Miami, Florida (PressExposure) March 15, 2010 -- Everybody has sweaty palms, feet or even armpits from time to time. However for a number of individuals, excessive body sweating is a lot more than just an infrequent occurrence. It's a way of life. Good news is, there are new techniques to stop excessive body sweating for good, in only a matter of days.
Excessive sweating, formally referred to as hyperhidrosis, is actually triggered by a continuous overstimulation of the sweat glands. This condition most commonly affects the armpits, the palms as well as the feet. Hyperhidrosis is fairly uncommon, affecting a little less than three percent of all people. For individuals with this condition, nevertheless, it can certainly have a devastating effect on self-esteem, work and even relationships.
Perspiration is a normal and desirable body function, carried out by numerous sweat glands spread all over the skin. These glands are specially designed to keep the body cool by way of releasing sweat for evaporation.
The majority of people can very easily predict which circumstances will trigger these glands and stir up a good sweat. Intense workout, high temperature, stress as well as nervousness top the list, nonetheless cigarette smoking, taking hot and spicy foods and even consuming alcoholic beverages or hot liquids can also trigger sweat.
In persons with hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating happens for no obvious reason. Their palms, underarms or even feet tend to be frequently drenched even when they are feeling relaxed, cool and peaceful.
Sweaty palms can certainly end up being the origin of minor annoyances, such as smudged papers and slippery drinking glasses, but they most likely will lead to major embarrassment, particularly when it comes to shaking or holding hands with other people. Individuals battling with hyperhidrosis of the armpits and feet may well have to change their shirts or socks and shoes several times a day.
Most of the time, people having hyperhidrosis tend to be healthy -- they have simply inherited the tendency to sweat profusely from their parents. At times, excessive sweat may well be a sign of an underlying illness, such as an overactive thyroid gland, an infection or even heart disease.
After ruling out all these along with various other likely causes, physicians rely to a great extent on the sufferer's background in order to diagnose hyperhidrosis. Most people with this problem report excessive sweating which started out in childhood or teenage years.
The most frequent remedy for hyperhidrosis consists of applying aluminum chloride, a substance with antiperspirant qualities, to the affected parts. Prescription antiperspirants are generally applied before bedtime and washed off in the morning to avoid skin irritation.
If this particular treatment does not produce the desired results, doctors may recommend oral anticholinergic treatments. These medications function by way of preventing the actions of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger in the body which induces the sweat glands.
Anticholinergic drug treatments can stop excessive sweating after a week or two of use. In spite of their performance, their use is usually restricted by a number of uncomfortable side effects, which include dry mouth, constipation, visual changes as well as dizziness.
Some people with hyperhidrosis have had a great deal of success making use of a treatment called Iontophoresis, in which a battery-powered apparatus provides a mild electrical current to the hands, feet and underarms. Despite the fact that this mechanism of action is not well understood, Iontophoresis is considered to temporarily disable the sweat glands.
Iontophoresis treatment plans typically take approximately 15 to 30 minutes and are generally carried out every day for up to two weeks, accompanied by less frequent maintenance therapy. Iontophoresis is safe and can be carried out at home.
Shots of botulinum toxin, best-known as Botox, can effectively prevent sweating by disabling nerves which control the sweat glands. While the full benefit associated with this treatment can take up to 2 weeks, some people begin to experience notable sweat reduction levels within just a few days of medication.
The effects of botulinum toxin are usually short-lived, lasting about four to seven months. For the reason that normal sweat gland function steadily returns over time, Botox injections may possibly be recommended at the very least two times a year to control symptoms associated with hyperhidrosis.
In exceptional situations, surgical treatment could be the most effective treatment option. In the event that excessive sweating affects only the underarms, removal of the sweat glands in this area can help.
For some people with hyperhidrosis, a surgical process referred to as endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy, or ETS, may be appropriate. This procedure entails cutting the nerves that control the sweat glands.
Major complications associated with this surgical procedure are rare, and nearly all patients are ready to resume their regular activities within a day or two of the treatment. However, this surgery can lead to a phenomenon known as compensatory sweating, in which increased sweating takes place elsewhere on the body.
There is absolutely no quick and easy cure to prevent excessive sweating, but there is a great deal of reason for hope. With proper diagnosis and treatment, the majority of people with the condition can easily obtain considerable relief from excessive sweating and also a remarkable boost in their enjoyment of life.