What is the cause of hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a common sweating problem that is usually triggered by emotional stress, neurological disease, bacterial or viral infection, or heat. While some health factors may contribute to the development of hyperhidrosis, it tends to appear in people who are otherwise healthy and happy individuals. Professionals are still trying to determine the exact cause for the condition, but some possible contributing health problems may include:
- Stress
- Obesity
- Heart conditions
- Fever
- Tuberculosis
- Diabetes
- HIV/AIDS
- Hormonal changes/Menopause
Can hyperhidrosis be caused by anxiety?
Hyperhidrosis, also known as excessive sweating–is not simply the result of anxiety. Most people have a natural bodily response to sweat when they are experiencing hot temperatures or stress. But those who suffer from hyperhidrosis experience sweating that goes far beyond this type of normal sweating response. However, hyperhidrosis might be triggered or worsened by high anxiety or stress. If you are suffering from excessive sweating, it’s important to visit a dermatologist for an evaluation and to learn about your treatment options. In most cases, a dermatologist with experience with hyperhidrosis can help you formulate a treatment plan as well as lifestyle changes that will help you manage your sweating problem.
Is hyperhidrosis a disability?
Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) may be considered a disability, especially if the condition prevents you from successfully performing your daily job functions. This will vary widely depending on the type of hyperhidrosis you are suffering from, your medical history, the nature of your occupation, and the severity of your condition.
Can hyperhidrosis be cured permanently?
Depending on what is causing your excessive sweating, you may be able to treat the condition. For most people who suffer from secondary hyperhidrosis, once the underlying condition is treated, their sweating goes back to normal. In other cases, your dermatologist may be able to prescribe a medication to control your symptoms or perform a surgical procedure to correct the sweating problem.
How do you get rid of hyperhidrosis?
Before you can properly treat excessive sweating, you’ll need to visit a dermatologist who can accurately diagnose your condition. There are two different types of hyperhidrosis, so your treatment options will vary depending on which condition you are suffering from and the severity of your excessive sweating condition.
What is the best treatment for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)?
Primary Hyperhidrosis Treatment
This is the most common form of excessive sweating, caused primarily by overactive sweat nerves. When the sweat nerves are overactive, they signal your body to start sweating, even when it’s not appropriate. So, you might start to sweat when temperatures are not hot or when your body temperature is normal. To treat primary hyperhidrosis, your dermatologist may recommend one of the below treatments to control excessive sweating:
- Antidepressant medication for sweating control
- Prescription anti-sweating medications
- Nerve-blocking medications for sweating control
- Botox injections
- Prescription antiperspirants
- Sweat gland removal surgery
- Sweat nerves surgery (sympathectomy)
- Microwave surgery for sweat glands
Secondary Hyperhidrosis Treatment
Another type of excessive sweating is called secondary hyperhidrosis, which occurs when a person is suffering from a different underlying health condition. This other health condition–which may or may not be known–could be causing excessive sweating as a symptom. Many common health conditions could potentially cause excessive sweating, including:
- Thyroid conditions (overactive thyroid/underactive thyroid)
- Low blood sugar
- Heart conditions, including heart attack
- Infections
- Nervous system conditions
- Certain cancers
- Diabetes
- Menopause
If you or your dermatologist suspects that an underlying health condition is causing the excessive sweating, you may need to have other diagnostic testing done before the hyperhidrosis can be effectively treated. The course of treatment for secondary hyperhidrosis is based on treating the underlying condition that is causing you to sweat more than usual.
Rendon Center can address all of your medical and aesthetic dermatology needs, including hyperhidrosis treatment. Our combination of innovative technology and experience translates to superior, quality care. Call 561-750-0544 or fill out the form on this page today to schedule a consultation.
