Excessive Sweating- Could it signify an underlying illness
Lifestyle diseases have become common nowadays due to most of us leading a sedentary lifestyle. It is important to keep a track of certain symptoms to diagnose the disease before the condition becomes critical. Excessive sweating is one such symptom which could be due to a medical condition. Generally, a certain amount for sweat being expelled is not only normal but good for the body too. But a few people experience excessive sweat without being feverish or having indulged in any physical activity. This can either be due to a genetic condition or other underlying medical conditions.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing excessive sweating, then here are a few things you should know. 

What is excessive sweating?
Excessive sweating is caused by a disorder called Hyperhidrosis. It can occur in any situation and does not need a particular trigger. Sometimes other medical conditions are a reason for excessive sweating.

What are the different types of excessive sweating?

• Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis: In this case sweating mainly occurs on the hands, feet, head, and underarms. This happens from childhood itself and approximately 30 to 40 percent of people suffering from this type of hyperhidrosis have a family history of excessive sweating.
• Secondary generalized Hyperhidrosis: This type of excessive sweating is caused by a medical condition or due to a side effect of the medications. It occurs in the entire body and even while the person is asleep.

What are the different causes of excessive sweating?
Various causes which lead to this situation can be categorized as:

• Hyperthyroidism: Having a thyroid condition can lead to excessive sweating as hyperthyroidism speeds up the chemical processes in the body.
• Cancer: Types of cancers like Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukemia, bone cancer, liver cancer etc. could be the reasons for excessive sweating.
• Few Medications: Some medications like psychiatric drugs, medication for high blood pressure, antibiotics etc.
• Menopause: Menopausal women can suffer from hot flashes.
• Psychiatric problems: High stress and anxiety disorders can be the causes of excessive sweating in some cases.

What are the different symptoms of excessive sweating?
Symptoms of excessive sweating are:

• The occurrence of excessive sweating persistently for at least 6 months without any reason.
• The occurrence of sweating on both sides of the body in similar amounts.
• Sweating during sleep.
• Having a family history of hyperhidrosis.
• Excessive sweating in a young person without any physical activity.
• Consistent sweating in one part of the body without any reason.

How is excessive sweating diagnosed?

• A starch-iodine test is performed on the area where the sweat is concentrated. If the starch turns dark blue, then you are suffering from excessive sweating.
• A paper test can also be performed to test excessive swearing. A special paper is placed on the sweaty area. Once it has absorbed the sweat, it is weighed and a higher weight means that you have hyperhidrosis.
• A thermoregulatory test is also performed sometimes to test for excessive sweating. A special powder applied to the test area changes color due to moisture content if the patient has an excessive sweating disorder.

What are the treatment options for excessive sweating?

Once the reasons for excessive sweating have been identified the doctor will prescribe appropriate treatment options for you. The treatment prescription may include:

• Antiperspirant: Doctors can prescribe antiperspirant that contains aluminum chloride. This medication is used to treat mild cases of hyperhidrosis.
• Iontophoresis: In this procedure, low-level electric currents are passed through your hands, feet, armpits etc. to block the sweat glands temporarily.
• Anticholinergic drugs: These drugs are effective in providing relief from excessive sweating. These help in preventing the chemical acetylcholine from working and hence less sweat is produced.
• Botox: Botox injections are used to cure severe hyperhidrosis. Several injections are needed for this process to become effective.
• Surgery: If sweating occurs only in armpits then a simple surgery to remove the sweat glands can be performed to cure hyperhidrosis.

Make sure you consult your doctor before taking any kind of over-the-counter medication for excessive sweating.