Are you suffering from frequent sweaty palms all the time? Does this make you feel uncomfortable, especially when greeting other people? This may not necessarily be related to stress issues or nervousness. It would be best if you were happy to hear that this affects many other people, and you are not the only one. You may have an ailment known as hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis in New York is on the rampant rise with the modernization of technology, leading to various solutions. Read on to learn more concerning the condition and possible treatment plans.
What is Hyperhidrosis?
This condition is characterized by abnormally extreme sweating, which is not a result of exercise or heat. This sweat is so much that it drips off your hands or soaks your clothes. This heavy sweating not only causes embarrassment and social anxiety but also disrupt your day-to-day activities.
Prescription-strength antiperspirants are typically the first step during treatment. Different therapies and medications may be required if antiperspirants do not work. Extreme cases may make your doctor suggest surgery to disconnect the nerves responsible for overproducing sweat or remove your sweat glands.
Signs and Symptoms of Hyperhidrosis
Sweating mainly occurs when you are exercising, under stress, anxious, in a hot environment, or exerting yourself. However, hyperhidrosis exhibits sweating that is much more than normal sweating.
The kind of hyperhidrosis which affects the feet, hands, face, or underarms happens at least once a week during waking hours. This sweating will occur on both sides of the body.
You are advised to see your physician when:
- Sweating causes social withdrawal or emotional stress
- Sweating interferes with your daily routine
- You go through night sweats for no apparent reason
- You suddenly start to sweat more than usual
Causes of Hyperhidrosis
Your nervous system automatically stimulates your sweat gland whenever your temperature rises since sweating is a way for your body to cool itself. Sweating on your palms happens when you are nervous.
The most widespread type of hyperhidrosis is primary focal hyperhidrosis. The nerves that trigger the sweat gland are usually overactive without a temperature rise or physical activity. The issue becomes even worse when combined with nervousness or stress. This affects your soles, palms, or even your face.
There is no proven reason for this type of hyperhidrosis, but it may be hereditary as it occasionally runs in families.
Secondary hyperhidrosis happens when excessive sweating is due to a medical condition. It is much less common, and sweating occurs all over your body. Heavy sweating may be caused by conditions like:
- Menopause hot flashes
- Diabetes
- Thyroid problems
- Cancer types
- Low blood sugar
- Heart attack
- Infections
- Nervous system disorders
Diagnosis is conducted via a physical exam and additional lab and sweat tests.
Treatment involves checking for underlying conditions that need to be dealt with first. If it does not solve the condition, various medications may be administered, including prescription creams, prescription antiperspirants, antidepressants, or nerve-blocking medications. Surgery is done as a last resort.
You do not have to continue feeling embarrassed about your excessive sweat problems—there are many treatment plans available to deal with the situation. Visit our website or check out our offices at Upper East Side, NY, to book an appointment.
