Hyperhidrosis, a Disease with Multiple Causes

Hyperhidrosis represents an increase in excess of skin's secretions. The sweat is a normal physiological process by which are eliminated throw skin water, in proportion of 99% and 1% substances (sodium, potassium, chlorine, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, non-nitrogenous substances), representing toxic substances resulted from metabolic processes occurring in the human body. The sweat is controlled by nervous and hormonal mechanisms.

The secretions are the result of perspiratory glands, glands that are found in the deep layer of skin. There are two types of perspiratory glands:

- 2-5 million eccrin glands, distributed throughout the body, predominantly in hands and feet, being more numerous in male. They are influenced by an increase in the internal or external temperature.

- Apocrine glands, which are fewer than the eccrin glands, located axillary, in the genital area, and around the nipple; they begin to function on puberty, being influenced by sexual hormones.

The causes of excessive sweat are multiple, so the treatment of hyperhidrosis should consider each of these factors.

Hyperhidrosis causes

Hyperhidrosis can occur as a defensive reaction of the body in case of exposure to excessive heat, immersion in hot water or intense exercise. It may occur in pathological conditions:

- fever (increase in body temperature over 37 °), accompanied by other characteristic signs and symptoms, depending on the particularities of affection.

- night sweats (pulmonary tuberculosis, bronchitis, rheumatism);

- Neurological and endocrine imbalance: the menopause, as a result of hyper sensitivity (the sweat is abundant and accompanied by waves of heat). Young people who have vegetative disorders, can suffer from face and hands sweat)

- cold sweat, in crisis of pectoral angina, renal colic, biliary colic, agitation, fear, fatigue, intense intellectual effort, being located mainly on the forehead and hands.

The sudden occurrence of hyperhidrosis represents a warning sign, as it can appear in case of myocardial infarction, intoxications, heavy bleeding, seasick, hypoglycemic coma in diabetic patients, sudden increases in blood pressure values.

The hyperhidrosis on particular skin areas requires a special diagnosis. (For example, in case of rickets in children, the sweat is located on the forehead, neck and nose. In case of hyperthyroidism, the sweat is located in the head area. In organic diseases of the nervous system, the sweat is located in the paralyzed part of the body.)

Skin mycoses are associated with hyperhidrosis, causing an unpleasant smell.

Hyperhidrosis Diagnosis

In case of excessive sweat, it is required to consult a doctor. He will analyze the beginning, location, triggering factors, duration and appearance of hyperhidrosis and will make a general and local clinical examination.

The doctor will also ask about the patient's medical history, possibly indicating a current set of tests for a more precise diagnosis. Depending on the data collected, the doctor will initiate a treatment or will advice the patient to consult a specialist (dermatologist, endocrinologist, internal medicine, neurologist, and psychiatrist).

The most modern method of treatment for hyperhidrosis is the injection with botulinic toxin.

Prophylactic measures and hygiene:

- Daily showers with water and soap (preferably antibacterial soaps or soaps with glycerin);

- apply soft deodorants, without alcohol; talcum powder or ointments with zinc sulphate, depending on the case;

- avoid fatigue and stress;

- wear comfortable clothing and footwear, made from natural materials that provide a normal ventilation of the skin, without irritating it;

Phytotherapeutic treatment for hyperhidrosis

Internal use: as a tea, infusion or decoction- a spoon in a cup of water (1-2 liters per day of infusion) of the following plants: sage, walnut and bark leaf, oak leaf, cherry;

External use: baths with tea prepared from the plants listed.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperhidrosis, www.romedic.ro, www.hyperhidrosis.com