What is hyperhidrosis? Hyperhidrosis is the term used to describe a condition that causes excessive sweating. Some patients report sweating even during periods of rest—that is, when they are stationary.
It is common for people to search for “what is hyperhidrosis” and find answers pointing to excessive sweating. Before determining whether the sweating is excessive, it’s essential to understand that sweating is a natural process in our body, as it helps regulate temperature.
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It’s normal to sweat when it’s hot, during physical activity, or in specific situations like anger, nervousness, and fear. However, when a person sweats excessively, this is not a normal condition and is known as hyperhidrosis.
Dr. Szerman Explains in 3 Minutes:
With over 50 years of clinical experience, the Dr. Szerman Skin Clinic, located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has treated more than 125,000 patients in the past 15 years alone. Among these patients were individuals suffering from axillary hyperhidrosis.
When exposed to the same factors that cause moderate sweating, a person with hyperhidrosis sweats excessively. “We know this situation can be extremely uncomfortable for the patient,” explains Dr. Szerman.
What is Hyperhidrosis? Explanations by Dr. Szerman
What Happens in Hyperhidrosis?
Excessive sweating occurs due to hypersecretion of the patient’s sweat glands. These glands, responsible for producing sweat, become overactive in individuals with this condition.
Hyperhidrosis is often linked to emotional factors, hereditary traits, and other illnesses. The most commonly affected areas include:
- Palms of the hands
- Face
- Soles of the feet
- Armpits (axillary hyperhidrosis)
- Head
Embarrassment from Sweating: How to Avoid It?
We understand that excessive sweating can create an uncomfortable situation for the patient. As a result, hyperhidrosis is often associated with embarrassing moments and can even limit a person’s ability to carry out their daily activities, affecting relationships and even careers.
For many people, hyperhidrosis is a problem linked to emotional factors and primarily affects self-esteem. A person with low self-esteem has a negative self-image.
In other words, this person cannot see value in themselves and may not even seek treatment for hyperhidrosis. The first step in treating excessive sweating is to learn about what hyperhidrosis is and to research the treatments recommended by the Brazilian Society of Dermatology.
Symptoms of Hyperhidrosis
Whether it affects the armpits, hands, face, or feet, there are two types of hyperhidrosis you need to know. It’s important to understand the difference between the two types, see below:
- Primary Hyperhidrosis: Known as focal hyperhidrosis, it typically appears during adolescence or childhood. This type affects 2% to 3% of the population. However, 40% of patients who suffer from primary hyperhidrosis do not seek a dermatologist for proper treatment.
The most commonly affected areas by primary hyperhidrosis are the armpits, face, feet, and hands.
- Secondary Generalized Hyperhidrosis: Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis is usually caused by a side effect of medication. When comparing secondary hyperhidrosis to primary hyperhidrosis, we notice that “in secondary hyperhidrosis, sweating is more common across the entire body or in unusual areas.”
Another difference between primary focal hyperhidrosis and secondary generalized hyperhidrosis is that people with secondary hyperhidrosis may sweat even while sleeping or without significant physical exertion.
Secondary hyperhidrosis generally affects people in adulthood, and the dermatologist will conduct tests to determine the specific area of your hyperhidrosis. Continue reading to learn more about what hyperhidrosis is and its treatment.
Diagnosis of Hyperhidrosis
The most well-known test to diagnose hyperhidrosis is the starch-iodine test. This test involves applying an iodine solution to the area where the patient complains of excessive sweating.
After it dries, the doctor applies starch to the area. The combination of starch and iodine causes a dark blue color in the region of hyperhidrosis if the person is experiencing excessive sweating.
Therefore, if the result of the starch-iodine test is a dark blue color, the test is positive for hyperhidrosis.
Another test for identifying hyperhidrosis performed by dermatologists involves placing paper over the affected or evaluated area. The idea is for the paper to absorb the sweat, and then the sweat is weighed. The heavier the paper, the more sweat has accumulated. The dermatologist can determine whether the amount of sweat accumulated is excessive or not.
Treatment for Hyperhidrosis
There are treatments for hyperhidrosis, particularly for primary hyperhidrosis. Some recommended treatments include medications, antiperspirants, and botulinum toxin type A.
One of the most recommended treatments for hyperhidrosis is botulinum toxin type A. The toxin is injected to temporarily block sweating, and this treatment is one of the most recommended by the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD).
For a permanent solution to hyperhidrosis, there is the option of removing the sweat glands, but this is a surgical procedure that is more aggressive and is only recommended in certain cases.
Axillary Hyperhidrosis
In the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis, botulinum toxin is used. Botulinum toxin type A works by inhibiting the sweat glands.
It’s important to highlight that this procedure does not cause any damage to the nervous system. Remember that hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, should be treated by a dermatologist.
Botulinum Toxin Application
Regarding the application of botulinum toxin, the results are quick and safe. After a few days of the application, the effects of the treatment begin to be observed.
This treatment lasts an average of 6 to 10 months. The duration depends on the individual’s response and the degree of sweating. Botulinum toxin is a temporary procedure that requires reapplication after the mentioned period.
However, based on the clinical practice of the doctors at the Dr. Szerman Skin Clinic in Rio de Janeiro, after repeated applications, the results tend to be longer-lasting. In other words, the results are progressive.
Does Botulinum Toxin Hurt?
The botulinum toxin procedure is usually not painful, but it may be uncomfortable for some people. Therefore, in some cases, a numbing cream is applied to the area to make the procedure even more comfortable for the patient.
Results
Botulinum toxin can interrupt the nerve signal that triggers sweat for many months after application. However, over time, the body restores the blocked nerve endings, and a new application of botulinum toxin is required.
Advantages
• The treatment does not require hospitalization and is performed in the clinic or dermatologist’s office.
• The risk is minimal compared to surgical treatments.
• The patient can quickly return to their daily activities.
Finally, we hope you now understand what hyperhidrosis is and how it is treated. Don’t forget to share this article with people who suffer from excessive sweating or with those you suspect may have it but haven’t sought treatment yet, as you will certainly help them.
Dr. Szerman Skin Clinic is located in Copacabana and downtown Rio de Janeiro, RJ.
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