HYPERHIDROSIS DEFINED
Let’s make it clear what Hyperhidrosis is, as well as how many variations of it exist. First off, everyone sweats. Sweating is a natural function of the body as a means to cool itself and maintain a normal body temperature. When a person sweats excessively in response to exertion, stress, a hot environment, or for no reason at all, that is called Hyperhidrosis. It is worth noting that not all people who have HH sweat excessively; they sweat inappropriately. That is to say, sweat pops out in situations that would not induce sweating in other people. Another indication of Hyperhidrosis is the location of the sweating. Most people do not sweat in their hands (unless extremely nervous), or their feet (unless the feet are hot and confined), or the backs of the legs (that’s a fun location to have it happen), in the groin area, etc. unless they have Hyperhidrosis.
There are two types of Hyperhidrosis: Primary (also called Idiopathic), and Secondary.
Primary Hyperhidrosis, also called Focal Hyperhidrosis or Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis, is caused by unknown factors and usually appears in early childhood or in adolescence (because, you know, puberty isn’t hard enough). The closest scientists/doctors seem to be able to come in the way of an explanation for this sweating is to describe the Sympathetic Nervous System (which controls sweating) as “going haywire” or being simply overactive for no known reason. It has been observed that Primary Hyperhidrosis can be hereditary. Overall, it is estimated that 1 to 3% of the population suffers from this disorder, with higher concentrations of occurrences in Asia.
Secondary Hyperhidrosis is diagnosed when the sweating is known to be caused by another medical condition, such as menopause, use of antidepressants, overactive thyroid, lymphoma, and a host of other conditions. If you are someone who has never experienced excessive or inappropriate sweating before, and Hyperhidrosis appears suddenly, and you also feel a change in your general health, get thyself to a doctor (which I am not, so… I’m just sayin’).
HyperhidrosisAndMe.com is a website that focuses on Primary Hyperhidrosis. To that end, here is a catalogue of the subtypes of HH that can occur (these can and do occur either singly or in combinations):
Axillary Hyperhidrosis: Excessive sweating of the underarms
Palmar Hyperhidrosis: Sweating or clamminess of the hands
Plantar Hyperhidrosis: Sweating of the feet
Truncal Hyperhidrosis: Sweating on the torso; specifically under/between the breasts, on the back, stomach, in groin area
Craniofacial Hyperhidrosis, also called Facial sweating/blushing: Sweating around hairline, and in many cases reddening of the face
And…..
There doesn’t seem to be an Official Medical Name for it, but I happen to know that sweating also often occurs on the backs of the legs.
Another sweating disorder exists that may be helped by some of the treatments available for Primary Hyperhidrosis. Bromhidrosis (also spelled “Bromidrosis” and also called “osmidrosis”) is a condition in which an individual has an unusual and active number of “apocrine” sweat glands. Apocrine sweat glands produce sweat that contains fatty oils which break down on the skin’s surface, producing a strong scent. This is separate from the issue of Hyperhidrosis in that the sweat produced in Hyperhidrosis emanates from “eccrine” sweat glands, which produce sweat that is clear and odorless . So although the two disorders have separate causes and results, many of the treatments used to abate sweat can be of significant use to those afflicted with Bromhidrosis. For a complete explanation of what Bromhidrosis is and how to treat it, visit www.SweatForum.com.
There is no absolute cure for Hyperhidrosis, I regret to say, but there are many treatment options. It is very important to understand that the efficacy of these treatments vary widely. That is to say, everybody is different! What works like a charm for one person is useless to another. Also, don’t let anyone tell you that they can permanently put an end to your Hyperhidrosis. There are big bucks involved in some of these treatments, and the Internet is swarming with cure-alls. Remember these words: SIDE EFFECTS. For more information on treatment options and ways in which to manage your life with HH, please refer to my pages titled Strategies, Treatment Options, and Products & Clothing. To read about all things Hyperhidrosis, please dig into my Blog pages, where I discuss a plethora of subjects!
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