Hyperhidrosis Symptoms

Sweating is a natural phenomenon that occurs in the body. Sweating is a process to regulate the temperature of the body and a way to expel waste and toxic materials from the body. There are many sweat glands that regularly excrete sweat to 'cleanse' the skin. Some individuals sweat excessively and are said to be having hyperhidrosis. It's a medical condition where an individual sweats excessively and unpredictably. Individuals suffering from this condition may sweat even if the temperature is cool or while they are resting. Though it is not a life-threatening condition, it is an annoying and distressing condition. It can be an embarrassing situation for such individuals which may also be a cause for social stigma. Such individuals may have trouble working or enjoying recreational activities due to constantly wet hands. This may interfere with their social life and they may tend to withdraw due to self-consciousness about having stained clothes, potential body odor or shaking hands with other people. Hyperhidrosis symptoms are usually observed in childhood or adolescence. The areas in the body where excessive sweating may occur are armpits, palms and soles of the feet. One of the most prominent excessive sweating symptoms is wetness.

What Triggers Intense Sweating
Excessive sweating, can be embarrassing and bothersome. Large wet patches in the underarms can look quite unsightly. But this is a medical condition, which is caused due to the following reasons.

• Hereditary or genetic reasons
• Extreme nervousness or anxiety
• Abnormal functions of spinal cord
• Improper or unhealthy diet and a high intake of caffeinated drinks
• Regular and heavy intake of alcohol
• Obesity
• Extraneous exercises and activities
• Some other causes include hyperthyroidism, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and reaction to certain foods etc.

Identifying Hyperhidrosis
Just like any other health disorder, hyperhidrosis also exhibits a few signs which makes it easier to identify this condition. Individuals having this disorder may exhibit the following symptoms.

• Dripping of sweat droplets or clamminess of the soles of the feel and palms of the hands
• Noticeable, frequent and excessive sweating that can soak the clothing
• Abnormally excessive and bothersome perspiration in the underarms, head, face (especially on the forehead) and feet

Hyperhidrosis Diagnosis
In order to diagnose, if an individual is suffering from hyperhidrosis, he may have to undergo the following tests;

• Paper test, where a piece of special paper is placed on the affected area in order to absorb the sweat. The paper is then weighed. If the paper appears to be heavier, more than normal sweat has been accumulated.
• Another test is the starch iodine test, where iodine solution is applied to the sweaty areas, especially under the arms or palms of the hands. After the iodine solution dries, starch is sprinkled on the area. The area where there is excessive sweat will make the starch iodine combination turn a dark blue color.
• The individual may also be asked certain details about sweating like the area, time when the sweating occurs or if excessive sweating is triggered due to a reminder of any traumatic events. The doctor may also check for symptoms like lack of appetite, pounding heartbeat or weight loss. The doctor may also see if the individual has cold or clammy hands and if he is suffering from fever.

Treatment for Unreasonable Sweating
Hyperhidrosis can be quite a distressing condition. However, the good news is that abnormal sweating can be controlled with treatment

• Excessive sweating can be controlled using strong antiperspirants, which help in plugging sweat ducts.
• Certain medications like anticholinergics drugs like glycopyrrolate will reduce the stimulation of sweat glands and prevent the production of excessive sweat.
• Administering botox will help treat primary axillary hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes severe underarm sweating. Injecting small doses of purified botulinum toxin injected into the underarm will temporarily block the nerves that stimulate sweating.
• Keeping the body hydrated by drinking lots of water and other fluids and cutting down on excessive intake of spicy and oily food, processed food and caffeinated drinks can reduce excessive sweating.
• In rare cases endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy, a surgery which involves the removal of sweat glands, can be performed. Read more on .

If you observe any of the above mentioned signs, consult a health care provider, who will prescribe medication to provide relief from this annoying condition.