Hyperhidrosis refers to abnormal and excessive sweating. It may not be related to heat or exercise like normal sweating. The condition requires treatment as it may cause anxiety and embarrassment, especially when it comes to social interactions. There are two types of hyperhidrosis, primary focal hyperhidrosis and secondary hyperhidrosis.
Hyperhidrosis symptoms include visible sweating without activity, skin infections, heavy drops of sweat, clammy palms and soles, the skin turning soft, white, and peeling. Underlying causes of hyperhidrosis include:
1. Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism refers to an overactive thyroid gland. It is a condition in which the thyroid gland secretes too many thyroid hormones causing an imbalance. The metabolism and heat production in the body increase. It causes hyperhidrosis and the sympathetic nervous system to be overactive. The condition does not fade away on its own, and it requires treatment.
Overactivity of a thyroid gland results from an immune disorder where the immune system produces antibodies that stimulate the thyroid to produce excess T4. There are foods that patients with an overactive thyroid should keep off, and there are those they should eat.
They should avoid iodized salt, dairy products, iodine supplements, egg yolks, seaweed, fish, and blackstrap molasses. The foods they should eat are non-iodized salt, egg whites, oats, fresh fruit, plain coffee or tea without any milk or cream, and homemade bread.
2. Spinal cord injury
Patients with spinal cord injuries go through hyperhidrosis. The connection between the two is that the brain communicates through the spinal cord, and if after injury, the messages cannot get through, then the body responds otherwise by sweating.
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for regulating sweating. However, for spinal cord injury patients, the sympathetic nervous system may overreact in a case of stimulation below injury level- a condition known as autonomic dysreflexia. Since the spinal cord cannot pass the brain’s message, it shows in alternative ways such as high blood pressure or excessive sweating. Many patients suffering from injuries of the spinal cord suffer excessive sweating above injury level because the body is making up for the lost sympathetic stimulation below the area of injury. Hyperhidrosis is dangerous for patients with spine injuries because it may irritate the paralyzed areas due to mobility limitations or dehydrate the patient. Immediate treatment for hyperhidrosis is essential to such patients. You can administer treatment in various ways iontophoresis, Botox, surgery, and medications.
3. Heart disease
Sometimes heart problems can result in hyperhidrosis. Excessive sweating, mostly when your body is not engaged in any activity, can be an early sign or a warning that the heart is having trouble pumping blood. Hyperhidrosis is a result of an underlying heart disease problem. When coronary arteries block or narrow due to cholesterol accumulation, it restricts blood from flowing freely. The body may react to the difficulty by sweating profusely. You can treat this by taking a cholesterol-free diet or taking necessary medications.
4. Menopause
Menopause refers to a period in the life of a woman when menstruation stops. During this time, the release levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones from the body change, causing an effect on the other hormones in the body responsible for body temperature regulation. The heat intensifies from the chest, going upward to the neck and head, sending sweat running down your face. The sweating can last from as long as five minutes, daily or specifically when trying to sleep.
