All about the condition that can cause a person to sweat excessively, despite not being exposed to heat

Excessive sweating may be due to underlying conditions, so your healthcare provider may recommend a few tests to help identify the cause

By: Lifestyle Desk

3 min readNew DelhiUpdated: May 17, 2023 03:01 PM IST

There are two types of hyperhidrosis--generalised or localised to specific parts of the body. (Source: Freepik)

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All about the condition that can cause a person to sweat excessively, despite not being exposed to heat

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We all perspire, but people diagnosed with hyperhidrosis experience abnormally excessive sweating. Also, it must be noted that such increased sweating happens — especially in areas like underarms, face, neck, back, groin, feet, and hands — even when the person is not engaged in tasks that require muscular effort or are exposed to heat.

Explaining the same, Dr Rajesh Kumar, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Paras Health, Gurugram said, “Primary hyperhidrosis commonly begins in youth. It is brought about by overactive perspiration organs; however, the specific reason isn’t completely perceived. Secondary hyperhidrosis, on the other hand, is associated with an underlying medical condition or as a side effect of medication. It can be caused by various factors, including hormonal imbalances, menopause, certain medications, infections, diabetes, thyroid problems, obesity, anxiety and neurological disorders.”

Causes of hyperhidrosis

In hyperhidrosis, your body’s sweat glands overreact, which causes you to sweat a lot, often at places where others would not. “Primary hyperhidrosis can be caused due to an overactive nervous system, genetics and certain triggers such as emotional stress, anxiety, heat and spicy foods, whereas secondary hyperhidrosis is associated with an underlying medical condition or as a side effect of medication. Some common causes include hormonal imbalances, medical conditions and certain medications. Excessive sweating can be a result of drug or alcohol withdrawal,” Dr Kumar told indianexpress.com.

“The most commonly observed symptoms include wet palms, wet soles, sweating frequently, and sweating that soaks through clothing. Excessive sweating may also lead to itching or inflammation in affected areas, body odour, and skin discolouration,” he added.

Although a benign condition, hyperhidrosis can deteriorate the quality of life due to its psychological and emotional underpinnings. Heavy sweating can disrupt your day and cause social anxiety and embarrassment.

Diagnosis of hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis can deteriorate quality of life due to its psychological and emotional underpinnings. (Source: Freepik)

Excessive sweating may be due to underlying conditions, so your healthcare provider may recommend a few tests to help identify the cause. These tests include:

*Starch-iodine test: Your provider applies an iodine solution to the affected area and sprinkle starch over it. The solution turns dark blue upon excessive sweating.

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*Paper test: Your provider places special paper on the area to absorb sweat. Later, they weigh the paper to determine how much you sweated.

Treatment

According to the expert, there is no cure for focal hyperhidrosis and the treatment is centred around reducing the symptoms. Secondary hyperhidrosis can be treated if underlying problem is alleviated.

The provider may recommend lifestyle changes or medications such as:

*Showering more often or wearing breathable fabrics
*Antiperspirants to seal up sweat glands
*Oral medications
*Clinical-grade cloth wipes
*Botox injections

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Concluding, Dr Kumar said, “It is critical to talk with medical care proficient to decide the most reasonable therapy choices for your particular circumstance. They can evaluate the seriousness of your hyperhidrosis and prescribe fitting medicines to assist with dealing with the condition actually.”

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