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Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating beyond what is necessary to regulate body temperature. This condition can affect various parts of the body, including the palms, feet, underarms, and face. It can occur either in specific localized areas (known as focal hyperhidrosis) or across the entire body (known as generalized hyperhidrosis). 

Hyperhidrosis can significantly impact daily life and social situations, causing both physical discomfort and social embarrassment. In addition, hyperhidrosis has other impacts on people’s daily lives, including clothing choices and work-related challenges, particularly in very social jobs. 

What Causes Hyperhidrosis? 

Depending on its underlying cause, there are two different classifications of hyperhidrosis: idiopathic or primary hyperhidrosis and secondary hyperhidrosis. The exact cause of primary hyperhidrosis is not well understood. It is believed to result from an overactivity of the sweat glands due to abnormal responses in the nervous system. Medical experts believe that genetics may play a role in causing primary hyperhidrosis. Triggers such as heat, emotions (stress, anxiety), and certain foods and drinks (caffeine, spicy foods) can exacerbate sweating in individuals with primary hyperhidrosis. 

Secondary hyperhidrosis, on the other hand, occurs due to an underlying medical condition or other external factors. For example, some medications, including certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, and hormonal medications, may cause excessive sweating as a side effect. Conditions such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and menopause can lead to excessive sweating, as can hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and menopause. 

How to Prevent Hyperhidrosis

Preventing hyperhidrosis entirely may not be possible, especially for those with primary (idiopathic) hyperhidrosis, which has no known cure. However, individuals can employ various strategies to help manage and reduce excessive sweating, such as wearing breathable clothing and using antiperspirants. 

Stress management techniques can also be effective in managing hyperhidrosis, as can avoiding specific trigger foods like spicy foods and those containing alcohol and caffeine. 

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

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