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Excessive sweating can be embarrassing, but it can also signal that there is something wrong with your body. How do you know if you are sweating too much, and what can you do about it?
The key to treating a physical problem lies in identifying the cause, and excessive sweating is no exception. Treatment options for truly heavy perspiration depend on the underlying issue you are dealing with.
Treating Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis
I'm sorry to have to break it to you, but there is no cure for primary focal hyperhidrosis. It can, however, be managed in such a way as to make you feel more comfortable.
A good antiperspirant will do wonders. As someone with primary focal hyperhidrosis myself, I am aware of how frustrating it is to try deodorant after deodorant without any result whatsoever, and having to go through life changing your t-shirts three or four times a day. Those who have primary focal hyperhidrosis will want to stop buying random over-the-counter deodorants and ask their family doctor for advice. Specialized antipersirants, creams, and sprays can help you find relief. Some are available over-the-counter, while others require a prepscription. If you want to explode OTC options, look for antiperspirants that contain zinc.
You may want to look into getting Botox. That's right, Botox isn't just there to fight wrinkes. If your excessive sweating is concentrated in your armpits, Botox are an approved treatment that can really work. There is a catch you need to be aware of before you go ahead, though: some people who get Botox to curb excessive underarm sweating suddenly find they perspire more in other places, including their foreheads. Talk this over with your doctor first, in other words, and consider the pros and cons.
Iontophoresis is a treatment that uses electric shocks to temporarily put your sweat glands out of order. It's something you will want to conssider before opting for surgery — because that's the other option. Yes, surgery. Sweat glands can be severed or removed to help you put an end to your excessive sweating once and for all. This is a radical option that you will want to discuss with your healthcare provider in detail before going ahead, however.
Treating Secondary Hyperhidrosis
Secondary hyperhidrosis is, by definition, caused by an underlying medical condition. It can often be treated, but the key to putting an end to your excessive sweating is finding out what caused it in the first place. If your secondary hyperhidrosis was caused by a medication, switching to another drug may be the solution. If you're sweating lots because you have diabetes, managing your diabetes will help. If you suffer from thyroid problems that were previously undiagnosed, getting treatment for those problems will address your perspiration.
- Photo courtesy of Kullez: www.flickr.com/photos/kullez/5598159209
- Photo courtesy of Zieak: www.flickr.com/photos/zieak/2874580849/sizes/z/