Over-Sweating? Here’s Everything To Know About Hyperhidrosis In 2021

Do you find yourself changing clothes frequently because they get soaked with sweat? Are you frustrated with sweat staining your shirt almost instantly? If you feel like you sweat more than your peers, you might have a case of “Hyperhidrosis.”  It’s a medical condition that causes abnormal amounts of sweat production.

This condition is characterized by sweating for no particular reason; people with hyperhidrosis sweat even on cooler days without any physical exertion or stress.

The anxiety and discomfort are natural; maybe understanding this condition can help adapt to it and feel better.

Why do we sweat?

The human body has many features that allow us to carry out our day to day functions. One of these features is sweat. Yes, even though it gives you clammy hands and shirt stains, sweat is a useful tool for the body to release heat and keep you fresh! Here are a few causes of sweating:

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1) Exercise

During exercise, your body is working more than usual. You are actively engaging your muscles to do more work. To do this, you produce more energy. This is heat energy that raises the temperature of your body. Your sweat glands start producing sweat and keeping your body at a comfortable temperature.

2) Body mass

The idea is simple: the more mass you have, the more heat your produce. Hence greater body mass is associated with higher heat generation. And since more body mass means more surface area, more sweat can be produced to cool down the body.

3) Medical conditions

Our body’s functions are interlinked. That means if we are suffering from some illness or other medical condition, our body can start producing more or fewer amounts of sweat. These conditions range from cold, flu, and anxiety to a disease known as Hyperhidrosis, which causes excessive sweating.

What is Hyperhidrosis?

Most cases of excessive sweating are diagnosed with Hyperhidrosis. People going through Hyperhidrosis report sweating so much it soaks through their clothes and drips down their hands. This can be disruptive to daily activity and even cause social anxiety.

Hyperhidrosis can be experienced in 2 ways:

1. Primary focal Hyperhidrosis

This form of Hyperhidrosis is distinguished by sweating in specific regions. These are usually hands, feet, head, underarms, or face, most commonly in two different areas. It’s usually observed in children, and in most instances, it is genetic.

2. Secondary Generalized Hyperhidrosis

Unlike Primary focal Hyperhidrosis, sweating in this type is not limited to specific “zones” and instead is experienced throughout the body. It is important to record that this type is not a medical condition by itself, instead of a cause/symptom of some other medical condition.

How to tell if you have it?

As we mentioned before, sweat can be caused by many different things, and it isn’t usually something to get worried about. Sweating due to Hyperhidrosis is far severe than normal sweating. So how can you tell whether your sweat is excessive and caused by Hyperhidrosis?

Here are some questions you should ask yourself if you’re worried you may have Hyperhidrosis:

• Do you feel the need to change clothes several times a day?
• Have you bailed on plans because of sweat?
• Are you conscious when in public about sweating?
• Do you have to carry supplies like a napkin to manage sweat?
• Do you sweat at night time for no apparent reason?
• Does sweating interfere with your routine?

Beyond the questions mentioned above, knowing which areas are prone to excessive sweating can help you identify it better. The following is a list of body parts you should be on the lookout for excessive sweating:

1. Armpits

There’s a particular term for Hyperhidrosis associated with sweat in the armpits called “Axillary Hyperhidrosis” (Axillary means relating to the armpit). If you are experiencing sweat dripping down your arm or soaking through your shirt without any exertion or stress, then it’s likely that you have a case.

2. Back

“Truncal Hyperhidrosis” (Truncal refers to the “trunk” or back) is excessive sweating in the lower back area, causing dripping or staining.

3. Leg/Buttocks

Sweating in the region behind the legs and buttocks is one possible area where excessive sweating symptoms can be observed. This sweat may soak through your pants and cause discomfort.

4. Feet/Sole sweating

“Plantar Hyperhidrosis” is the scientific term for sweating in the feet area (Plantar is the term associated with feet). It can be so severe that you may slip in your slippers or feel discomfort wearing closed shoes.

