Excessive Sweating
What are the signs of excessive sweating?
A few signs of excessive sweating are obvious—clammy skin, soaked clothing, and beads of sweat dripping from the face and hands. These may be accompanied by body odour, itching, peeling skin, and even skin infections.
The medical term for excessive sweating is hyperhidrosis.
What causes excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis?
A variety of factors cause the body’s sweat glands to work overtime and result in excessive sweating. A few common causes include:
- Heat and humidity: Hot, humid weather and rigorous physical activity cause excessive sweating. This is the body’s natural way of cooling down and flushing out toxins.
- Genetics: Some people may be genetically predisposed to excessive sweating.
- Stress and anxiety: Emotional or psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety, or nervousness, can trigger hyperhidrosis.
- Hormonal imbalances: Too much sweat can also result from hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and menopause.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, thyroid dysfunction, heart disease, and infections are also responsible for hyperhidrosis.
- Medication: Some painkillers, antidepressants, and other medications cause excessive sweating as a side effect.
What are the types of hyperhidrosis?
There are two main types of hyperhidrosis:
- Primary focal hyperhidrosis: This type affects specific parts of the body such as the face, head, hands, feet, groin, or the armpits. It is the most common type of hyperhidrosis and is usually a result of malfunctioning eccrine sweat glands. It’s often inherited.
- Secondary generalised hyperhidrosis: Here, the sweating isn’t limited to a specific body part but affects the whole body. In such cases, an underlying medical condition or specific medication is usually responsible.
Based on the body part affected or the associated medical condition, the hyperhidrosis may be classified further. For example, excessive sweating of hands is called palmar hyperhidrosis. If the feet are affected, the term used is plantar hyperhidrosis.
How can I get rid of excessive sweating?
Excessive sweating may be manageable to some extent with antiperspirants, frequent showering, and breathable fabrics. However, for a more effective long-term solution, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider, who will likely suggest one of the following:
- Medication: This depends on the severity of your condition and its underlying cause. Be sure to ask about potential side effects.
- Specialised therapy: Microwave therapy, iontophoresis, and botulinum toxin injections. Botulinum toxin injections are available here at Leela Cosmedica.
- Surgery: There is a surgical option of endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) or sweat gland removal however as with any surgery it does carry its own risks.
What happens during a consultation?
Dr. Lauren Lee is a highly professional and skilled Cosmetic Physician.
Here’s what to expect during your consultation session.
She will listen to your concerns about your skin and appearance, and proceed to examine and assess your condition.
After the examination, she will determine suitability of treatment, and discuss risks, benefits, and side effects.
Once the appropriate treatment has been decided, she will proceed with treatment and provide advice on aftercare.
Other conditions we treat
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Leela Cosmedica clinic provides wrinkle smoothening treatments, facial volume enhancement, double chin reduction, collagen-stimulating therapy, facial slimming, and treatments for teeth grinding.
To get in touch with us, please call the clinic.