Essential Information on Constant Sweating
Constant sweating, which is referred to as hyperhidrosis in medical terms, is as the name indicates a health problem where the patient experiences excessive sweating at all times. It is physically uncomfortable and leads to social awkwardness and psychological diffidence.
Constant sweating happens in different parts of the body from the face and palms to the armpits and feet. Sometimes the affected area also has dry and cracked skin and there may also be accompanying problems such as bad body odor and yeast infection stemming from constant dampness.
Differences in hyperhidrosis
The problem of constant sweating is differentiated in a few different ways. When there is no recognizable cause for the sweating it is called primary hyperhidrosis and when there is an identifiable cause such as injuries, obesity or menopause it is referred to as secondary hyperhidrosis. It is said that the primary version affects about one percent of the population and it is believed to be a genetic problem.
There is also a distinction made between generalized and focalized hyperhidrosis with the former referring to a case where sweating happens in various parts of the body and the latter referring to sweating that is largely found in one area such as the armpits or face.
Other than these broad distinctions, the problem at its root is one of constant sweating and can happen without any immediate triggers. The lack of pattern in when the sweating starts and stops and when it intensifies is one of the most frustrating elements about the problem for those who are afflicted because it makes it hard to manage the problem.
Commonly used cures for constant sweating
There are treatments for constant sweating but the level of efficacy depends very much on the intensity of the problem.
In the case of secondary hyperhidrosis, treating the underlying health problem whether it is anxiety or obesity will help deal with the issue of sweating. So, in some cases, even if it seems counter-intuitive exercising regularly can be the best cure for constant sweating.
In the case of primary hyperhidrosis there are a couple of different things that people can try:
There are some treatments used widely for constant sweating. Systematic application of Methenamine solution to the affected area helps counter the sweating. It has also been found to be effective to use baby powders and antiperspirants to reduce the impact of the sweating. It helps have short periods of dryness and is used by patients to manage some social situations. Antiperspirants with aluminum chloride are found to be particularly effective.
In some extreme cases the patient’s sweat glands have to be removed surgically. There are also ways to induce a stoppage to the sweating by applying a much weakened electrical current to the affected area. And another treatment that has had results is injecting Botox in the area. Some patients have had remarkable success with alternative therapy also.
It is a good idea to combine some counseling and therapy with the other treatments to help deal with the emotional and psychological demands that this illness makes. The sweating is one aspect of the problem while the self-consciousness it induces is another aspect of the problem that can be quite paralyzing also. So, it is important to handle both the physical and emotional aspects of constant sweating when treating it.
While a minor episode of excessive sweating is not a remarkable problem, if you see an increase in intensity or frequency of sweating make it a point to visit the doctor at the earliest possible. Remember not to panic as that is only going to make the problem worse!