Understanding Hyperhidrosis: The Seriousness and Care of Excessive Sweating

Improve Your Understanding of the Seriousness & Care of Hyperhidrosis with this SWEAT Mnemonic. Approximately 4.8% of the population suffer from excessive sweating but new research, greater understanding, and improved treatments are empowering people to take control and feel better.

The SWEAT Mnemonic

Severe Sweating – Patients with excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis (Hh) experience severe sweating that is often four or five times more than what’s “normal,” or needed, to regulate body temperature or as a reaction to stress. This amount of sweat can be debilitating both physically and emotionally. Patients describe their Hh sweating as dripping, slipping, soaking, chilling, embarrassing, controlling, and damaging.

Wellness Negatively Impacted – Frequently, the impacts of excessive sweating are linked to emotional distress. In research presented at the American Academy of Dermatology Meeting in 2019, the International Hyperhidrosis Society shared sufferer testimonials with common themes of hyperhidrosis (Hh) contributing to feelings of self-harm, anxiety, isolation, and depression. The physical ramifications of Hh include a 300% greater risk of skin infections and 60% of sufferers reporting negative impacts on general health.

Episodic and Erratic – Hyperhidrosis (Hh) symptoms often manifest in episodes that can be unexpected and without explanation and with varying length/degree. The extreme, uncontrollable sweating will likely not be constant, and the episodes are not necessarily related to hot conditions, exercise, or stressful conditions. In fact, 65% of Hh sufferers say Hh is an issue no matter the season or weather.

Impact on Mental Health

Anxiety, Attention Deficit Syndrome and Depression – In a study presented at the American Academy of Dermatology, results showed that among 500 hyperhidrosis (Hh) sufferers, the rates of mental health conditions are significantly higher than those reported in the general population.

With Hh getting in the way of socializing, relationships, and inclusion, helping patients find effective management techniques can be life-changing.

Treatments and Management

Treatments are crucial and available – With effective care, hyperhidrosis (Hh) sufferers experience significant improvements in well-being. Antiperspirants of varying strengths and for different areas of the body are available. Other effective treatment options include:

• Iontophoresis
• Botulinum toxin injections
• Microwave thermolysis of the sweat glands and other localized underarm procedures
• Topical anticholinergics
• Oral anticholinergics

Combinations can be very effective and best practice information is accessible and free through the International Hyperhidrosis Society’s website at SweatHelp.org. November is Hyperhidrosis Awareness Month.