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Hyperhidrosis, also known as excessive sweating, is a common disorder which produces a lot of unhappiness among patients. An estimated 2%-3% of Americans suffer from hyperhidrosis, which is classified as sweating that disrupts normal activities. Episodes of excessive sweating occur at least once a week for no clear reason and have a significant effect on daily activities.
There are two types of hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary. Primary hyperhidrosis occurs in otherwise healthy people, generally affecting the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, the armpits, or the face. The main issue with primary hyperhidrosis is social and professional embarrassment, though physical discomfort can also be an issue. The occurrence of excessive sweating is spontaneous and not caused by exercise or high temperatures.
Secondary hyperhidrosis, on the other hand, is triggered by an underlying health condition like menopause, an overactive thyroid, or low blood sugar. It can also be a side effect of certain medications. Unlike primary hyperhidrosis, secondary hyperhidrosis can cause excessive sweating all over the body, or it can be localized to a specific area.
Diagnosing hyperhidrosis is often a self-administered process. Many people who suffer from this disorder know that their sweating is not normal. However, some standardized criteria and tests such as the starch-iodine test and the paper test can help doctors confirm a diagnosis. During the starch-iodine test, an iodine solution is applied to the sweaty areas and then starch is sprinkled over the area. The starch-iodine combination turns a dark blue color wherever there is excess sweat. In the paper test, a special type of paper is placed on the affected areas to absorb sweat, and then the weight of the paper is measured to determine the amount of sweat absorbed.
Treatment of hyperhidrosis often evolves around managing the symptoms. Firstly, over-the-counter antiperspirants are a go-to for many with mild symptoms. They contain aluminum salt solutions that when applied to the skin, form a plug that blocks sweat. If these prove ineffective, a specialist may recommend prescription antiperspirants. Other treatment options include medications that prevent sweat gland stimulation, Botox injections which block the nerves that trigger sweat glands, or more invasive procedures such as miraDry, which uses thermal energy to destroy sweat glands, and ETS surgery, where the nerves that send signals to the sweat glands are cut.
When it comes to finding the best doctors to treatment excessive sweating, dermatologists and neurologists are often recommended. Dermatologists specialize in conditions of the skin, including hyperhidrosis. Neurologists, on the other hand, are experts in disorders that affect the nervous system, which includes the nerves that trigger sweating. It’s critical to seek a doctor who understands hyperhidrosis and is knowledgeable about the various treatment options to ensure that the condition is managed effectively.
Speaking about your sweating struggles can be difficult, but rest assured that you are not alone, and there are treatment options available. Seek medical help, and don’t allow excessive sweating to determine your social interactions, professional ambitions, or personal comfort. Remember: it’s not you, just a condition that needs to be managed, like any other health condition.
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