Excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis occurs when the sympathetic nervous system is overly active. This leads to an uncontrollable production of sweat under the armpits, and on the feet, hands and face. In addition to the uncontrollable sweat, people who suffer from hyperhidrosis are also plagued by cold and dehydration as they lose too much water from the body.

There are two main types of hyperhidrosis. The first is referred to as primary hyperhidrosis, which is caused by genetics and causes the person to sweat uncontrollably in the armpits, hands and feet.

The second type of hyperhidrosis is known as secondary hyperhidrosis. This type is easier to treat because it is caused by a medical condition that makes the person sweat excessively. Some medical conditions that results in excessive sweating are asthma or heart attacks.

Hyperhidrosis is identified by extreme and unexpected sweating even when climatic conditions are fairly mild. Since this causes increased moisture on the surface of the feet, hands, face and other parts of the body, the patient might be overly self-conscious in social settings. Emotional symptoms might include embarrassment, humiliation and a reluctance to go out and meet people. The condition might also affect the affected person’s ability to do their job.

Following are the top four ways to reduce or stop excessive sweating.

Antiperspirants

Antiperspirants reduce the build up of perspiration by blocking the sweat ducts. It uses aluminum chloride hexahydrate and the active ingredient to help reduce wetness and sweat. This method is an effective treatment for people who suffer from mild cases of hyperhidrosis.

Medications

In cases that are too far advanced for antiperspirants, medication might be the next best solution. Your doctor will prescribe a drug that will reduce the production of sweat by slowing down the stimulation of the sweat glands.

Lontophoresis

Lontophoresis is a treatment that is most effective for excessive sweating on hands and feet. The patient places hands and feet into water just before a light electric current is passed through. The procedure will modify the sweat glands, so that it stops excreting sweat for a period of time. The entire procedure takes less than 20 minutes and is one of the most effective methods to reduce sweating.

Botox

Botox is yet another method used to reduce the production of excessive sweat. Botox is Botulinum toxin type A, and when it’s injected into the armpits it blocks the stimulating nerve in the sweat glands and reduces sweating.

While the symptoms of hyperhidrosis might not seem very serious when compared to other conditions, it can leave a lot of emotional and psychological scars on the affected person. The methods mentioned above will help to reduce sweating, and help patients regain their confidence in social settings.

There are also a number of home remedies that you can try. These home remedies are helpful mostly for mild to moderate conditions.

About Author

Bella Johnson is a dermatologist who enjoys giving free advice. She is currently studying sweat treatments in order to help her patients suffering from too much sweating.