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As uncomfortable, and sometimes disgusting, as sweat may be, it is a natural and healthy part of life. We sweat in order to cool the body, but excessive sweating can pose problems in your social life and relationships, and even your emotional health. When temperatures rise, the sweat glands kick in to produce more sweat. It can be due to a fever, nervousness, from exercising or it may simply be hot outside. Your diet can even play a key role in how much, or how often, you sweat. So how do you know what is normal and what is not? The amount of sweat considered normal is variable and depends on the demands of the body. People may sweat less than a liter, or up to several liters a day, based on what they are doing. If you are exercising or doing manual labor in a hot climate, expect to sweat a lot - it's normal. Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, on the other hand may require medical attention from your dermatologist. What is Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)? Excessive sweating is also referred to as hyperhidrosis, which means that you sweat more than your body needs you to sweat. For instance, if you sweat while sitting calmly at your desk, that is excessive sweating. If you suffer from hyperhidrosis, your body's ability to cool itself is so overactive that it produces four or five times the amount of sweat that you need with approximately 3% of the population having excessive sweating. Underarm problems tend to start around puberty, while palm and sole sweating may begin earlier, often during childhood. If untreated, these problems may continue throughout your life. Uncontrollable sweating is embarrassing, but with proper help from your dermatologist, excessive sweating can be maintained. When Should You See Your Dermatologist? If you are concerned about your excessive sweating, visit your dermatologist in Boynton when experiencing the following symptoms: * Night sweats: If you wake up in a cold sweat or fund your pillowcase and sheets are damp in the morning.
* Generalized sweating: if you are sweating all over, and not just from your head, face, underarms, groin, hands or feet.
* Asymmetrical sweating: if you notice that you are only sweating from one side of your body, such as one armpit.
* Sudden changes: if sweating has suddenly gotten worse.
* Late onset: if you develop excessive sweating when you're middle-aged or older.
* Symptoms after medication changes: if an outbreak of excessive sweating starts up after you begin a new medication.
* Sweating accompanied by other symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, increased thirst, increased urination, or cough. Even if you are not experiencing these symptoms, talk to your dermatologist if excessive sweating is bothering you or interfering with your life. Remember to bring along a list of the medicines you currently take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements as they may be contributing to how much you sweat. Excessive Sweating Treatments While there may be no cure for excessive sweating, there are ways to help control your symptoms. Some treatment options used to control symptoms include: * Antiperspirants (prescription or over-the-counter)
* Medications
* Botox
* Surgery Surgery is generally reserved for severe cases of hyperhidrosis in which other treatments have been unsuccessful.
Don't sweat the problem. Talk to your dermatologist in Boynton today for proper diagnosis and treatment options. Remember, sweating is a good thing, but too much can be a big problem.
Sean Hartmen writes for leading dermatologist in Boynton, Dr. Barry Kuttner. A board certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist, Dr. Kuttner is accompanied by board certified dermatologist Dr. Kathleen Herne and board certified physician assistant, Kristen Hafner providing the best in quality care available, including excessive sweating in Boynton.
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