subject: Why And How Do We Sweat Excessively [print this page] Some persons suffer from excessive sweatingSome persons suffer from excessive sweating. Sweating is normal but there are quite a few people who sweat to the extent of soaking their shirt collars, or appear to have sweat constantly dripping from their scalp and face even when they are not being very active. Medically, excessive scalp or facial sweating is referred to as cranial and facial hyperhidrosis respectively, and affects a decent amount of the population across the globe which is not necessarily confined to any geographical region.
Hyperhidrosis is categorized as either primary or secondary, the latter also being generally known as generalized excessive sweating. Primary hyperhidrosos is not usually linked to any particular physical strain and in most cases remains localized in one area of the body. Most times it is genetically passed on from one generation to the other and tends to develop in early adolescence. However in some cases is has been noted to develop as early as infancy or in early childhood. This type of hyperhidrosis is most commonly linked to an overactive nervous system.
Secondary hyperhidrosis or generalized hyperhidrosis, refers to an increase in the production of sweat across the entire body. It does not occur in a localized area like the primary case. The triggers for this type of excessive sweating are many and vary amongst cases and person to person. However, the initial cause for the affliction itself has been narrowed down to a genetic defect by many physicians. Some of the known triggers for hyperhidrosis are, menopause, hyperthyroidism, obesity and more specifically diabetes, infection and even psychological disorders.
There are some medical treatments that have been made available for persons living with and suffering from hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating. However, one should further research each option thoroughly before committing as each has its pros and cons.
Non-evasive Botox involves injecting a solution beneath the skin, namely Botolium toxin, which stunts and freezes the sweat glands and is one of the longest lasting remedies on the market. Essentially, it works by disenabling nerve endings which in turn prevents them from releasing sweat. This method is usually used under the arms, in the palms or on the soles of the feet. It lasts for eight to ten months and will need to be redone afterwards for continued relief.
There are also some topical treatments that can be utilized. Anti-Perspirants that contain aluminum chloride hexahydrate as the main ingredient helps to control excessive sweating and are considered one of the most effective topical remedies. There are also over the counter oral medications in a variety of doses each containing their own list of side effects, such as drowsiness or dryness in the mouth, but they do help to control excessive sweating. If other treatments fail, there is an alternative called tap water iontophoresis. This option consists of directly injecting the skin with ionized medications.
In each case, these remedies should be thoroughly researched before making a decision on any of them.
