Do you feel like you sweat more than usual, even when it’s cold or when you’re resting? It could be a medical condition called hyperhidrosis.
Although it is common, it is not widely recognised: many people believe that excessive sweating is only related to heat or nerves, when in fact it can be a genuine medical disorder that can be treated to improve the quality of life of those who suffer from it.
- This condition affects between 2% and 5% of the world’s population, but few people seek help or know that it can be treated.
- Although it can be exacerbated by temperature, it is not dependent on it. Hyperhidrosis can occur in cool environments and even when a person is at rest.
- Sweat itself does not smell, but when it combines with bacteria, it can generate odour. For people with hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating can further contribute to body odour despite proper daily hygiene.
- The areas most affected by excessive sweating are usually the armpits, the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, the forehead and the entire face, and the back. In some cases, hyperhidrosis may affect one side of the body more than the other.
- It can develop in childhood, increase during adolescence, and decrease in adulthood.
- It can also have a psychological impact. Constant excessive sweating can make sufferers feel insecure in certain situations, causing them to avoid shaking hands or change their clothes several times a day. This can lead to anxiety, isolation and low self-esteem.
- Hyperhidrosis is hereditary. According to various studies, between 30% and 50% of people with this condition have a family history of it.
- It may be a symptom of an underlying health problem, such as endocrine disorders or infections, or it may be a side effect of certain medications.
- Various treatments are available, depending on the severity:
- Aluminium chloride-based antiperspirants
- Oral medication
- Iontophoresis (an electrotherapeutic technique)
- Neuromodulators, such as botulinum toxin
- Sympathectomy (a surgical procedure in which the nerves of the sympathetic nervous system that cause hyperhidrosis are cut)
If you or someone you know has hyperhidrosis, it’s important to know that there are solutions available to improve quality of life.
