body to establish as to whether it is in excess. This will be conducted in a mild environment, when the individual has a normal heart rate and blood pressure. i.e. conditions where sweating should be minimal.

Blood tests can be carried out to check if diseases or conditions are present which may result in secondary hyperhidrosis along with tests to check specifically for excessive sweating and primary hyperhidrosis

Let’s take a look at some of these sweat tests.

Minor-starch Iodine test

Starch powder and an iodine solution are applied to the skin.  The more sweat that is present, the more blue and dark the powder becomes. The blue powder can be extracted and weighed with filter powder to establish the intensity of hyperhidrosis.

Treatment - What can i do to stop sweating?

How can I stop sweating?
This is the basic question most people who have problems with excessive sweat are asking.  Let’s take a look at some of the general problems people have with excessive sweat then look at more extreme measures geared towards hyperhidrosis treatment. 

How do I stop underarm sweating?
Armpit sweat is a common issue many of us have, so much so that products for this area have become a household and daily necessity.

Antiperspirants work by closing the ducts in our skin that release sweat and are designed to prevent or reduce excess sweat. Deodorants do not stop or reduce sweat, they are merely designed to curb underarm odor which is caused by natural bacteria.

There are some methods available to naturally cure or help underarm sweating and armpit odor including

• Crystal rock antiperspirant
• Rubbing Apple Cider vinegar
• White vinegar
• Baby powder to absorb moisture/sweat
• Baking powder to absorb moisture/sweat and neutralize odors

Hyperhidrosis treatment
There are many treatments that have been touted on the market to deal with various forms of hyperhidrosis. Many of these treatments are of little value ranging from pills, deodorants, lotions to electronics.

Hyperhidrosis surgery

Different types of surgery are employed for the different types of hyperhidrosis.

• Palmar hyperhidrosis (sweaty palms) - endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy involves surgery on nerves that cause sweat
• Sweaty Armpits  - axillary suction curettage directs a lazer into a small incision, killing the sweat glands in the process
• Sweaty feet - Lumbar sympathectomy

The different types of surgery should be discussed with your doctor including the costs, risks, success rate and post surgery care. Other types of treatments and surgery are being developed in the medical industry.

Hyperhidrosis Botox
Botox has become an unlikely player in treatments against hyperhidrosis. The injections block sweat glands temporarily to reduce\eliminate sweat.