What is hyperhidrosis?
A medical condition where the body sweats more than it needs to for temperature control, often at rest or in cool weather. Nearly 5% of people worldwide live with it, according to the International Hyperhidrosis Society.
Why it happens.
The nerves that signal your sweat glands become overactive, so you sweat more than your body needs. It most often affects the underarms, hands, feet and face, and can also affect the scalp or groin.
Many people live with it for years without knowing it has a name, or that there are treatments to talk through with a doctor. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and it can be managed.
Types of hyperhidrosis.
Knowing which type you have is the first step towards the right treatment.
Primary hyperhidrosis
The most common form. It usually starts in childhood or adolescence and affects specific areas, often on both sides of the body.
- Hands (palmar hyperhidrosis)
- Feet (plantar hyperhidrosis)
- Underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis)
- Face and head (craniofacial hyperhidrosis)
It isn’t caused by another condition and is thought to come from overactive nerve signals.
Secondary hyperhidrosis
Less common, and usually starts in adulthood. It tends to cause sweating over larger areas of the body and has an underlying cause, such as:
- Hormonal changes, including menopause or thyroid conditions
- Metabolic conditions
- Infections
- Neurological conditions
- Some medications
Because it’s linked to another health issue, it needs to be checked by a doctor.
How it can affect daily life.
Hyperhidrosis is more than an inconvenience. These are some of the ways it can show up day to day.
Daily routines
Choosing clothes to hide sweat marks, avoiding warm public transport, or finding a phone screen or jar lid harder to manage.
Skin
Constant moisture can lead to irritation and chafing, and to skin infections such as athlete’s foot or pitted keratolysis.
Mood and wellbeing
Many people feel self-conscious or anxious about sweat, and studies have found higher rates of anxiety and depression in people with hyperhidrosis (Bahar et al., Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2016). If it’s affecting your mood, a health professional can help.
Social life
Shaking hands, hugging or going to events can bring stress, and some people start avoiding them.
Work and study
Presentations, interviews, exams and handwriting can all feel harder when you’re worried about sweat.
Treatment options you can use at home.
There are several ways to manage hyperhidrosis. These are the two we offer.
Saalio® iontophoresis
For primary hyperhidrosis of the hands, feet and underarms. A mild current through tap water disrupts the nerve signals to the sweat glands. Nothing is blocked, and maintenance is typically once a week for 15 to 20 minutes.
SudorGuard antiperspirant spray
A clinical-strength aluminium chlorohydrate spray for the underarms, hands and feet. It forms a temporary gel plug in the sweat duct, so less sweat reaches the skin. $34.99 AUD.