Why sweat excessively

However, recent research has demonstrated that individuals with primary hyperhidrosis are no more prone to feelings of anxiety , nervousness, or emotional stress than the rest of the population when exposed to the same triggers. In fact, it is the other way round — the emotional and mental feelings experienced by many patients with hyperhidrosis are because of the excessive sweating. Studies have also shown that certain genes play a role in hyperhidrosis, making it look more likely that it could be inherited.

The majority of patients with primary hyperhidrosis have a sibling or parent with the condition. Initially, a doctor may try to rule out any underlying conditions, such as an overactive thyroid hyperthyroidism or low blood sugar hypoglycemia by ordering blood and urine tests. Patients will be asked about the patterns of their sweating — which parts of the body are affected, how often sweating episodes occur, and whether sweating occurs during sleep.

The patient may be asked a series of questions, or have to fill in a questionnaire about the impact of excessive sweating; questions may include:. Thermoregulatory sweat test: a powder which is sensitive to moisture is applied to the skin.

When excessive sweating occurs at room temperature, the powder changes color. The patient is then exposed to high heat and humidity in a sweat cabinet, which triggers sweating throughout the whole body.

When exposed to heat, people who do not have hyperhidrosis tend not to sweat excessively in the palms of their hands, but patients with hyperhidrosis do. This test also helps the doctor determine the severity of the condition. Antiperspirants and armpit shields are available to purchase online. Iontophoresis — the hands and feet are submerged in a bowl of water. A painless electric current is passed through the water. If your sweating is caused by another condition, any treatment you may need will depend on what's causing it.

Page last reviewed: 11 January Next review due: 10 January Excessive sweating hyperhidrosis. What is excessive sweating? Most doctors will diagnose primary hyperhidrosis based on the history and physical examination.

A starch-iodine test involves putting iodine on the sweaty area. Starch is sprinkled on this area when the iodine dries. If the starch turns dark blue, you have excess sweating. A paper test involves putting a special kind of paper on the sweaty area. The paper is weighed after it absorbs your sweat. Your doctor could also prescribe a thermoregulatory test. You might sit in a sauna or sweat cabinet for the test. Your doctor might prescribe an antiperspirant containing aluminum chloride.

This antiperspirant is stronger than those available over the counter and is often used to treat mild cases of hyperhidrosis. The currents are often delivered to your hands, feet, or armpits to temporarily block your sweat glands.

Anticholinergic drugs can provide relief for generalized sweating. These drugs, such as glycopyrrolate Robinul , prevent acetylcholine from working. Acetylcholine is a chemical your body produces that helps stimulate your sweat glands. These drugs take about two weeks to work and may cause side effects such as constipation and dizziness. Botox injections may be used to treat severe hyperhidrosis. They block the nerves that stimulate your sweat glands. You usually need several injections before this treatment becomes effective.

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