Hyperhidrosis: Sweating Too Much, Not Just in Summer. The Most Effective Treatments

In the summer months we all sweat more. Sweat it is the natural mechanism through which our organism, by perspiring, regulates its own internal temperature. It is therefore a question of a bodily process completely normal. But there is a percentage of people who present very abundant sweating on the face, back, armpits and feet. Of course, this annoying inconvenience is more evident in summer, but this type of sweating also occurs in the middle of winter: in fact we talk about hyperhidrosis.

«Hyperhidrosis is one excessive sweating no longer physiological, like that linked to physical activity or perceived heat”, he explains Joseph ArgentianPresident SideMaST – Italian Society of Medical, Surgical, Aesthetic Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Diseases and MD, Professor & Head Dermatology Unit, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli. “It is a neurovegetative disorder due to hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, which stimulates the sweat glands. When these glandular structures are overexcited by sympathetic neurotransmitters, they react strengthening the secretion of sweat, even in situations that would not require it. In such cases, a minimal stimulus is sufficient to cause unstoppable and completely uncontrollable hyperhidrosis.”

What are the causes?
«This type of disorder is often of psychiatric origin genetics (primary or essential hyperhidrosis), or occurs as a symptom of pathologies such ashyperthyroidism or alterations of the endocrine system such as menopauseor again obesity, tumors or neurological diseases. Often hyperhidrosis is of such an important and severe degree that it is invalidatingdetermining difficulty and discomfort in interpersonal, social and working relationships (becomes a problem Also shake hands to a person to greet them or introduce themselves, or another strong moment embarrassment social It can happen when the shirt or t-shirt is soaked in sweat stains and the people around notice it)».

How many people in Italy suffer from hyperhidrosis?
“From hyperhidrosis suffers about1-2% of Italians and in 30% of cases it is a hereditary disorder (essential hyperhidrosis). This disorder begins in adolescent age and then it tends to to turn off with the coming of adulthood (and beyond)».

How is it diagnosed?
“There diagnosis is clinicalwith a phase of anamnestic data collection, then there is the objectivity of the medical examination of the patient.”

Could there be triggers, such as anxiety?
“Yes, stress and anxiety are common triggers for hyperhidrosis. A good practice for easing anxious situations can consist in learning and regularly practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathingthe meditation or it yoga».

How to control excessive sweating

Here are some more practical advice which can help keep hyperhidrosis under control on a daily basis and reduce social embarrassment:

1.Stay hydrated, especially in summer. Obviously this is not a tip to limit sweating, but to cope with the loss of water and salts caused by sweating in the body. It is necessary to maintain the hydrated organism drinking a lot, taking the classic two liters of liquids in 24 hours. Furthermore, the advice is to take supplements (especially magnesium And potassium) to reintegrate the lost salts.

2. Pay attention to food and drinks. Scertainly to limit the intake of spices and spicy or spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine. “Reducing the consumption of these foods and drinks can help minimize the symptoms of hyperhidrosis.”

3. Antiperspirant deodorants. These products contain active ingredients such as aluminum chloride, which works by temporarily blocking the pores of the skin and thus reducing sweat production. It is important to always choose clinically tested and long-lasting deodorants to ensure optimal protection throughout the day.

4.Clothing. The choice of theright clothing can make a big difference for those suffering from hyperhidrosis: opting for breathable natural fabrics such as cotton or the linen pallows the skin to breathe and promotes the evaporation of sweat. Instead, avoid synthetic fabrics which, by retaining heat, can increase excessive sweating and take on unpleasant odors. Opting for dark or patterned clothing also helps mask any sweat stains.

5. Dress in layers. Wear multiple layers of light clothing instead of just one layer of heavy clothing can help hide sweat stains and reduce social embarrassment. Furthermore, wearing slips or tank tops partially traps sweat and prevents the formation of visible stains on shirts or clothes.

Always have an SOS kit: Carrying absorbent wipes, absorbent powder, or paper towels can be helpful to quickly buffer excess sweat and keep the skin dry throughout the day, reduce the physical and social discomfort associated with excessive sweating.

In addition to these daily management tips of the problem, there are then medical therapieseffective in the medium term.

What are the existing therapies?
«Setting aside iontophoresis, which is no longer practiced today, a drug that is taken orally is instead used with more than positive results:oxybutyninwhich is absolutely harmless, created to treat bedwetting in small children, and later proved to be effective for hyperhidrosis too”, explains Professor Argenziano. “The vast majority of people who follow this therapy solve the problem. The other therapy is botulinum toxinthrough local infiltrations of botulinum. Botulinum toxin works very well because paralyzes the nerve fibers responsible for hyperhidrosis. They are the classic little pricks for facial wrinkles which in this case are performed directly in the area to be treated, that is axillary cavity and palm of the hands. The treatment of theaxillary hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin is contraindicated in cases of allergy to the toxin itself, in pregnancy or breastfeeding».

How long do the effects of the treatment last?
«The effects last 4 – 6 months, the infiltrations can be done at any time of the year».

Is there a cure to solve the problem permanently?
«Yes, a definitive cure exists: the sympathectomy. It’s about a solution more invasive, because it is a real surgery: consists in the interruption of the nerve pathways in the areas of the body most affected by section of the sympathetic nervous system chain, near the joint scapular humerus.
The section of this chain makes transmission of the nervous signal is impossible to the relative innervation territory, consequently sweating is greatly reduced, and forever. The intervention is performed under ordinary hospitalization with the need to stay in hospital for 24 hours (one night), and its results do not only concern the armpits, but also all the other areas of the body affected by hyperhidrosis”.