Hyperhidrosis, a condition that is underdiagnosed due to lack of information, has significant physical and mental effects on sufferers. According to the conclusions of a review of 49 studies published in the scientific journal American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, excessive sweating strongly affects the quality of life, as it interferes in many areas.
Those suffering from hyperhidrosis experience increased anxiety and depression, as well as serious functional, social, occupational and physical consequences. It is, however, a condition that has a cure. “Sweating is essential for humans, because it regulates body temperature and helps detoxification. However, when the amount of sweat exceeds what is necessary for the proper functioning of the body, problems are caused.
Some people sweat excessively even without the corresponding external stimuli, such as increased ambient temperature. They suffer from hyperhidrosis, a disorder whose only characteristic is the overproduction of sweat disproportionate to the body’s needs. Although it sounds innocent, it requires special attention”, points out Dermatologist – Venereologist Dr. Christos Stamou.
There are two categories of hyperhidrosis, primary and secondary. Primary occurs in people between the ages of 14-25 who are likely to have a family history. Secondary is rarer, caused by other conditions or drugs, in people usually over 25 years old.
It can affect the whole body or specific areas, with the armpits being the most common, due to the large number of sweat glands in the area and the sensitivity to heat and stressful stimuli. Sweating may be very profuse on the palms and soles, as well as on the scalp and face.
Affected areas include the inframammary folds, groin and gluteal folds. Sufferers do not have more sweat glands, neither their size is different, nor their morphology.
Sweat is annoying both to themselves and to their family, professional and social environment. Their condition makes their daily lives difficult, as it is estimated that they spend up to 60 minutes a day managing their symptoms. 50-70% change clothes at least twice a day, since they bear visible signs of their condition. Those suffering from plantar hyperhidrosis are forced to wear socks even in hot weather and find it difficult to walk in open-toed shoes.
The condition limits many of their activities – for example those who sweat a lot on their palms are reluctant to drive – and prevents them from engaging in their hobbies.
All of this has psychological implications, as people with hyperhidrosis experience high levels of stress, which in turn increases sweat production, thus starting a vicious cycle. They often feel shame, lack of self-confidence, embarrassment.
Armpit sweaters in particular have been found to experience higher levels of chronic stress and embarrassment than all hyperhidrosis sufferers.
The majority of sufferers also show social anxiety, as a result of which they avoid social contacts. They find it difficult to make physical contact and avoid intimacy. Their self-restraint is likely to lead to fewer career opportunities and romantic relationships. 14-18 year olds are the ones who are under the most pressure, since during adolescence their social life and identity is formed.
In addition to the psychological and social effects, there are also medical ones. “Excessive sweating sets the stage for the development of fungal and bacterial skin infections.
According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, those with hyperhidrosis are 300% more likely to develop skin infections than those without the condition. It is also the cause of the breakdown of the skin barrier and the entry of viruses such as HPV, which causes warts. Hyperhidrosis has also been found to be associated with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
However, half of the sufferers do not even know the existence of this condition or that it can be treated”, he emphasizes.
“There are different kinds of treatments. Initially, antiperspirants containing substances that reduce sweat are recommended, e.g. mineral salt or aluminum chloride. There are also oral medications that reduce sweating. Another treatment option is iontophoresis, which suppresses the sweat glands using galvanic electric current. As a last resort, thoracoscopic sympathectomy is considered.
The most modern treatment of hyperhidrosis is by injecting botulinum toxin type A (botox). This toxin interrupts the nerve impulse that reaches the sweat glands giving the command to produce sweat, resulting in the cessation of intense sweating for about 8 months.
It is a very effective treatment that is only aimed at people suffering from this particular condition. The duration of this painless treatment does not exceed 20 minutes and according to the International Society of Hyperhidrosis, it reduces the symptoms by at least 85%. Thus, the sufferers are freed from all the effects and can then acquire the personal social and professional life they desire, having self-confidence and self-esteem”, concludes Dr. Stamou.
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