5. Hands/Palms sweating

A condition of excessive sweating in hands or palms is referred to the medical condition of “Palmar Hyperhidrosis.” No other form of over-sweating has been found to have more detrimental effects on self-confidence than palmar Hyperhidrosis.

6. Facial/Head sweating

Inguinal Hyperhidrosis (the scientific term for the groin area) is over-sweating in the groin area, causing sweat to leak through your underpants.

If you observe any of the symptoms or relate to the questions mentioned above, it is recommended that you see your doctor.

What causes it?

If you feel that you have Hyperhidrosis, learning about its causes can help calm the nerves. As mentioned, there are two types of Hyperhidrosis, and different elements cause both.

If you feel that you have Hyperhidrosis, learning about its causes can help calm the nerves. As mentioned, there are two types of Hyperhidrosis, and different elements cause both.

1) Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis

Typically sweat glands produce sweat in response to a stimulus (A stimulus is a change in the environment around the body). This stimulus can increase temperature, high physical activity, or even stress before an exam!

However, the sweat glands of people who have primary focal Hyperhidrosis become over-active. The sweat glands then start producing sweat even without a stimulus, which leads to excessive sweating in some regions of the body. Taking stress makes the sweating significantly worse.

The question then is: what causes sweat glands to become overactive? There isn’t a clear answer to that, but it is suspected that this may be hereditary (an illness passed down by parents) since that’s a trend seen in patients.

2) Secondary General Hyperhidrosis

The secondary general Hyperhidrosis is a less common form of Hyperhidrosis. Unlike the first type, it’s caused by other medical conditions.

Some medical conditions associated with it are diabetes, menopause, hot flashes, low blood sugar levels, thyroid issues, heart attacks, infections, and some types of cancer.

In addition to medical conditions, withdrawal from opioids can also be a reason for secondary general Hyperhidrosis.

What’s the treatment?

If you have Hyperhidrosis, suspect that you might or know someone who might, don’t get disheartened. While Hyperhidrosis isn’t entirely curable, several medical interventions can let you get a grip on it.

Medical Treatments

If you are looking into medical treatments for a permanent solution, you can expect your doctor to recommend the following treatments:

If you are looking into medical treatments for a permanent solution, you can expect your doctor to recommend the following treatments:

1) Prescription creams

Certain prescription creams can help reduce excess sweating. For people experiencing facial or head sweating, Glycopyrrolate lotion is often recommended.

2) Oral medication

Anticholinergic drugs are a form of Oral medication that removes moisture from your skin all over your body. Since they reduce sweat production all across the body, they are primarily recommended for cases of secondary generalized Hyperhidrosis.

However, they have their share of downsides. Because they work by removing all the moisture from your body, they disable your body’s ability to cool itself down. While the sweat is removed, it can cause overheating, and athletes or people working in hot climates should be cautious when using these. It’s an ideal example of treating the symptom and not the disease.

The second form of oral medication is nerve-blocking drugs like Benzodiazepines and Beta-blockers. They work by numbing the nerves and blocking the chemicals that stimulate sweat production and release. While they are useful in limiting sweating, but they only serve as temporary medicine.

Long-term use could lead to harmful side effects like weakened muscles and sedative side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and depression.

3) Antidepressants

While antidepressants don’t directly reduce sweat production, they help prevent stress from adding to the issue. They can also help cope with the constant social anxiety that people with craniofacial Hyperhidrosis, i.e., excessive sweating on the face and head.

Botulinum toxin or Botox injections is a drug that paralyzes muscles and is used in treatments where muscles are involved as well as for reducing wrinkles and stopping sweat. In treating Hyperhidrosis, Botox blocks the release of chemicals that activate sweat glands in the armpits.

While this is a “quick fix,” it’s merely a Band-Aid on the wound. In addition to that, Botox injections are going to cost you much money.

One session can cost up to $1000-$1500, and you are required to take multiple sessions, which can go up to 12 months! This treatment also causes disruptive side effects like breathing, swallowing and speaking, allergic reactions, and muscle weakness (as it numbs muscles).

