Excessive sweating

Excessive sweating, can affect the entire body, but usually occurs in the palms, soles, armpits, and/or groin area. Excessive sweating is normal when a person is anxious or has a fever. However, when the condition is chronic, it may signal thyroid problems, low blood sugar levels, or a nervous system disorder. What are the medical issues and details behind excessive sweating? Did you know that about 1% of the worlds population suffers from excessive sweating. With this site there is thorough, comprehensive, and up to date information in regards to excessive sweating. Excessive sweating or as its known in medical literature as hyperhidrosis is a clinical condition where parts of the body are sweating beyond what the body needs. It is commonly an inherited condition and can affect those who suffer from it on a social, functional, and emotional level. The good news is, there are several different ways to combat excessive sweating with varying levels of effectiveness depending on the severity of the excessive sweating problem. Use the list of links on the left to cover all relevant topics ranging from hand sweating to armpit sweating. Have a look at the medical terms section in case you get lost with all the medical terminology.

Areas that produce excessive sweating usually appear pink or white, but in sever cases, may appear cracked, scaly, and soft (especially on the feet). Other symptoms may include a bad odor caused by bacteria and yeast in the wet skin.

The most common and least invasive excessive sweating treatments involve the use of antiperspirants and body powders containing aluminium chloride. This seems to provide relief with mild cases of hyperhidrosis. The daily routine should also include the use of absorbent insoles if the feet are affected, body powder and frequent washing with a deodorising soap to reduce both the smell and discomfort.

Most over-the-counter antiperspirants are not strong enough to solve excessive sweating problem. The best product is available by prescription. It is somewhat irritating and will stain clothing. It is applied at bedtime to completely dry skin. It is washed off in the morning shower. Do not use a regular deodorant afterwards. Repeat the treatment nightly until the sweating is under control. If it does not work after one or two weeks, begin covering the affected area with a square of "saran wrap" overnight. After it begins to work (less excessive sweating), use once or twice weekly to maintain the effect, and use a regular deodorant on the other days. The medication is less effective on the thick skin of the palms and soles. If these treatments don't work well enough there are alternatives. Botox injections, a treatment now popular for wrinkles, will stop excessive sweating for 6 or 8 months, but is expensive. On the palms, it may cause mild, temporary weakness of the grip. Oral prescription pills are very safe and will decrease excessive sweating, but they have annoying, mild side effects. Good results are often obtained by driving the prescription medication into the skin directly.