What is Hyperhidrosis?

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Hyperhidrosis is a surprisingly common problem which causes sufferers to sweat excessively. The excessive perspiration can occur in several areas at once or just affect one specific localised region of the body. The disorder most commonly effects the regular sweating areas such as the underarms (referred to as Axillae) and the hands (known as Palmar), although it may also affect other areas too such as the face and the scalp.

It is thought that hyperhidrosis is linked to faulty activity of the sympathetic nervous system causing over activity in the Thoracic Sympathetic Ganglion Chain. The result of this is that nerve cells over stimulate sweat glands causing them to increase levels of perspiration for no apparent reason. It is still not known what triggers Hyperhidrosis in the first the place.

The classification of the disorder falls into either “type one” or “type two” depending on the onset, excessive perspiration seemingly brought on later in life on by external causes is referred to by the latter. Excessive perspiration in sufferers of Hyperhidrosis can sometimes be worsened by consumption of certain types of foods and drink, and also experiencing certain emotional states such as anxiety and excitement. It is also affected by heat and certain medications which are used to treat other types of illness.

There are many suggested ways to ease the excessive perspiration caused by Hyperhidrosis which is often made worse by using soap to wash away the sweat. Common medical interventions include anticholinergic drugs which work by targeting the neurotransmitter acetylcholine which allows for communication between neurones, Botox treatment which blocks neurones and dietary changes which encourage depleting the quantity of caffeine consumed. Unfortunately some forms of treatment have also resulted in compensatory sweating in other previously unaffected parts of the body.

Hyperhidrosis causes immense physical and social discomfort for sufferers who have to live with the disorder day in and day out. Since the disorder is hard to hide for many sufferers it also results in much embarrassment and anxiety. If untreated the disorder will either remain or worsen, as a last resort surgery may be preformed after the failure of all other treatments.

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