How to deal with increased sweating if deodorants don't work?

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Anna Bessalova

Dermatovenerologist, pathomorphologist, candidate of medical sciences and author blog about dermatology.

What is hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is a conditionExcessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) / National Health Service of Englandcharacterized by abnormally increased sweating, which impairs quality of life or may even be a symptom of a serious illness.

It is worth making an appointment with a doctor if any of the following concerns you:

• You sweat during sleep for no apparent reason.
• This problem has been going on for over six months.
• You suddenly start sweating more than usual.
• You are under stress from sweating.
• Your relatives also suffered from excessive sweating.
• What you do yourself to combat sweating does not help you.
• Sweating disrupts your daily routine and interferes with your daily activities.

And if severe sweating is accompanied by dizziness, chest pain or nausea, then contactHyperhidrosis / Mayo Clinic medical attention is needed immediately.

Hyperhidrosis is of two types: localized and generalized. And in order to deal with this problem correctly, you need to understand which one you have.

How to treat localized hyperhidrosis

Localized (primary) hyperhidrosis affects only some parts of the body: palms, feet, armpits, face, scalp. It is common in children and adolescents and tends to diminish with age.

If you find localized hyperhidrosis, then first of all, they recommend pharmacy antiperspirants based on aluminum salts. You will also be advised to do the following:

• Use absorbent insoles and foot powder.
• Choose gentle soap substitutes to cleanse your skin.
• Change linen, clothing and insoles as often as necessary.
• Wear clothes made from the most comfortable and breathable fabrics.
• Limit the use of caffeine, alcohol and spices, as they increase sweating.

If basic methods don't work, here's what else you can do:Primary focal hyperhidrosis / UpToDate suggest.

• Anti-cholinergic wipes for skin treatment. They suppress the action of a neurotransmitter that affects the work of the sweat glands.
• Iontophoresis procedures. This is the treatment of parts of the body with a weak electric current passed through water, which may contain anticholinergics.
• Botulinum toxin injections. They inhibit the transmission of nerve impulses to the sweat glands for several months. This method is considered modern, highly effective and safe.
• Operation. Removal of sweat glands by liposuction or even sympathectomy - dissection of the nerve responsible for the regulation of sweating. This method is used only in severe cases of uncorrected localized hyperhidrosis.

It is worth remembering that all of the above treatment options have benefits, side effects, and risks that need to be discussed with your healthcare provider.

How to treat generalized hyperhidrosis

Generalized (secondary) hyperhidrosis is not as common as primary hyperhidrosis and usually causesEvaluation of the patient with night sweats or generalized hyperhidrosis / UpToDate increased sweating all over the body.

In this case, the increased sweating is caused by a disease. For example, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular and neurological diseases, or thyroid problems. And also taking special groups of drugs, such as glucocorticosteroids or antidepressants.

Therefore, the fight against secondary hyperhidrosis is to treat the underlying disease, if such discover, and taking medications that act at the level of nervous regulation and reduce sweating.