Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterised by excessive sweating that goes beyond what is necessary to regulate body temperature. This condition can affect various parts of the body, including the hands, feet, underarms, and face, causing significant discomfort and impacting daily life. In this blog post, we will explore what hyperhidrosis is, its causes, symptoms, and available treatment options. 

Understanding hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is not just about sweating a lot; it’s about sweating uncontrollably and unpredictably, often without any trigger. People with hyperhidrosis may sweat even when they are at rest, in cool environments, or without any apparent reason. This excessive sweating can lead to physical and emotional challenges, affecting an individual’s quality of life. 

Types of hyperhidrosis

There are two main types of hyperhidrosis: primary focal hyperhidrosis and secondary generalised hyperhidrosis.  

Primary focal hyperhidrosis

This type is more common and usually starts in childhood or adolescence. It affects specific areas of the body, such as the hands, feet, underarms, or face. The exact cause is not well understood, but it is believed to involve overactivity of the sweat glands due to genetic factors. 

Secondary generalised hyperhidrosis

This type is less common and usually begins in adulthood. It is often caused by an underlying medical condition or medication. Secondary hyperhidrosis affects larger areas of the body and occurs more uniformly. 

What are the causes of hyperhidrosis?

There are two main types of hyperhidrosis: primary focal hyperhidrosis and secondary generalised hyperhidrosis.  

Primary focal hyperhidrosis

The exact cause is unknown, but it is often hereditary. It is thought to result from overactivity in the nervous system that controls sweating. 

Secondary generalised hyperhidrosis

This type can be caused by various factors including:

• Medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid problems and infections
• Medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and some blood pressure medications
• Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menopause or pregnancy 

Symptoms of hyperhidrosis

The primary symptom of hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that occurs without normal triggers like heat or physical activity. This sweating can be so severe that it soaks through clothing, drips from the hands, or leads to noticeable sweat marks. Additional symptoms may include: 

• Skin softening and breaking down due to prolonged moisture exposure (also known as skin maceration)
• Fungal and bacterial infections due to moist skin 
• Social and emotional distress, including embarrassment, anxiety and depression 

Treatments for hyperhidrosis

Several treatment options are available for managing hyperhidrosis: 

Medications

Oral medications such as anticholinergics can reduce sweating by inhibiting the activity of sweat glands. However, they may have side effects like dry mouth and blurred vision. 

Iontophoresis

This treatment involves using a device to pass a mild electrical current through water and into the skin, which can reduce sweating, particularly in the hands and feet. 

Topical antiperspirants

Over-the-counter and prescription-strength antiperspirants containing aluminium chloride can help reduce sweating by blocking sweat glands. 

Botox injections

Botulinum toxin injections can temporarily block the nerves that stimulate sweat glands, reducing sweating in targeted areas. 

Hyperhidrosis treatments at The Medical Hub

At The Medical Hub, hyperhidrosis is effectively treated using Botox injections. This minimally invasive procedure targets overactive sweat glands by blocking the nerve signals responsible for excessive sweating. Administered by our skilled healthcare professionals, Botox injections provide significant and lasting relief, improving the quality of life for patients dealing with hyperhidrosis.