Given that a majority of hyperhidrosis patients may have been suffering from it since their early years, a few lucky ones may experience spontaneous relief from its symptoms by the time they reach adulthood. While for most of them, symptoms of hyperhidrosis is a permanent cause of social embarrassment and physical discomfort.

Excessive sweating can either affect the whole body (generalized sweating) or it can be limited to specific body areas where the active eccrine sweat glands are found (localized sweating). Some of the sweat prone areas of the body are the palms, soles, armpit, groin and chest. It can cause the affected skin to appear pink or blue-white, macerated, cracked, or scaly – more so if it involves the palms (palmar hyperhidrosis) and soles (plantar hyperhidrosis).

Sweating is a natural and involuntary body response controlled by the sympathetic nervous system to cool the body. Various stimuli such as heightened emotions (anger, fear, stress, or anxiety) and increased physical activity, make one susceptible to and experience hyperhidrosis symptoms. Likewise, exposure to certain chemicals like nicotine and caffeine (found in foods, drinks, cigarettes, etc.) triggers the production of sweat. However, hyperhidrosis symptoms occur almost spontaneously that even without these stimuli, or perhaps even with the slightest experience of any of these factors, patients sweat profusely.

Hyperactivity of either the sympathetic nerves or eccrine sweat glands is generally accepted as the physiological explanation for excessive sweat production. The reason why they become over-activated is still unknown.

Degree of sweating in hyperhidrosis cases varies from person to person. Most patients can tolerate mild to moderate symptoms.  On the other hand, severe cases are very much a cause of embarrassment and distress especially when their condition does not only bring physical discomfort, but also when it already becomes socially disabling. It is especially alarming when their condition is already taking a heavy toll on their normal daily activities. Patients, for instance, may find it extremely difficult to perform an otherwise very simple job-related task such as typing on the computer keyboard, or holding papers and documents. Some, whose palms are often damp or dripping wet, even hesitate to shake hands. It is not at all surprising if, in the long run, they begin to avoid people rather than suffer from social embarrassment.

Considering the tremendous impact of hyperhidrosis and its symptoms to the lives of a significant number of the affected population, only appropriate medical treatments and interventions should be given to those finding temporary or long-term relief from their condition.

As everyone knows, sweating is a natural way of the body to cool itself and retain internal body temperature. But there are just some people who sweat profusely that their condition has become unmanageable – often a source of social embarrassment, frustration and even distraction, which in turn results to social withdrawal and reduced work productivity.

Hyperhidrosis can be caused by a number of factors. The most common are stress and an overactive sympathetic nervous system. It is the sympathetic nervous system, which controls the millions of sweat glands found throughout the body. A great proportion of these sweat glands are found in the armpits, hands, feet and face, making these the most susceptible to excessive sweating.

Those currently suffering from hyperhidrosis and looking for a cure may find it surprising that far too many treatment approaches are already available. But of course, it will mostly depend on the severity of their condition and which body part is affected.

Patients should be aware that there are natural cures worth exploring before they consider any of the more expensive and invasive approaches like surgery and botox injections. The following may prove to be helpful and effective for certain cases:

Antiperspirants
Antiperspirants are the common treatments used for mild to moderate cases of excessive sweating. Aluminum chloride is the active natural ingredient of antiperspirants that acts to control the production of excessive perspiration by the sweat glands. Of course, it has to be used regularly as it will eventually wear off. Use of antiperspirants three times a week should help manage mild cases, while use of antiperspirants once daily or more should help control moderate sweating. Antiperspirants come in many forms – lotions, creams, or sprays to relieve sweaty underarms, palms or feet These are readily available, convenient, easy to use, and affordable too.

Iontophoresis
In this procedure, mild electric currents are used to stimulate the affected area (usually the hands or feet) while immersed in water. This treatment works to temporarily shut-off the sweat glands. The complete procedure could take about half an hour or longer per session, but helps relieve one from excessive sweating for four weeks or longer. Skin cracking and drying could happen but these are very rare side effects.

Stress Management
Stress is very much to be blamed if one suffers from severe hyperhidrosis.
Stress management techniques practiced regularly such as exercise and meditation should do a good trick. A simpler lifestyle and work-life balance should significantly improve one’s health and well being thereby reducing stress (and sweat!)

Needless to say, above remedies are natural, safe and yet effective. Unlike surgery, botox injections and other invasive procedures – they have no side effects. These may not be permanent cures, but nonetheless help sufferers cope up with their condition. Trying to learn to live with hyperhidrosis – the natural way, is indeed worth the try!