Mike's Housboat

Hyperhidrosis Explained

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.  If you have primary hyperhidrosis you will find that the sweating has no noticeable cause but secondary hyperhidrosis is usually the result of another underlying condition such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).  Hyperhidrosis affects approximately three percent of the population in England and it is a very common condition.

You may find that one of the symptoms you will experience with this condition will 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.  It can also result in the neck and scalp sweating profusely.  If you find that you are constantly dripping with perspiration in these areas and have to be continuously wiping it, then it is considered to be excessive sweating. 

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.  These researchers also discovered that the most probable cause of primary hyperhidrosis is to do with a person’s genes. 

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.  Other things which can cause secondary hyperhidrosis are some medications, certain kinds of cancers, certain infections and some neurological disorders. 

You may be wondering how to stop sweating but lifestyle changes cannot cure primary hyperhidrosis.  Although with some treatments you can improve the symptoms.  The underlying condition of secondary hyperhidrosis will have to be treated for this condition to improve.

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.