Summer is here at last and there are many reasons to be happy – long, sunny days, picnics in the park and barbeques, to name just a few. However, if you suffer from hyperhidrosis, you are likely to be feeling pretty uncomfortable right now.
Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, affects between one and three per cent of the population in the UK. Sweating is normal and necessary to control body temperature in warmer surroundings and during exercise. However, if you have overactive sweat glands, the heat and humidity can play havoc with your life.
Hyperhidrosis usually affects specific areas, but in some cases, it can occur all over the body. It’s likely to cause discomfort and embarrassment, and can make you feel awkward both socially and professionally.
Many sufferers of hyperhidrosis try to avoid physical contact, as hugs and even handshakes can expose the problem to other people. Unfortunately, this can make both personal and business relationships quite tricky to navigate.
Clothing may have to be changed frequently due to staining, and sufferers often try to restrict their movements to avoid the embarrassment of showing their underarms.
Anxiety is a common culprit, resulting in a cycle of worrying about sweating, which causes you to start sweating. This then causes worry about the fact that you’re sweating, which causes you to sweat even more. It’s difficult to stop this loop once it’s begun.
Don’t let hyperhidrosis spoil your summer this year. Here are the solutions for treating it effectively.
Types of hyperhidrosis
According to the UK Hyperhidrosis Organisation, there are two types of hyperhidrosis:
Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis
This is the most common type, which often begins during childhood. There is no known cause. It almost always occurs during the day rather than at night, and usually affects the underarms, hands and feet.
Secondary Generalised Hyperhidrosis
This less common type of hyperhidrosis is caused by an underlying medical condition, or sometimes as a side effect of medication. It tends to start later in life, and excessive sweating can occur all over the body, and both during the day and night.
It’s important to establish whether there are any underlying causes for your excessive sweating before you consider which treatment option would be the most suitable.
Treatments for hyperhidrosis in Essex
Whilst there is no complete cure for hyperhidrosis, there are several treatments available that can make the condition much more manageable.
Consult with your GP
As with any condition, you should visit your GP before pursuing any avenue of treatment. They will be able to rule out any common causes for your excessive sweating by reviewing your medication.
A simple blood test will establish whether you are suffering from the primary or secondary type of hyperhidrosis. The GP will then decide whether you require further clinical testing or a revision of your medication, if this is likely to be the cause.
Your GP may recommend some lifestyle changes to help with your excessive sweating. These may include alterations to your diet and bathing products, as well as wearing high-strength antiperspirants and breathable clothing. They may also refer you to a specialist dermatologist for alternative recommendations.
Find a private dermatologist in Essex
Waiting to see a dermatologist on the NHS can take a long time. If you’re keen to find a solution quickly, it may be worth looking for a private dermatologist in your area to discuss your options. These can include:
- Tablets to reduce sweating.
- Topical treatments such as creams, powders and lotions.
- Treating the affected areas by passing a weak electrical current through water. We call this iontophoresis.
- Surgery to remove the sweat glands.
Bear in mind that the treatment process may take some time, as it’s likely that your dermatologist will want to explore a few treatment options to establish which is the most effective for you.
