Sweating is common during activity or when the weather is hot and humid. However, some people believe they sweat excessively and are concerned about excessive sweating during activity. Alternatively, you may have excessive underarm or groin sweating, which can create embarrassment and discomfort even when you’re not exercising. Identifying the causes of sweating might assist you in finding the best remedy. More on why do we sweat, what is considered typical, and what you can do about it may be found below.
Why Do You Sweat?
Sweating is a typical physiological response to heat in your body. Sweat is produced by glands in your skin’s dermis layer and expelled through pores. Each square inch of skin has approximately 650 sweat glands. You’re continuously sweating, even if you’re not aware of it. Perspiring helps your body cool down by releasing heat. Sweat evaporates quickly, so you don’t notice it, and this evaporation causes a cooling effect.
Heat, physical effort, stress, spicy meals, alcohol, caffeine, drugs, and certain medical disorders can all build up perspiration. You’re also more prone to sweat frequently if your body is going through hormonal changes, such as during adolescence, pregnancy, or menopause. Some studies have found that people with more body fat sweat more; nevertheless, additional research is needed. Larger people generally sweat more than smaller people, especially during exertion.
Sweating Excessively
There are no clear diagnostic criteria to determine how much sweat is excessive, but if someone comes into his office complaining about excessive sweating, they most likely are. This is because excessive sweating interferes with ordinary daily routines and restricts social and professional chances. Secondary widespread hyperhidrosis and primary focal hyperhidrosis are the two types of hyperhidrosis.
Generalized Secondary Hyperhidrosis
Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating caused by another medical disease. For example, hyperhidrosis can occur in persons who have gout, diabetes, or certain cardiac or thyroid disorders. Excessive sweating may also be caused by a medicine you are taking; some medications are known to result in hyperhidrosis. This kind of hyperhidrosis appears in adults. Sweating might be excessive in one particular area of the body or all over. Sweating can sometimes occur during the day for no obvious reason or while sleeping.
Secondary Focal Hyperhidrosis
Primary focal hyperhidrosis is characterized by excessive sweating in one or several areas of the body. This frequently occurs on both sides of the body and involves the armpits, forehead, feet, or hands. People with primary focal hyperhidrosis frequently have a family history of the ailment. It is most visible during adolescence, and doctors generally cannot pinpoint a specific reason (like a medical condition or medication). You will not sweat excessively when sleeping if you have primary focal hyperhidrosis.
Excessive Sweating in the Armpits
Sweating all over your body is unpleasant, but many people detect more sweat in their armpits. Axillary hyperhidrosis is a kind of primary focal hyperhidrosis that causes excessive sweating in the armpits. You may also notice an odor in this area, which can cause embarrassment and contribute to stress or anxiety. Apocrine glands are sweat glands that are active in the armpits. These glands produce a thicker fluid than perspiration found on other parts of your body, such as your forehead, hands, or feet. Odor is caused when this thick sweat reacts with microorganisms on the area beneath your arms.
While almost everyone has some degree of armpit perspiration, you may believe yours is excessive. Special Clothing and Shields are two solutions for armpit sweat. Some people with too many sweaters solve the issue by wearing an extra layer underneath their clothes. Some people like a plain cotton undershirt, although sweat-proof shirts that resist sweat and odor are also available. If you sweat a lot during particular circumstances, such as business meetings or social gatherings, it may be beneficial to plan and pack an extra shirt. In addition, some folks maintain an extra shirt at work for emergencies. Small fabric liners or garment shields can treat isolated episodes of excessive perspiration. Disposable goods typically feature an adhesive backing that enables them to be attached to the inside of your clothing to collect excess perspiration.
Antiperspirants
Many over-the-counter products are available to help with sweating and odor. For example, many health and beauty establishments sell antiperspirants (for use on the underarms), which act by blocking the pores and preventing sweat from escaping. Use antiperspirant at night, so it has time to penetrate the pores and stop the sweat glands before morning. Even if you bathe in the morning, the product will not wash away because it has been absorbed by your pores.
Deodorants, on the other hand, help to hide the odor created by the combination of sweat and germs. Your doctor may be able to offer you a prescription-strength aluminum chloride antiperspirant. Prescription medications can normally be used in various places, including the hands, feet, underarms, and head.
Medical Services
Armpit sweat can also be treated medically. Some are more intrusive than others, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Cloth Qbrexza (glycopyrronium)
Qbrexza, the first FDA-approved prescription treatment of its sort, is a disposable towelette loaded with an anticholinergic substance. It is licensed for the treatment of excessive underarm sweating in adults and children aged 9 and up. It is only administered to the underarms once each day.
