What is Hyperhidrosis?
Basically, hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating, or when a person sweats more than is necessary . While sweating is necessary to cool the body, hyperhidrosis is not the sweating that you do on a hot summer day or when you find yourself in a particularly stressful situation. It is more extreme and happens when the body does not require cooling. It is estimated that 2-3 percent of Americans suffer from some form of the condition.
Hyperhidrosis typically appears in adolescence and can manifest in sporadic episodes of excessive sweating, or in some cases constant sweating, even during periods of inactivity. The most common areas of the body affected are the underarms, palms and feet, but other areas or the entire body can be affected.
Source of Sweat
We all have glands that produce sweat. It appears on the skin when the temperature rises, a fever develops, during exercise, or when experiencing stress or anxiety. When those factors are no longer an issue, the nerves that signal the sweat glands are put on hold.
For those who suffer with hyperhidrosis, the sweat glands don’t shut off. Sweat continues to be produced even when the circumstances don’t call for it. People with hyperhidrosis can sweat when sitting still or in an air conditioned environment. Some people have even reported to their physicians that they sweat while swimming.
Primary Hyperhidrosis
Also referred to as focal hyperhidrosis, primary hyperhidrosis causes excessive sweating without any apparent reason. People with this type of hyperhidrosis generally sweat from a certain type of gland called eccrine sweat glands. These glands account for a majority of the 2 – 4 million sweat glands in the body, many of which are found in the underarms, palms, face, and feet.
Nerves activate the sweat glands when you’re overheated, exercising, emotional, or as a result of hormones. When those nerves overreact, it causes hyperhidrosis. Someone who suffers from primary hyperhidrosis may break out in a profuse sweat just thinking about a situation that causes anxiety.
Doctors are unsure why people have primary hyperhidrosis, but some believe it may be hereditary. Doctors report that many of their patients suffering with the condition have had it since they were a child.
Secondary Hyperhidrosis
Also referred to generalized hyperhidrosis, secondary hyperhidrosis causes excessive sweating in a larger area or over the entire body. It differs from primary hyperhidrosis in that the sweating is not confined to smaller, specific areas of the body. This type of hyperhidrosis is the result of a medical condition or medication. It is also commonly the cause of sweating while sleeping or night sweats.
Many medical conditions have the potential to cause hyperhidrosis. Among them are:
Obesity
Pregnancy
Diabetes
Menopause
Infection
Gout
Lymphoma
Hyperthyroidism
Parkinson’s disease
Rheumatoid arthritis
The sweating caused by secondary hyperhidrosis can be controlled once the underlying condition is discovered and properly treated.
Social Impacts of Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis can have a very severe impact on the quality of life, socially, psychologically and physically. Patients, especially those who suffer from hyperhidrosis not hidden behind clothes often encounter embarrassing social situations. This often results in the avoidance of social interaction and issues with self-esteem.
This condition can interfere with everyday activities and even create health issues. Because the skin is often wet, skin infections can develop. Hands can be so sweaty that it becomes difficult to grip the steering wheel of a car or turn a doorknob. Underarm sweat can soak through clothes, creating obvious marks and stains and causing embarrassment.
Dysport Can Help
Dysport is a neurotoxin. It works by blocking nerve impulses to the muscles, which temporarily paralyzes the muscle or gland. This causes a temporary reduction in muscle and gland activity.
Vive Aesthetics and Wellness is a proud provider of the Dysport injection for the control of excessive underarm sweating caused by hyperhidrosis. During the entire month of July, we are offering a special on Dysport. Enjoy a sweat-free summer, then mark your calendar for our upcoming Dysport Days. Don’t wait to make your appointments because spots are limited and filling up quickly!. Call us today to schedule your appointment.
