Sweat plays an important role in the body, as it helps keep us cool and helps the body fight infection. Normal people produce about a liter of sweat every day, which typically evaporates before you can feel it. However, there is a portion of the population who struggle with excessive sweating, most often due to a medical condition known as hyperhidrosis. This is where the body produces much more sweat than is necessary. Luckily, family care physicians
and community health clinics have been working hard to identify the various causes of hyperhidrosis, and have been working on various methods to help patients control excessive sweating.
Hyperhidrosis Causes
Hyperhidrosis usually involves overactive sweat glands in multiple areas of the body, such as the hands, feet, underarms, or face. There is no one main cause of hyperhidrosis, as it is usually the result of another medical conditions. The most common conditions that can cause excessive sweating are anxiety, brain and nerve disorders, some cancers, alcoholism, diabetes, heart disease, overactive thyroid, menopause, or obesity.
Hyperhidrosis Treatments
There are a variety of different treatments for hyperhidrosis that can be used, based on the different causes of the excessive sweating. A doctor may recommend the use of prescription antiperspirant, medication, surgery, or an iontophoresis treatment. This treatment involves immersing your hands or feet in shallow water, and attaching a medical ‘no-sweat’ machine that sends a low-voltage electrical current in the water. This current shuts down the over-active sweat glands in the affected area.
If you struggle with excessive sweating, contact your primary family health clinic or visit your local walk in health clinic such as an after hours urgent care. Family care physicians will be able to effectively diagnose your individual case, and can help find the solution that is best for you.