What Is Hyperhidrosis and How Do I Know If I Have It?

Is excessive sweating a problem, as well as being very annoying? In this article, we will take a closer look atwhat hyperhidrosis isand its causes.

What is hyperhidrosis?

Sweat is made up of water. It contains barely 1% mineral salts and is common on the hottest days or when doing physical activity. However, if the body sweats abnormally, without any apparently justified cause, this is known as hyperhidrosis. The nervous system is responsible for triggering sweating, a mechanism through which itregulates body temperature. It does this mainly through the areas of the body where the highest number of sweat glands are found: back, chest, head, armpits, perineum, hands and feet. Now that we knowwhat hyperhidrosis is,it is important to add that this condition mainly affects the armpits, hands and feet. Why can it be a problem? The truth is that moisture building up in these areas for a long time can end up causing an infection. Likewise, an unpleasant smell may develop due to bacterial breakdown. This would then be referred to asbromhidrosis.

What are the causes of hyperhidrosis?

We can say that approximately 2% of the population is diagnosed with hyperhidrosis. In addition, before looking at thecauses of hyperhidrosis,it is worth highlighting that it has a certain genetic origin. We can identify two main causes of this condition: a primary or idiopathic one and another caused by an underlying problem. Which of the two is the most common? Without a doubt, the most common is the first,which is hyperhidrosisthat occurs on its own. In the primary type, we can identify the problem in the nerves that reach the sweat glands, which are overactive. As a result, sweat production is stimulated all the time without needing to be linked to physical exercise or heat, although it may increase in a stressful situation. On the other hand, we can identifyseveral causes of secondary hyperhidrosis.We are talking about different illnesses among whose symptoms increased sweating stands out:

1. Neuropathies. This occurs when diseases of the sympathetic nervous system and peripheral nerves alter the innervation of the sweat glands.
2. Diabetes. In some people, excessive sweating on the trunk occurs, and this raises suspicions of a possible case of diabetes.
3. Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, so they can affect sweat production.
4. Systemic infectious conditions. The acceleration of metabolism during an infection and the resulting fever are usually accompanied by hyperhidrosis.
5. Coronary ischaemic heart disease. During an acute cardiac episode, sweating increases due to the stimulus the condition generates in the sympathetic nervous system.

Diagnosis and symptoms of hyperhidrosis

Although a person may occasionally experience excessive sweating, this does not mean they have hyperhidrosis. In fact, the medical community sets outa series of criteria to diagnose what hyperhidrosis is. First of all, the person must have excessive sweating formore than 6 monthswithout any direct explanation. Likewise,at least two of these circumstances must apply:

• Having a family member diagnosed with hyperhidrosis.
• It affects daily activities.
• Sweating during sleep on nights that are not hot.
• Having an episode at least once a week.
• Sweating symmetrically and at the same time, for example, in both armpits.
• Developing this condition before the age of 25.

Hyperhidrosis and its treatment

There are various ways totreat hyperhidrosis, although everything depends on how severe it is. Some of the usual treatments are:

• Medicines. There are some medicines to reduce sweating, but they have different side effects that need to be assessed.
• Botulinum toxin. This substance is injected into the most affected area and blocks the nerves that stimulate sweating.
• Iontophoresis. This technique is very safe and consists of an electrical current that neutralises the function of the sweat glands.
• Surgery. This option is reserved for very severe cases, where quality of life is seriously affected and infections are recurrent.
• Antiperspirants. This is usually the first option for those who suffer from this condition. Aluminium chloride has been shown to be very effective.

What types of products are suitable forhyperhidrosis and its treatment?

Ducray Hidrosis Controlroll-on

Forunderarm hyperhidrosisthisroll-onControl de Ducrayis an excellent solution. Thanks to it, it is possible to control excess sweating quickly and for a long time. It is suitable for all skin types, including the most sensitive, as it reduces the risk of allergic reactions. In addition, it does not leave marks on clothing. Itstriple-action formulacaptures odours, cleanses the skin and absorbs moisture. Its ingredients include triethyl citrate, aluminium salts and zinc ricinoleate; it offers 48 hours of tolerance and contains neither fragrance nor alcohol. It is not recommended to apply it after shaving or on damaged skin. After 3 days of use, there is35% less perspiration, according to laboratory studies.

DucrayHidrosis Control crema

A cream forhyperhidrosis such as this treatmentcan be applied to the hands, feet and face. Thecrema Ducray Hidrosis Controlis designed to normalise perspiration, control odour and absorb moisture. Studies show 51% effectiveness in reducing perspiration from the first application. The product is formulated without alcohol or fragrance, providing high tolerance andup to 48 hours of protection. In addition, it has a pleasant texture that melts into the skin without leaving marks on clothing or a greasy film. It is suitable for those who suffer fromhyperhidrosis on the handsand feet and want to get it under control once and for all. It is recommended to apply it to clean, dry skin, provided there are no wounds or other damage. We hope we have helped explainwhat hyperhidrosis isand offered some convenient solutions to treat it.