What is it?
Hyperhidrosis, also known as excessive sweating, is a condition that causes sweat glands in the hands and armpits to be more active than normal, regardless of external factors such as heat or exercise. This is due to internal factors associated with an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which controls the fight-or-flight response when stressed. Depending on the severity, hyperhidrosis can cause discomfort and embarrassment.
Did you know?
Hyperhidrosis affects about 3% of the population in Canada, or upwards of 950,000 individuals.
What are the causes?
There are a wide range of possible causes for hyperhidrosis, including:
Diabetes
Untreated diabetes can cause nerve damage, causing a disconnect with your sympathetic nervous system resulting in hyperhidrosis.
Menopause
The hot flashes associated with menopause can cause your body to warm and stress your sympathetic nervous system, triggering hyperhidrosis
Thyroid disorders
Your thyroid regulates numerous hormones in your body, so if you have a thyroid disorder, you may experience excessive sweating, among other symptoms.
Cancer
Certain cancers affect hormones or the nervous system, resulting in a disconnect between the body’s reactions and actual temperature or physical conditions.
Nervous system disorders
Hyperhidrosis is primarily caused by the sympathetic nervous system, but any illness or disease that affects this system can trigger this condition.
How to prevent?
Using antiperspirants can help reduce sweating; however, drugstore options are often not enough to quell symptoms. Certain Dri and Drysol can be prescribed by your doctor or dermatologist and may have a better result.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day and staying in shaded, cool areas can help regulate your body temperature and stress levels and reduce heat-induced sweating.
If your hyperhidrosis is caused by a medical condition, it’s best to see your doctor to identify treatment options. In these cases, you may be able to get rid of hyperhidrosis completely.
How to treat?
Injection Treatments
Injection treatments can be used for individuals dealing with hyperhidrosis