A question that quite often gets asked about sweating related disorders is “what is hyperhidrosis?”. This article will answer that question and give some related information about the condition and it’s symptoms. It will also give some advice on how to treat the condition (or where treatment is not an option it will give advice on how to make allowances for living with the condition).

Hyperhidrosis, also commonly known as excessive sweating, is a medical condition that causes people to perspire in uncharacteristically profuse amounts even in cool temperatures. While this affliction can affect any part of the human body, the most common areas are the hands, armpit, and feet due to the increased amounts of sweat glands in those areas. Hyperhidrosis is most often caused by an overactive sympathetic nervous system in the body. This system is part of the body’s autonomous control of blood pressure, heart rate, reactions to external conditions and many other functions.

The severity of this condition can be categorized by the amount of skin that is affected. With this method of categorization, excessive sweating in an area more than 100 cm2 in any part of the body is categorized differently from excessive sweating in a localized area. The second method is by determining if the condition was inherited or acquired. Inherited conditions are characterized as primary Hyperhidrosis and can be found to show symptoms during adolescence. Conditions that are acquired through pituitary gland disorders, such as hyperthyroidism, or caused by biological changes such as menopause are categorized as secondary hyperhidrosis. Symptoms can appear at any point in life.

There are a few methods of combating hyperhidrosis, among which are medication and surgery. Botox® can be injected to block the chemical transmitters in the body which cause sweating. It is commonly used on armpit areas and its effects can last for up to six months per injection. Another more common method is to use antiperspirants which contain medication such as drysol. This contains aluminum hydrochloride which helps with excessive sweating in armpit areas and hand areas.

The surgical method can be used for hand sweating as well, and is termed sympathectomy. Almost 75% of patients who have undergone surgery report almost complete or total success. Another method – auxiliary suction curettage involves inserting small suction tubes into the subcutaneous layers of the armpit area and sweat glands are sucked out and curetted repeatedly.

Excessive sweating can interfere with daily routine activities – making holding objects difficult and even giving a hug or shaking hands become situations to avoid. However there are steps to maintain comfort. Pack a change of clothes, keep a bottle of water at hand at all times to replenish lost body fluids and if possible adjust the room’s temperature to prevent more sweating. Always consult a medical professional should the condition cannot be explained or are accompanied by other physical symptoms.

Hopefully this article will have shed some light on what can be an embarrassing and awkward condition and help people realise that there are things that can be done to treat and alleviate the symptoms.

Author Bio: Deodorant Shop is the leading site for your deodorant and antiperspirant supplies and information. For all your hyperhidrosis needs get along to http://deodorantshop.com/what-is-hyperhidrosis/ now! All the best from Ian William

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: Hyperhidrosis, sweating, sweat, deodorant, antiperspirant, deodarant, deoderent,excessive sweating