What is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterised by abnormally excessive sweating which is not a result of heat or exercise. It can affect just one specific area or the whole body in which the sweat may soak through clothes or drip off the hands.
Although it is not life-threatening and is tolerable, it can cause discomfort, embarrassment, and anxiety, which can affect everyday activities and social interactions. However, in some cases, hyperhidrosis can become severe and intolerable and can cause serious problems such as difficulties in holding objects such as a pen.
According to studies, it is estimated that several million people have this condition, with most cases starting during the teenage years. Hyperhidrosis is normally active on body parts that have a relatively high concentration of sweat glands such as the hands, feet, underarms, and the groin area.
Causes of hyperhidrosis
Sweating is a natural way in which the body cools itself in response to factors such as heat, fever, exercising, or feeling anxious or nervous.
Typically the nervous system automatically triggers the sweat glands as part of the body’s self-protection mechanisms; however, in the case of hyperhidrosis, the sweat glands don’t shut off and continue to sweat even if the natural causes that trigger sweating are not present. This type of abnormal response can be categorized as either primary or secondary hyperhidrosis.
Types of hyperhidrosis
Based on the areas and extent of the body surface affected, hyperhidrosis can be separated into two different categories.
1. Focal hyperhidrosis occurs when excessive sweating is localized or affects just one specific area of the body. Types include:
Palmar hyperhidrosis, which is characterised by excessive sweating of the palms
Plantar hyperhidrosis, which is characterised by excessive sweating of the soles
Palmoplantar hyperhidrosis, which is characterised by excessive sweating of both the palms and soles
Axillary hyperhidrosis, which is characterised by excessive sweating of the underarms
Inguinal or Hexel’s hyperhidrosis, which is characterised by excessive sweating of the groin area
2. Generalized hyperhidrosis is when excessive sweating doesn’t affect only a specific area but rather affects the entire body.
Symptoms of hyperhidrosis
Signs and symptoms include:
Frequent sweating
Wet palms
Wet soles
Noticeable sweating wherein the sweat soaks through clothing and can cause stains.
Furthermore, even if the excessive sweating is tolerable, the person may feel or experience:
Skin infections that may be fungal or bacterial, which can be irritating and painful
Worry more about body odor
Self-conscious. There is a tendency that a person looks in the mirror from time to time to wipe off sweat in the face as well as in other parts of the body especially the underarms to check for sweat soaking through clothing.
Avoiding jobs with physical contact or human interaction
Hesitant to make physical contact. Other effects may include wiping the hands first before shaking hands.
Socially withdrawn due to being embarrassed. This may lead to depression.
Severity
Complications may arise when hyperhidrosis becomes severe. These can include being prone to skin and bacterial infections and psychological impacts affecting the social and emotional state of an individual.
The severity is measured through a 4-point scale called the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS). It is a diagnostic tool that is quick and easily-understood and that is carried out by asking the patient to rate the severity of hyperhidrosis using four statements:
My sweating is never noticeable and never interferes with my daily activities.
My sweating is tolerable but sometimes interferes with my daily activities.
My sweating is barely tolerable and frequently interferes with my daily activities.
My sweating is intolerable and always interferes with my daily activities.
Based on the response of the patient, the severity can be scored. A score of 1 or 2 indicates a mild or moderate condition, while a score of 3 or 4 indicates a severe case.
Treatments for hyperhidrosis
If the diagnostic is secondary hyperhidrosis, the contributing health condition will be treated first; but for primary hyperhidrosis, treatment focuses on controlling excessive sweating.
Suspect that you might have hyperhidrosis?
Enquire now for more information, or make an appointment today with our dermatologist.
