Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is type of  a common disorder found in both sexes. Excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis causes a lot of problems for the person suffering from the same. According to an estimated report, about 2 to 3 percent of Americans suffer from hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating of palms, feet and underarms.

The sweating of feet soles is called palmoplantar hyperhidrosis, sweating of underarms or of the palms is called axillary hyperhidrosis. As per estimation, sweating of armpits or underarms tends to begin in the late adolescence in most people. On the other hand, sole and palm sweating often starts earlier, around the age of 13 on a given average. If kept untreated, such problems can well continue all throughout your life.

Sweating, in itself is quite embarrassing. It leaves behind stains and often is considered the major reason for the end of a romantic relationship. Not only this, it even complicates social interactions. In most severe cases of hyperhidrosis, there are many serious practical consequences too. As a result, it makes it hard for the people who suffer from the problem to shake hands with someone or hold a paper or a pen or even grip the steering wheel of a car.

Hyperhidrosis is not a passing condition. Most people suffer from these problems for several years, more often since adolescence and childhood. Whether cold or hot, sweating is found to be constant. In fact, the impact of the hyperhidrosis can even be severe. The staining and wetness of clothes, the smelly shoes, the clammy palms, the inability to grip any objects such as pens or wet or cold handshake, difficulty in dealing with metals and paper, keyboard, can make your life miserable.

People who are suffering from excessive sweating have to constantly worry about the wet clothes. They have to worry about changing their clothes, freshening up and also using the absorbent pads or sticking with the loose white or black clothes. Most people who suffer from hyperhidrosis avoid interactions with people at work and making friends as well. Most patients report awkwardness when holding hands of people. Hence, decreased confidence, depression and loneliness can also result.

Common causes

The metabolic, neurologic and many other systemic diseases can at times causes hyperhidrosis. In many cases, excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis can occur in people who are found healthy. Emotions and heat can even trigger hyperhidrosis in few people, but most people suffering from this disorder can sweat nearly at all time, regardless of the weather or their mood.

Symptoms:

Some of the visible signs or symptoms of hyperhidrosis includes lack of appetite, fever, pounding heartbeat, clammy or cold hands, and weight loss.

Tests

Most visible signs of excessive sweating can be noted when you visit the doctor’s chamber. Several tests can be done to identify the excessive sweating symptoms. Two of the most common tests are as follows:

Paper Test

It’s a special paper which is placed on affected areas to absorb sweat. This paper will then be weighed. The heavier it weights, the more sweat it has accumulated.

Starch Iodine Test

An iodine solution is used in this test. The iodine solution is applied to sweaty areas. When it dries, the starch is then sprinkled on area. The combination of iodine and starch turns dark blue color where there is excess perspiration.