Are you experiencing excessive sweating? If yes, then you may be suffering from hyperhidrosis. It is a condition in which your body’s sweat glands overreact and cause you to sweat endlessly. [1]
Managing hyperhidrosis can be extremely challenging. However, with the help of modern therapies, Ayurvedic herbs and certain lifestyle changes, it may become easier.
Let’s have a look at hyperhidrosis, its symptoms, causes, and treatment in detail in this article.
What are the symptoms of hyperhidrosis?
The main symptom of hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating, which goes beyond normal sweating. [2] This sweat may pool under your arms or even soak your shirt to the point that you need to change clothes. [1]
Excessive sweating may also cause other secondary symptoms like:
- itching and inflammation
- body odor, and
- skin changes like discoloration, cracks, or wrinkles. [1]
What are the causes of hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is of two types: [1]
1. Focal hyperhidrosis
Focal hyperhidrosis, or primary hyperhidrosis, is a chronic skin disorder caused due to:
- genetic inheritance
- faulty nerve signals that trigger sweat glands to overreact
It usually affects only the armpits, hands and feet, and head and tends to start at an early age. [1][2]
2. Generalised hyperhidrosis
Generalized hyperhidrosis is a condition that occurs due to underlying medical conditions, such as:
- Diabetes
- Menopause
- Thyroid
- Nervous System Disorders
- Infections
- Reactions to certain medications (pain relievers, anti-depressants, hormone supplements etc.)
Generalised hyperhidrosis is also called secondary hyperhidrosis and tends to occur mostly in adults. [1][2]
When to seek medical help? [1]
Here’s when one should seek medical help in case of hyperhidrosis:
- Excessive sweating for 6 or more months
- Sweating involves the axilla, palms, soles, and/or face
- Bilateral and symmetric sweating
- Decreased or no sweating at night
- Sweating episodes last at least 7 days
- The individual is 25 years of age or younger
- There is a family history
- Sweating impairs daily living activities
How do you treat hyperhidrosis? [1]
There is no permanent cure for focal hyperhidrosis. The main goal of the treatment is to reduce the symptoms and improve the quality of life.
In the case of secondary hyperhidrosis, however, the healthcare provider decides the mode of treatment based on the underlying problem. To manage the symptoms of hyperhidrosis, healthcare providers usually recommend:
- oral medications
- lifestyle changes
- and clinic-graded cloth wipes.
Therapies like iontophoresis and microwave therapy are also prescribed. Surgery is usually used as the last resort of treatment when therapies and medications do not tend to work.
Ayurvedic treatment of hyperhidrosis [3]
Ayurveda offers one of the most effective ways to treat hyperhidrosis. There are many herbs and formulations in Ayurveda that help reduce sweating naturally. One such formulation is Kungumapoo Mathirai, which is most popularly used for treating hyperhidrosis.
Other herbs that are effective in managing this condition include:
- Saffron
- Dry ginger
- Black pepper
- Long pepper
- Clove
- Cardamom
- Cinnabar
FAQs
1. What is Focal Hyperhidrosis?
Focal hyperhidrosis (or primary hyperhidrosis) is a chronic skin disorder caused by genetic inheritance and faulty nerve signals triggering sweat glands. It typically affects specific areas such as armpits, hands, feet, and head.
2. What is Generalized Hyperhidrosis?
Generalized hyperhidrosis (or secondary hyperhidrosis) is linked to underlying medical conditions like diabetes, menopause, thyroid issues, nervous system disorders, infections, or reactions to certain medications. It tends to occur more in adults and is not limited to specific areas.
3. What are the available treatments for hyperhidrosis, and is there a permanent cure?
There is no permanent cure for focal hyperhidrosis, but treatment aims to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Healthcare providers may recommend oral medications, lifestyle changes, clinic-graded cloth wipes, iontophoresis, microwave therapy, or, in extreme cases, surgery. Ayurvedic treatments, such as the use of herbs like saffron, dry ginger, black pepper, long pepper, clove, cardamom, and cinnabar, are also mentioned as effective natural options in managing hyperhidrosis. The choice of treatment for secondary hyperhidrosis depends on addressing the underlying medical problem.
Takeaway
Hyperhidrosis is a very uncomfortable and challenging health condition. Treating it is extremely important, especially to prevent skin infections and further skin problems. [1] Therefore, look out for the symptoms and contact your healthcare provider immediately. Once diagnosed, it can be treated easily using oral medication, Ayurvedic herbs, therapies or even surgery if needed.