Botox
Botox injections (onabotulinumtoxinA) are used by certain people to alleviate sweating underarms. The botox injection temporarily inhibits the signals that tell your sweat glands to begin sweating. Individuals who use botox for underarm sweating have relief for three to six months. Patients must repeat the injections to maintain relief. It can also be utilized on other parts of the body, such as the face, palms, and feet. Botox treatments range in price from $1,000 to $1,500 depending on location.
MiraDry
This FDA-approved technique targets and removes sweat glands in the underarm using electromagnetic energy. Patients often have an immediate 60% to 80% reduction in underarm sweat after one miraDry operation and at least an 80% reduction after two sessions. This technique helps with underarm sweat; some studies claim it also affects odor. Many things generate odor, which is more difficult to quantify than perspiration. MiraDry, on the other hand, is a treatment for patients with excessive underarm sweating because it is less expensive than Botox and less intrusive than surgery. If you don’t sweat a lot, miraDry may not work on odor.
Breakthroughs in anesthetic have enabled more successful miraDry sessions and more substantial outcomes following the initial treatment. Damaged nerves beneath the skin, pain, swelling, numbness, and tingling in the treated area are all possible side effects. Most adverse effects can be avoided with adequate pre-procedure care. The price of miraDry varies depending on where you live, but it usually ranges between $1,500 and $2,000 for each session. MiraDry is currently only FDA-approved to treat underarm perspiration.
Surgery
Various surgical treatments injure or remove underarm sweat glands, rendering them inoperable. Liposuction, curettage (a scraping surgery), or a combination of the two may be used as permanent solutions for underarm sweat. Another option is to remove all of the underarm tissue (excision). However, according to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, it is not recommended due to serious side effects, including scarring and limited movement in the arm or shoulder area after surgery. The price of surgery will vary depending on the technique chosen, the size of the area treated, and where you live in the country.
Sweating in the Groin
While underarm sweating is more prevalent, groin sweating can be more painful and unsightly. The issue is more bothersome for women who exercise. Truncal hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating or perspiration in the vagina, groin, buttock, and thigh region. However, many ladies refer to it as the ‘crotch spot.’ It’s a dead giveaway and a humiliating display of a fantastic exercise.”
The odor might emerge when the groin area is damp. A sweaty genital area creates an excellent habitat for germs to proliferate. In addition, the moisture promotes the growth of harmful bacteria in the vagina, which can upset the delicate pH balance, resulting in odor and pain. There are potential answers to this potentially embarrassing dilemma. During menstruation, use unscented pads to help decrease groin sweat and stink. Wear cotton panties and use baby wipes before and after using the restroom. Finally, wear loose clothing composed of natural fibers or a technical fabric that wicks away sweat.
Sweating in the Hands and Feet
Sweaty hands and feet can disrupt your daily routine in various ways. For example, turning a doorknob might become difficult if your palms sweat excessively, and sweaty feet can limit your footwear options. Palmar hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating on the palms of your hands) and plantar hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating on the soles of your feet) can both be treated at home and in the office:
- Antiperspirants: Many of the sweat-reducing products you use on your underarms can also be used on your feet. A stronger antiperspirant may also be prescribed by your doctor to help keep your feet comfortable.
- Botox: Some patients seek botox injections to alleviate sweating on their hands and feet. However, when utilized on the feet and hands, the treatment can be pricey, temporary, and uncomfortable.
- Iontophoresis: This treatment method involves sitting with your hands and feet immersed in a water tray while an electrical current runs through the water. Each treatment lasts 15 to 40 minutes and is repeated three times per week until the desired results are obtained. During the maintenance phase, you may only need to perform the therapy once a week. The equipment may cost close to $700, but it can also be rented. Your insurance may possibly cover this sweat therapy.
- Hot wet socks: The American Academy of Dermatology advises patients who sweat excessively in their feet to avoid cotton socks and instead wear socks made of moisture-wicking fibers. They also recommend wearing footwear made of natural fibers, such as leather.
Kim’s Final Thoughts…
Everyone sweats, and nearly everyone has had instances when they sweat excessively. However, if you sweat excessively all the time, you deserve respite. While excessive sweating is unlikely to be a life-threatening condition, it may be a symptom of a more severe problem, and therapies for excessive sweating are available. So, if the sweating in any part of your body interferes with your daily life, consult your doctor. Experts advise keeping a sweat journal before consulting with your doctor to understand the source of your sweating and the best care alternatives. Your primary care physician may be the ideal first step, but you may eventually need to consult a board-certified dermatologist to determine the best course of action.