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4) Botox Injections

Botulinum toxin or Botox injections is a drug that paralyzes muscles and is used in treatments where muscles are involved as well as for reducing wrinkles and stopping sweat. In treating Hyperhidrosis, Botox blocks the release of chemicals that activate sweat glands in the armpits.

While this is a “quick fix,” it’s merely a Band-Aid on the wound. In addition to that, Botox injections are going to cost you much money.

One session can cost up to $1000-$1500, and you are required to take multiple sessions, which can go up to 12 months! This treatment also causes disruptive side effects like breathing, swallowing and speaking, allergic reactions, and muscle weakness (as it numbs muscles).

Other ways to cope

Medical treatments can be scary, either because they are too expensive or because they feel more permanent and daunting. If you are hesitant about getting medical treatment, don’t worry. We have other ways hyperhidrosis patients can cope with excessive sweating.

1) Using Antiperspirants (Correctly)

Antiperspirants are widely available at stores, so you won’t have trouble finding them. The more pressing issue, however, is how to use them effectively. To see results, follow these few tips:

• Apply antiperspirant at night before bed since you need time to settle in and start their charm.
• Make sure to keep armpits dry
• Apply thin layers
• If using a roll-on, get dressed after it dries off
• Keep your armpits shaved for the antiperspirant to get skin contact
• Lastly, apply another thin layer in the morning before starting your day!

2) Drink a lot of water

Staying hydrated by drinking a lot of cold water can keep body temperatures low enough to minimalize sweating.

3) Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol

These increase sweating, so steer clear of these habits.

4) Dietary and Lifestyle changes:

For anyone unwilling to use medical treatments, there are small changes you can make and overcome Hyperhidrosis. Here are some conscientious choices you can make to minimize the symptoms:

• Cut down on foods that cause sweating. There are seven types of foods you need to steer clear of.

Salty foods: your body removes sodium in salt by sweating. More salt leads to more sweating;

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Fatty/processed foods: these often lack fibers which make digestion more comfortable, so you’re digestive system needs to go into overdrive to break them down, producing more heat and sweat;

Caffeine: Coffee is a known stimulus for the central nervous system. Just like it jolts you in the morning, coffee causes your central nervous system to work more, causing pores to sweat even more;

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Spicy foods: the sight of people eating the ghost peppers is one of the red faces, tears, and sweat-a lot of sweat. This is because they contain Capsaicin, which is a compound that is responsible for the burning sensation. This sensation makes your body feel warmer and, consequently, sweat more.

Sugary foods: while pasta, bread, and mashed potatoes are a warm and filling combination, it also contains starchy compounds that are hard to break down. Similar to fats, being hard to digest eating them causes sweating and perspiration.

Protein-rich foods: If you ever came across the term “meat sweats,” you might be surprised to know that it is grounded in science! Proteins cause sweating in 2 ways.

Firstly, they have a tremendous thermic effect. This means a lot of the energy they release upon digestion is in the form of heat.

Secondly, they are broken down into Urea, which like sodium, is another component the body removes through sweat.

5) Consider vitamin B supplements:

Vitamin B assists in the functions of vital body organs and systems like the digestive system and enables them to work without going into overdrive. This keeps the internal heat production low, and therefore the body temperature stays constant.

6) Try non-stain shirts

Organizations like The Thompson tree make shirts designed for people with Hyperhidrosis. These are comfortable shirts that are made from a material that doesn’t stain. This can help you avoid pit stains etc.

7) Keep a hand towel

Many people with Hyperhidrosis often keep a handkerchief or towel to keep removing the excess sweat from their palms and face. This is a temporary solution that may still be disruptive, but it works well for many.

Iontophoresis

Raynatics’s Iontophoresis is a medical revolution for Hyperhidrosis patients. Doctors have been prescribing it since the 1940s! It’s a very effective treatment with extremely high success rates, little to no side effects, and the best part, it’s non-invasive!

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1) How does it work?

