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Hyperhidrosis

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Introduction

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive and unpredictable sweating, significantly impacting daily activities and social interactions. Contrary to popular belief, people with Hyperhydrosis do not have more sweat glands than other people; rather, their sympathetic nerve, which is the nerve that controls sweating, is oversensitive and therefore leads to the overproduction of sweat. Hyperhidrosis has two variants: Primary Hyperhidrosis and Secondary Hyperhidrosis. This article will elaborate on current Wikipedia information on the topic with an emphasis on symptoms of the condition, causes of Secondary Hyperhidrosis, and potential effects.

Symptoms of Hyperhidrosis

Excessive sweating can be defined by sweating that interferes with one’s daily life, and although it is difficult to measure what a “normal” amount of sweating is, there are several signs that can indicate that one does excessively sweat and therefore may be diagnosed with Hyperhidrosis. People who avoid physical contact, such as shaking hands with others, because they are self-conscious about their sweating, may do so because they excessively sweat. Additionally, difficulty holding items and worrying about damaging devices or papers and ink due to one’s hands is a strong indicator that they excessively sweat. Symptoms such as these may also lead to one becoming socially withdrawn and self-conscious (NHS, 2023). Oftentimes, people who do have these symptoms of excessive sweating are too embarrassed and self-conscious of their condition to seek medical help. However, there are treatments available that can decrease the amount of sweating and normalize the lives of people with the disease.

Causes of Secondary Hyperhidrosis

While Primary Hyperhidrosis is usually inherited, Secondary Hyperhidrosis is caused by other bodily conditions such as cancer, menopause, infections, and medications that may cause sweating (Johns Hopkins, 2021). These conditions may lead to an overdrive in the three types of sweat glands in humans, which are the apocrine, eccrine, and sebaceous glands. Since the skin on the palms of hands and on the soles of feet solely consist of sweat glands, mainly eccrine sweat glands, Hyperhidrosis generally is more pronounced on the hands and feet (Hodge, 2022). These glands do not produce malodorous perspiration and therefore do not result in sweat that is smelly such as sweat that is produced by apocrine sweat glands. However, other areas of the body such as the armpits and genitals are populated with apocrine sweat glands, therefore when these sweat glands are activated, the sweat that is released is malodorous (Hodge, 2022). When these glands are sent into overdrive in the case of excessive sweating due to Hyperhidrosis, people with the disease may be prone to being smelly in addition to being very sweaty.

Effects of Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis has a significant impact on patients that is similar to that of other more well-known skin conditions, but is less likely to be diagnosed and treated due to various social implications and a lack of understanding of the condition from both patients and patients. This low public awareness can oftentimes lead to embarrassment, shame, and discomfort, as well as resulting social isolation (Parashar et al., 2023). A lack of understanding from the general public causes stigma and poor mental health, in all areas including intimate relationships, career opportunities and employment, and other personal relationships. An avoidance to address or expose their condition can even lead to them hiding their symptoms, with patients reporting feeling disgusting (Parashar et al., 2023). These significant implications of Hyperhidrosis make it clear that it is a condition that requires greater recognition and research, as well as a greater awareness from the general public.

Conclusion

Hyperhidrosis is a condition that profoundly affects individuals far beyond mere physical discomfort, impacting psychological well-being, social interactions, and daily functioning. Despite its significant effects, it remains under-recognized and undertreated, often due to stigma and a general lack of public and professional awareness. This condition, which can either be primary or exacerbated by other medical conditions as seen in secondary hyperhidrosis, demands greater attention in both medical and public domains. Enhanced education about hyperhidrosis, improved diagnostic approaches, and accessible treatment options are essential to mitigate the impacts of this condition. Ultimately, increased awareness and understanding could greatly improve the quality of life for those affected by hyperhidrosis, reducing the social isolation and mental health challenges that frequently accompany this distressing condition.

Sources:

Hodge, B. D. (2022, October 10). Anatomy, Skin sweat glands. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482278/#:~:text=Sweat%20glands%20are%20appendages%20of,the%20soles%20of%20the%20feet.

Parashar, K., Adlam, T., & Potts, G. (2023). The Impact of Hyperhidrosis on Quality of Life: A Review of the Literature. American journal of clinical dermatology, 24(2), 187–198. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-022-00743-7

Hyperhidrosis. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2021a, August 8). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/excessive-sweating#:~:text=What%20is%20hyperhidrosis%3F,order%20to%20avoid%20touching%20others.

Hyperhidrosis. NHS inform. (2023, January 19). https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/skin-hair-and-nails/hyperhidrosis/