Hyperhydrosis and Its Impact on Daily Life

Hyperhidrosis is a rare and nearly invisible disorder that few understand. Primary focal hyperhidrosis, in fact, is the most common cause of excessive sweating, which has been estimated to affect approximately 1%-3% of the population. Diaphoresis is the medical term for sweating, and this disorder causes a great deal of it. On average, people have two to four million sweat glands which serve as the body’s coolant system to prevent heatstroke. Individuals suffering from the disorder could be resting on an outdoor patio with a strong breeze blowing on a cool Autumn day and still suffer the ill-effects of the disorder. Hyperhidrosis equally affects both men and women The disorder is most commonly documented among people aged 25 to 64 years. According to WebMD, some patients with the disorder often describe themselves as “dripping” with sweat, even in air-conditioned environments or pools. Patients undoubtedly spend a great deal of time and effort to seek out tips to stop excessive sweating. This disorder is extremely unpleasant and causes extreme discomfort as their bodies go into overdrive to protect them from overheating, a not-so-imminent danger for individuals who are at a resting state. Hyperhidrosis is most likely a genetic disorder because approximately 30 to 50% of those affected have another family member with the disorder.

Hyperhidrosis and Its Impact on Self-Esteem

Practically any patient diagnosed with this disorder will begin to seek out tips to stop excessive sweating by an early age. It is clear that hyperhidrosis has a noticeably negative impact on daily life. Simple acts such as interlocking fingers with a date at a movie theater may leave an affected individual distressed and seeking out a clammy hands treatment. Not only is excessive sweating embarrassing and uncomfortable, but it can also be malodorous. After all, the 8 million Americans affected with the disorder sweat four to five times more than the average individual. Many of these individuals desperately seek to control the odor and seek tips to stop excessive sweating and diligently seek hyperhidrosis treatment. Statistics show that 90% of hyperhidrosis patients confirm that the condition negatively impacts their emotional state. Another survey suggested that most individuals reported feeling insecure as a result of their condition. Fortunately, treatment for this disorder exists in the form of iontophoresis.

Hyperhidrosis Treatment and Management

Five decades ago, iontophoresis was introduced as a method in which to stop or reduce excessive sweating. The treatment often takes only 10 to 20 minutes to complete and has been dubbed a “no sweat machine” by some. In order to completely “shut off” the sweat glands, six to 10 treatments are required. Patients with severe hyperhidrosis may require two to three iontophoresis treatments each week when they first begin the course. The treatment is unique, according to Healthline, in that the treatment device sends mild electric currents to the armpits, hands, and/or feet while the affected part of the body remains submerged in water. This serves to temporarily block the sudoriferous glands. This procedure does not shock participants or hurt them, although participants noted they experienced some “tingling” sensations. The reason why iontophoresis helps to prevent excessive sweating is still relatively unknown. Iontophoresis can be used to treat a variety of disorders, including but not limited to injuries, as the procedure is able to administer anti-inflammatory injections into the skin. directly. Although iontophoresis is traditionally administered at a doctor’s office, it is possible to purchase an in-home device to treat your needs if you are a patient with severe hyperhidrosis.