Sweating is a normal process to cool body temperature that is too hot. However, in people with hyperhidrosis, they sweat more than normal. This condition occurs even when the body does not need to cool down.
However, if you often experience excessive sweat coming out of your body, especially when you are stressed? It could be that you have hyperhidrosis. Not only does it interfere with your appearance, hyperhidrosis can also interfere with your social interactions. Recognize the symptoms and treat them as early as possible.
What is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis Is excessive sweating. Sweating is a normal bodily function controlled by the autonomic nervous system. Sweat glands are found on the skin throughout the body, but in greater numbers on the skin of the hands, feet, armpits and genital area. Sweating is the body's normal physiological response when body temperature rises. Exposure to sunlight or stressful situations can stimulate the autonomic nervous system which then increases sweat production by the glands and is highly concentrated in the hands, feet or other areas.
In most people, the autonomic response of the sweat glands during stress is not excessive. Unfortunately, in patients with hyperhidrosis, the autonomic stimulation of the sweat glands becomes hyperactive in response to stress. This results in disruption of daily activities, such as driving a motorized vehicle, holding something, or shaking someone's hand.
Apart from interfering with daily activities, hyperhidrosis can also reduce the sufferer's quality of life. This is caused by feelings of anxiety and shame.
Causes & Risk Factors of Hyperhidrosis
The causes of hyperhidrosis depend on the type. Hyperhidrosis has no clear cause and is thought to be part of a disorder of the nervous system that controls sweating. This is known as primary hyperhidrosis. For primary hyperhidrosis, it is not yet known for certain, but genetic factors play an important role. Primary hyperhidrosis generally occurs on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and sometimes on the face.
Hyperhidrosis that has an identifiable cause is known as secondary hyperhidrosis. Causes of secondary hyperhidrosis include:
- Anxiety or fear
- Effects of certain medications
- Pregnancy or menopause
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
- Infection
Symptoms of Hyperhidrosis
There are various symptoms of hyperhidrosis, including:
- Sweat was clearly visible pouring out profusely.
- You don't sweat after strenuous exercise.
- Sweat comes out when the air is not hot.
- Difficulty opening doors or holding a pen because hands are wet with sweat.
- The skin becomes soft, white, or peels in certain areas due to being continuously wet with sweat.
- Infections in parts of the body that sweat too much.
Hyperhidrosis treatment
- Conservative therapy
In some patients with hyperhidrosis the symptoms are mild so surgery is not required. Conservative therapy is important to ensure that clinical symptoms are not caused by endocrine function or hormonal imbalance. - Surgical therapy
Patients with severe symptoms who fail to respond to treatment can be referred for surgery. The aim of surgery is to eliminate stimulation of the autonomic nerves of the sweat glands and maintain the function of other sympathetic nerves, as well as minimizing trauma to the surrounding tissue. This is best done with endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS).
When to see a doctor
In some cases, excessive sweating can be a sign of a serious medical condition. Immediately carry out the nearest examination if excessive sweating is accompanied by nausea, chest pain, and dizziness or feeling like you are going to faint.
You also need to see a doctor if you experience the following conditions:
- More sweat than usual
- Sweat comes out at night without any trigger
- Excessive sweating interferes with daily activities
- Excessive sweating causes emotional stress or disruption to social life
- Sweat comes out profusely and is accompanied by drastic weight loss
Immediately check yourself at the nearest hospital or a specialist doctor if you experience these signs or symptoms.
Article written by dr. Marolop Pardede, Sp.BTKV, Subsp.VE (K), MH (Specialist in Thoracic, Cardiac and Vascular Surgery at EMC Cikarang & Pekayon Hospital).