How to Prevent Excessive Sweating

How do you prevent excessive sweating? This condition, also called hyperhidrosis, can be a wet and embarrassing problem, but sweating is an important bodily function because it helps regulate your temperature. You might sweat because it's hot outside,  you've been exercising, or you might be responding to fear or anger; however, people who suffer from excessive sweating might perspire without any triggers. What are the causes of excessive sweating and what can be done about this problem?

1. First, sweating can be caused by a number of things. Some people with an excessive tisweang problem might have overactive sweat glands. This can cause both physical and emotional problems. The most common form of excessive sweating is known as primary focal hyperhidrosis and it usually starts during childhood or adolescence. This type of excessive sweating is not a sign of disease. It's called focal or localized because it affects specific parts of the body like the underarms, groin, face, hands and feet.  Experts aren't sure, but this type of sweating can be a minor problem with the nervous system and there is some evidence that it runs in families.
2. The other type of excessive sweating, secondary hyperhidrosis, can occur anywhere in the body. It can be a symptom of a serious underlying medical condition such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, or Parkinson's disease. It's called secondary because it is caused by something else. It can also be caused by lifestyle choices like drug or alcohol abuse. Being overweight can also cause excessive sweating. One telltale sign is excessive sweating at night. Primary focal hyperhidrosis doesn't cause night sweats.
3. You should go to your health care professional to determine the cause of your excessive sweating. Different tests might be performed such as a starch-iodine test and/or a paper test. Your doctor might ask you questions about your excessive sweating such as the location of the sweating, any time pattern, things that may trigger your sweating, and if you're experiencing other symptoms such as weight loss, lack of appetite, or fever.
4. Depending on the cause of your excessive sweating, there are various treatments available. Strong antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride hexahydrate may be used to control the sweating. To prevent the stimulation of sweat glands, your doctor may prescribe medication such as Robinul which is a class of anticholinergics drugs. Beta-blockers have also proved helpful.
5. If your excessive sweating is a problem in your hands and feet, you might try iontophoresis. This is an FDA approved treatment that uses electricity to turn off the sweat glands. Also, Botox injections can be used for more than getting rid of wrinkles; small doses of the toxin can be helpful for excessive sweating.

If you suffer from excessive sweating,you might want to join a support group such as the International Hyperhidrosis Society. Excessive sweating is nothing to laugh at., especially if there is an underlying health problem. Many people don't realize the impact that excessive sweating can have. You might not want to date or socialize, and, overtime, this can cause a barrier between you and the rest of the world. If you seek medical advice, make sure to tell about any medications you are taking because that could cause excessive sweating, too. Excessive sweating is a problem that you might not want to talk about, but there are solutions if the problem becomes bothersome.

Resources:

Sweating 

NIH