Hyperhidrosis, from the Greek hidrôs which means sweat, designates the excessive production of sweat. On the basis of what criteria can we qualify perspiration as “excessive”? While excessive sweating seems obvious in case of fever or hot flash, it is more difficult to identify when it is not associated with a particular disease or condition. We can consider hyperhidrosis as any uncomfortable sweating that is difficult to control by the use of antiperspirants.
De 1% to 3% of the population would suffer from hyperhidrosis. Because it is a taboo subject, few people dare to consult a doctor. Still, there are ways to better control sweat production.
The different types hyperhidrosis
Most of the time, hyperhidrosis is not related to any other health problem. This is then primary or essential hyperhidrosis. Primary hyperhidrosis can be localized or generalized.
localized
Only certain areas of the body produce more sweat. The palms of the hands and the feet are most often affected, usually at the same time. The armpits can also be the target, alone or with the hands and feet. More rarely, exaggerated sweating can affect the face and scalp, in isolation.
Generalized
The sweat emanates exaggeratedly from the whole body. Sometimes a health problem or another specific reason causes profuse sweating. In this case, hyperhidrosis is said to be secondary. An infection, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, hypoglycemia or menopause, with its typical hot flashes, can be the cause, for example.
Exposure to a biochemical agent can also cause secondary hyperhidrosis (such as organophosphates already used as a chemical weapon in times of war or during terrorist attacks). It is necessary in these cases to attack the cause to treat the hyperhidrosis. This sheet focuses on hyperhidrosis related to no other disease.
Causes of hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating usually begins at puberty. It mainly manifests in people who experience social awkwardness, blushing, heart palpitations, etc. It occurs during the day, never at night.
During physical exertion or when it is hot, the body produces more sweat, under the control of a gland called the hypothalamus. In case of hyperhidrosis, two phenomena might occur. This is, at least, what has been observed in cases of hyperhidrosis related to anxiety or stress experienced in society.
First, there would be a hyperfunction of the usual circuit initiated by the hypothalamus. In addition, other nerve circuits controlled by the anterior cingulate cortex would be involved. This region of the brain plays an important role in controlling emotions and adapting to various situations.
The body thermostat
Sweating is a normal physiological phenomenon. Perspiration cools the body when body temperature rises, during physical activity or in hot weather, for example.
Normally, the hypothalamus, a gland located in the brain, acts as the control center. The hypothalamus maintains body temperature around 37°C. When the internal temperature rises, it reacts to dilate the arteries and increase the production of sweat. As sweat evaporates, it cools the body. From 2 to 5 million sweat glands are distributed on the surface of the skin. They produce 1 liter of sweat per day, on average. In case of hyperhidrosis, production can be three to four times greater.
Possible consequences
Depending on its extent, hyperhidrosis can be difficult to live with. It can constantly preoccupy the mind and cause significant discomfort in public (sweaty hands, smells, soaked clothes, etc.). The person then finds himself in a vicious circle, since the sweat itself is experienced in an embarrassing way, and the embarrassment triggers the sweats. As part of a study, it has also been shown that approximately one person in four who suffers from social phobia has hyperhidrosis which itself tends to aggravate this phobia. As for the physiological consequences, people with hyperhidrosis are obviously more at risk of dehydration. In addition, sweating makes the skin more susceptible to various conditions, such as heat rash, athlete’s foot, onychomycosis and warts.
When to consult for
hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a chronic problem. Consult a doctor at the appropriate time in case of excessive sweating which undermines the quality of life.
However, in case of sudden unexplained hyperhidrosis, hyperhidrosis accompanied by weight loss or that occurs mainly at night, it is better to consult a doctor without delay.
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