Hyperhidrosis is a condition which affects the function of the sweat glands in the body. You may find that it can affect the entire body or it can just affect one part of the body. There are two main types of hyperhidrosis – primary hyperhidrosis and secondary hyperhidrosis. Although there is usually no evident cause for primary hyperhidrosis, secondary hyperhidrosis is usually caused by another underlying health condition such as an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Hyperhidrosis affects approximately three percent of the population in England and it is a very common condition.
One of the common symptoms of this condition can be excessive facial sweating. If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis of the face you will notice an excessive amount of perspiration on various parts of the face such as the forehead, nose and lips. The neck and scalp can also suffer from excessive sweating if you have facial hyperhidrosis. Excessive sweating is the term which would describe continuous dripping sweat in any one area which needs to be wiped constantly.
The previous assumption that primary hyperhidrosis was a psychological condition has been discredited recently by scientists after carrying out extensive research. Research has shown that those suffering from hyperhydrosis will not be any more likely to suffer from stress or anxiety as someone who doesn’t have the condition. It was also found that hyperhidrosis may in fact be a genetic condition.
In contrast, secondary hyperhidrosis can be caused by a number of underlying health conditions including heart failure, pregnancy, respiratory failure, hyperthyroidism, anxiety, alcohol and substance abuse gout and obesity. It can also be the result of some types of cancers, neurological disorders, certain medications and even some infections.
You may be asking how to stop sweating but you should know that primary hyperhidrosis cannot be cured by lifestyle changes. However there are treatments that can improve the symptoms. Treating secondary hyperhidrosis will obviously depend on the underlying cause.
Disclaimer: Nothing contained in this article is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it beused for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional’s advice.