Iontophoresis works by using electrical currents through shallow water levels, using pans or specially designed pads, and into the surface of your skin. The current effectively blocks the “sympathetic nerve transmission,” which means it neutralizes the connection between the sweat glands and nerves—this way, sweat production can be reduced significantly in targeted zones.

2) Is it safe?

Before you get “shocked” at the sound of electric currents, know that these currents are nowhere near high enough voltage to do any damage. The small voltage ensures your safety. It’s been a standard prescription for the last 75 years, and being needle and drug-free makes it safer than the other medical options.

3) Scheduling

A thing to note about Iontophoresis is that it requires you to set up, and adhere to a strict maintenance schedule for treatment sessions, which can last a couple of weeks (each session lasting around 20-30 minutes). However, since it is a home-based treatment, you don’t need to worry about regular checkups or tiresome visits to the doctor.

4) Side Effects

As mentioned above, Iontophoresis has few side effects and no serious ones at that. It is a treatment most people can take. That being said, don’t be worried if the treated zone gets itchy or red for a while. It is entirely normal to observe increased sweating for a short period. All of these side effects are short-lived and temporary, so you have nothing to be concerned about.

Why Raynatics?

Raynatics’s Iontophoresis device is an easy, user-friendly device that can be used at home for a shocking reduction of sweat. It’s the best one available in the market, and here’s why:

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1) Benefits

• ECONOMICAL: This device is a very economical way to solve your sweating problem. It is a one-time purchase, and you can use it at home conveniently.
• DRUG-FREE: This device provides treatment without any drugs; hence, the side effects are minimal.
• NEEDLE-FREE: Unlike other treatments, this device does not use any needles, making this process painless, which is a great advantage.
• EFFECTIVENESS: This device is very effective in solving sweating issues. There are significantly fewer cases in which this device was not helpful (less than 5%).
• SAFE: As mentioned earlier in the article, this device is secure to use as its voltage is tiny.
• QUICK RESULTS: This device has proved to provide results within 1 to 2 weeks of use, making it extremely efficient!

2) Reviews

The Raynatics’ Iontophoresis machine has been positively reviewed by countless people from all over the world. Some of the reviews are listed below:

1. “I feel my hand and feet totally dry after three weeks….” (Mr. Diem)
2. “Used it consistently for two weeks and it really works!” (Anonymous user)
3. “I am fully satisfied with this product.” (Mr. Subhankar)
4. “I can definitely say that my sweating has reduced since using this….” (Anonymous user)
5. “…..I decided to try Raynatics. Glad that I did as it took me five to six days to achieve 95% of sweat-free….” (Mr. Greg)

Click here to read hundreds and more reviews!

3) Results

Raynatics’s devices have significantly higher success rates than other devices out there. User results show a staggering 98% – 100% success rate for a majority of their patients. These are observable results patients experience within a few weeks of treatment.
At such affordable prices and success rates, you are in safe hands with the Raynatics Iontophoresis device!

Complications

1) Infections

Accumulation of excess sweat on the body can make you susceptible to bacterial infections. This is because of the unhygienic conditions and made worse because sweat can make you itchy and cause rashes and cuts that expose the skin to germs.

2) Social anxiety

There is a reason why you may not have heard a lot about Hyperhidrosis. Our society has stigmas against bad hygiene, even when it’s out of the person’s control.

From outright mockery and name-calling to simply avoiding people with this condition, patients of Hyperhidrosis feel shunned and shamed by society. Making friends and establishing a healthy social life is harder for them.

Even in their head, someone with this medical condition is always worried about sweat staining their shirt or making others around them uncomfortable. This can cause severe cases of depression and emotional distress.

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In Conclusion

Hyperhidrosis is an illness that more than just a medical condition. It’s a cause for emotional distress and social anxiety among a lot of people.

Hyperhidrosis disrupts the daily activities of patients and may even cause them to lose friends, jobs, and confidence because the symptoms are embarrassing and have negative social implications.

If you want an effective and sustainable remedy, visit Raynatics to purchase their Iontophoresis device and adopt some of the lifestyle changes we’ve mentioned above.