Hyperhidrosis, or commonly known as excessive sweating, is a medical condition caused by overactive sweat glands. It’s normal for anyone suffering from a fever, is under anxiety, or in a warm environment to perspire heavily. But if one perspires day and night, for no apparent reason, then it could be a manifestation of either a disorder of the sweat glands or of the sympathetic nervous system. Both the sweat glands and the sympathetic nervous system control the amount of perspiration released by the body, and any irregularities in their functions will naturally lead to a chronic condition such as hyperhidrosis. Excessive sweating could also be an underlying symptom of a thyroid problem or other medical conditions.
One solution to this problem with the sweat glands can be treated by a thoracic surgical procedure, with other non-invasive treatments also being available. Surgical procedures are done only in severe cases to control the sweat glands. Otherwise, non-surgical treatments will do.
Excessive sweating often occurs in the hands, feet, armpits, face and even in the groin area. But it can also occur in other parts of the body where there are overactive sweat glands. In some cases, the whole body is affected (causing general excessive sweating). Affected areas may have a white, cracked, and soft appearance, and is often accompanied with an odorous smell that is actually caused by bacteria.
Sweat Gland Disorder
Sweating is a natural body process that helps cool the body. Needless to say, one sweats more in a warm environment, when engaged in rigorous activity, and during exercise. Those caught in embarrassing, stressful, and anxious situations are likely to perspire as well - but only at that very moment. If one sweats excessively for no apparent reason, regardless of the time of day, then hyperhidrosis could be the culprit.
Overactive sweat glands are the primary cause of hyperhidrosis. But it is unknown as to why sweat glands in certain body parts become overactive. This condition, although relatively harmless, causes much physical and emotional discomfort, as it concerns all aspects of life. It impacts daily living, normal interpersonal relations and social interactions. It can get in the way of an individual’s work and related professional activities. It’s simply an uncontrollable and embarrassing ailment that will persist until medical intervention takes place.
There are, however, various treatments available such as: the drysol method and botox treatment. The drysol method can cause some side effects in more sensitive individuals, but is generally tolerated by many. Botox injections are usually effective for some cases of excessive sweating.
One common type of excessive sweating is the primary or focal hyperhydrosis. Primary refers to the specific condition in which the hands, feet, and armpits are affected by excessive sweating. 2 to 3% of the population is affected by this type of excessive sweating. But out of this figure, only less than 40% of patients seek medical help and intervention.
For the majority of primary hyperhidrosis cases, a cause can’t usually be found. Although research shows that this disorder seems to run in families, with the condition having a genetic basis.
Article Source: http://www.orbitaloc.com/
Tim Clark writes health related articles, the majority of which can be found on his website on hyperhidrosis , where he has a large listing of hyperhidrosis articles.
For more information on overactive sweat glands just click on the link.
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