FROM THE GP’S SURGERY
SUMMER is on the way and it’s likely that we’ll all feel a little hot and sweaty at some point. However, some people struggle with excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis.
There is no formal measurement for excessive sweating but it becomes a concern for doctors when it has a detrimental impact on a patient’s wellbeing.
Hyperhidrosis is most likely to affect areas with a high concentration of sweat glands – armpits, chest, face, feet, hands and groin. It can be localised to one area of the body or affect multiple areas, while symptoms are usually symmetrical, occurring on both sides of the body equally. In most cases, there is no obvious cause of excessive sweating and it isn’t usually a serious risk to health.
However, the emotional impact of excessive sweating can lead to poor self esteem, anxiety and depression.
Hyperhidrosis is common, affecting three in every 100 people. It may seem embarrassing, but it’s worth seeing your GP if you feel you sweat too much.
Your GP may conduct blood and urine tests to see if there are any underlying causes for the sweating. They may refer you to counselling services, or prescribe medication if the condition is affecting your mental wellbeing.
Primary hyperhidrosis is thought to be caused by the part of the nervous system that controls sweating. It can develop at any age, but usually starts during childhood or puberty.
Initially, your GP will recommend a powerful antiperspirant and suggest lifestyle changes, such as wearing loose, light clothes made of natural fibres and avoiding triggers such as alcohol and spicy food. If that doesn’t work, your GP may refer you for an injection of the Botulinum toxin, which temporarily reduces sweating by blocking signals from the brain to the sweat glands.
Another treatment is iontophoresis, where a weak electrical current is passed through areas of the skin prone to excessive sweating. It is not known exactly how iontophoresis works, but theories include a thickening of the skin and disruption to nerve signal transmission.
As hyperhidrosis can be caused by other conditions, it’s worth seeing your GP to rule out any underlying health issues – especially if excessive sweating comes on quickly in adulthood.
Sweating more than normal can be indicative of diabetes, menstruation, pregnancy or menopause, anxiety, hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar level), hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), infection or certain medications. Being overweight can also cause hyperhidrosis.
In some rare cases, surgery might be recommended to treat excessive sweating.
Dr Alexandra Phelan is a working GP and member of the Pharmacy 2U online doctor team. See pharmacy2u.co.uk for details.