How To Deal with Hyperhidrosis or Hyperhydrosis (Excessive Perspiration)
The medical term for excessive sweating is not related to exercising or body temperature regulation.Most of the time the cause is not known.The hands, feet, and underarms are some of the places where excessive sweating occurs.Hyperhidrosis is not a serious medical condition, but it can cause social anxiety and embarrassment, and can disrupt normal daily living.There are some home remedies that can help with sweating.It is possible to remove the sweat glands in extreme situations.
Step 1: There is more information about the condition.
Hyperhidrosis is a condition where the nerves that cause the sweat glands to work are not known, but the problem becomes worse with stress or nervousness.Hyperhidrosis usually affects the hands, feet, underarms or face bilaterally, and episodes occur at least weekly during waking hours.Some people with hyperhidrosis sweat a lot.People with severe hyperhidrosis can run the risk of dehydration if they don't replenish their fluids with plenty of water.Adults 25 to 65 years old are more likely to experience bouts of hyperhidrosis.
Step 2: Use antiperspirant.
The aluminum compounds in most antiperspirants can temporarily block the pores that release sweat.The sweat doesn't get to the surface of the skin and eventually gets absorbed by the body.Apply a liberal amount of antiperspirants to your arms, hands and feet.It may feel strange, but it's likely better than the clamminess associated with hyperhidrosis.The best antiperspirants are over the counter.If you're going to shake hands with people, you might want to use unscented antiperspirant.
Step 3: Appropriate clothing and footwear should be chosen.
If you have hyperhidrosis, choose clothing that is appropriate.You should always wear clothes made from natural fabrics, such as cotton, light wool and silk.When you exercise, consider wearing fabrics that are designed to keep your skin dry.If you have sweaty feet, cotton socks are the best option.Natural materials can help prevent excessive sweating by allowing your feet to breathe.Don't wear shoes that are completely dry overnight.If you have to wear shoes that are damp, you can use a hair dryer.It's possible to prevent them from being constantly damp by using talcum powder in your shoes.There is a risk of mold growth.
Step 4: It's better to bathe or shower more frequently.
The more you sweat, the more salts, toxins, and sugars are deposited on your skin.Foul body odor is caused by compounds in sweat and waste material frombacteria.To keep from becoming too malodorous, people with hyperhidrosis need to bathe more often, at least daily if not twice daily.Buy brands that have natural moisturizers in them so your skin doesn't get too dry and flaky if you use regular soap.Make sure to dry yourself thoroughly, especially between your toes and under your arms, after taking a shower or bath.People who sweat profusely on a regular basis are more likely to get infections from ingrown toenails.Sweat contains salt, which can cause excessive loss of electrolytes for people with moderate-to-severe hyperhidrosis.Muscle cramps can be caused by the loss of electrolytes.
Step 5: Consider using herbal products.
Most of the herbal preparations that have been used to combat excessive sweating have not been studied by Western scientists to determine their effectiveness.There are anecdotal reports that certain herbs can help combat hyperhidrosis.witch hazel extract is an effective antiperspirant, which dries skin and acts as an antiseptic virtually anywhere on the body.Cold tea can be used to wash parts of your body to combat sweating.Other herbs used to reduce sweating include tea tree oil and coconut oil.Most herbal preparations are safe to use in all areas of the body, although some might sting your eyes, so be cautious when washing your face.
Step 6: Reduce stress levels.
Hyperhidrosis can be triggered by stress caused by your job and/or personal relationships.Try to deal with the stress in your life by making positive changes and training yourself to combat anxious thoughts by being more optimistic and innovative.Try to make lemons into lemonade more often.The sympathetic nervous system releases hormones that prepare your body for "fight or flight" and a side effect of that mode is more sweating.Don't read about events in the newspaper or watch shows that are scary or exciting on TV.If you want to read more motivational, inspiring and/or comedic material, watch comedies or documentaries.Natural relaxation techniques such as meditation, tai chi, yoga, breathing exercises and/or biofeedback can help reduce the stress that causes sweating.
Step 7: Ask your doctor about the drugs you're taking.
If your efforts at home aren't satisfactory, your doctor may prescribe an antiperspirant with a higher percentage of aluminum chloride, such as Drysol or Xerac Ac.The first line of treatment is against hyperhidrosis.The antiperspirants are usually applied before bed and washed off in the morning.It can take three to five days to see results.If applied to a dry area, aluminum chloride products will work.Be careful with prescription antiperspirants, they can cause skin and eye irritation.If your skin becomes chronically irritated, hydrocortisone cream is usually recommended.
Step 8: It is a good idea to consult a dermatologist.
Hyperhidrosis can be treated with the injection of Botulinum Toxin A.The anticholinergic effects of botulinum toxins include decreasing the transmission of the nerve impulses to the sweat glands and reducing sweating.The FDA approved botulinum injections for reducing sweating.Several injections are required for significant results, which can relieve symptoms for between three to nine months, but the potential long-term dangers ofotulinumtoxinA are not well understood.This is a second line treatment.First line treatment options are more likely to be cheaper and less painful than the injections.Before getting injected, your skin is iced or anesthetized.A 2008 study found thatotulinumtoxinA was more effective than 20% aluminum chloride antiperspirant for the treatment of moderate-to-severe underarm hyperhidrosis.
Step 9: Look at microwave thermolysis.
Microwave thermolysis is a procedure that uses microwaves to destroy the sweat producing glands.This treatment was approved by the FDA.Only 2% of your sweat glands are in your armpits, so your body will still be able to cool itself down after the procedure.microwave thermolysis is not covered by most insurance companies.The procedure is painless because your doctor will numb your armpits.There are multiple sessions required.After only two sessions, most patients report reduced sweating.
Step 10: Consider anticholinergic drugs.
Anticholinergic medications used to treat hyperhidrosis include propantheline bromide.Anticholinergics block the preglandular neurotransmitter that causes sweat production.There are many side effects of these medications such as mydriasis, blurry vision, dry mouth and eyes, and difficulty urinating.Anticholinergics used to treat hyperhidrosis are not approved by the FDA and are being used "off label", which is legal but not always considered ideal.Drugs used off label for hyperhidrosis include tranquilizers, anti-iflammatory drugs and calcium channel blockers.
Step 11: It is possible to try iontophoresis treatment.
Iontophoresis was introduced over 50 years ago and consists of passing a direct low-level electrical current across the skin of water-drenched hands, feet and armpits in order to reduce sweating.The mechanism of action is effective and does not have any significant side effects.Treatment is usually 3 times a week for 30 minutes, and slowly decreases over time (like once every two months), although the devices are often required to be bought or some hospitals might loan them out for patients to take home for convenience.The waiting lists are usually short for hospitals that have a dermatological area.Iontophoresis isn't an option for people with pacemakers or pregnant.It is possible to use anticholinergic agents in water to make the procedure more effective, but it also causes occasional side effects.Some patients experience light electric shocks after treatment, and irritation is a common side effect.
Step 12: Discuss a surgery with your doctor.
A surgical procedure called a sympathectomy reduces sweating by blocking nerves in the chest.Your brain sends signals that cause you to sweat.Someone with hyperhidrosis can stop sweating by cutting off this signal.New endoscopic techniques have made the surgery safer than it used to be.A sympathectomy shouldn't be your first choice.It is a last resort treatment.A sympathectomy is a good option if nothing else works for you.