How Much Sweat is Too Much?
With the heat of the summer upon us, you are likely noticing that you are sweating more than usual. No matter if it’s from the heat or from nerves, excessive sweating can be embarrassing. While sweating is a normal and vital mechanism for keeping our bodies regulated, some people sweat significantly, even without identifiable causes.
How do you know if you should be concerned about your sweat? When is it time to seek help from a medical professional? How can you treat your excessive sweating?
What is Hyperhidrosis?
Some people naturally produce more sweat than others. For other people, the amount of sweat their body produces is so significant that it falls under the diagnosis of hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis results in excessive sweat that can actually disrupt your daily life. Sweating can occur even without normal triggers such as heat, exercise or stress. The amount of sweat cannot be hidden from others since it will soak through clothing and even drip off your hands or face. Therefore, social situations can be challenging for those who suffer from hyperhidrosis.
What are the symptoms?
If you experience extreme sweating in cool or room temperature environments, or in non-stressful situations, you may be experiencing hyperhidrosis. Sweating will typically occur on the hands, feet, face, armpits or groin areas and on both sides of the body. However, it can occur anywhere on the body.
What causes hyperhidrosis?
Sweating is a fascinating process of the body that helps regulate our temperature. The sweating mechanism occurs when the nervous system senses a rise in body temperature. In a typical case of hyperhidrosis, the nerves responsible for signaling your body to sweat go into action, even when they aren’t triggered. It is unknown why this happens, but some research suggests that it can be hereditary.
Other cases of hyperhidrosis can occur as a side effect of another medical condition. Certain infections, diabetes or low blood sugar levels can cause excessive sweating.
What are the signs I may have hyperhidrosis?
It can be difficult to determine if you are more sweaty that the average person, or if you have hyperhidrosis. If you are concerned about your sweating or if you have extreme sweating spells on a weekly basis, you should consult with your dermatologist. In general, if you find that you are sweating in situations that don’t warrant it and it is impacting your daily life, you may have a health concern that should be addressed by a medical professional.
What are some treatments for excessive sweating?
A visit to your dermatologist can help you get an accurate diagnosis and a recommendation for the best treatment. Your doctor will obtain a medical history to help diagnose the concern, and may suggest treatments that can include:
- A prescription-strength deodorant
- A prescription medication that be effective at preventing sweat
- Botox can be used to treat neuromuscular conditions such as hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, but it is not something you have to live with. There are effective treatments available with the guidance of a board-certified dermatologist. With an accurate diagnosis and specialized treatment, you can get back to living your life without worrying about sweat.
Buckhead Dermatology of Atlanta and College Park
Dr. Straughn is one of the leading board-certified dermatologists in the Atlanta area. She has been helping Atlanta-area residents address their most pressing skin concerns for over 25 years. If you are dealing with a skin condition such as acne, melasma, hyperpigmentation, keloids, dry skin, eczema or spider veins, contact Buckhead Dermatology to schedule an appointment today. With two convenient locations in Atlanta and College Park, we are looking forward to helping you achieve your best skin.