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.

In some rare cases, individuals who are afflicted with severe Facial Blushing may develop an anxiety condition referred to as Social Phobia. This condition is caused by the hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system. The condition also often causes the skin to appear greasy. It may take place alone or in tandem with severe sweating of the face.

Small rises in temperature and/or humidity are stimuli for facial sweating. Severe facial sweating typically covers the entire scalp and face. Severe Facial perspiration is found in both males and females. People with this condition find themselves drenched with perspiration on the face and scalp while doing the simplest tasks. Women with this condition are usually constrained to wear their hair short and they cannot wear makeup because it runs whenever they sweat. The wearing of towels around the neck is not an unusual practice for individuals with this particular disorder. Contrary to popular belief, hyperhidrosis is assumed to be a genetic trait and has no bearing to being obese.

The profuse perspiration frequently causes awkwardness and irritation to those who suffer from this condition. It is also very hard to explain it to those who are not familiar with it. Many sufferers eventually shy away from social functions and prefer to just stay in very cold, climate controlled rooms. The uncontrolled and discomforting condition of profuse facial perspiration and blushing can be successfully cured with Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy or ETS. The procedure has been observed to have a success rate of about eighty to eighty-five percent. The same particular surgery is normally done to treat severe hand and undearm sweating.

We specialize in the control of Severe Facial Sweating and Blushing as well as Extreme Underarm Sweating, Profuse Feet Sweating and Profuse Sweating of the hands. We have successfully mastered tried and proven techniques ranging from the non-invasive to minor and major surgeries. Our patients are the testament to our great care and attention to detail in alleviating this disorder.

Hyperhidrosis can manifest itself in many forms. Excessive facial perspiration is only one of them. When this condition happens it extends to more than just the face. It also affects the scalp and the neck. When the scalp is affected by profuse perspiration, the hair tends to look oily and dirty. Although this condition is identified as severe facial sweating, the unfavorable effect of this condition is also adverse when it comes to the hair. Blow drying the hair may prove to be a difficult chore to those who are afflicted with this particular disorder

Many medications are used to effectively treat facial hyperhidrosis. Robinul and Sympathectomy are observed to be the best in treating this condition. They may be used individually or in combination when treating extreme facial blushing.

Axillary sweating may occur by itself or in combination with any or all of the different kinds of hyperhidrosis disorders, such as in the palms, feet, or face. People afflicted by this disorder are discouraged from wearing particular clothes, materials and colors because the sweat leads to staining and deterioration of the fabric.

Profuse armpit perspiration can turn out to be an exasperating dilemma for those suffering from this condition. Axillary hyperhidrosis manifests itself through increased armpit sweat production and this is prompted by the sympathetic nervous system. A malfunction in the nerves controlling underarm sweat glands results in excessive sweat production. Axillary hyperhidrosis is at times triggered by external factors such as anxiety, psychological stress and tiredness. However, this is not a rule and there are still no evidently identified stimuli that set off unwarranted armpit perspiration.

Individuals suffering from axillary hyperhidrosis sometimes result to wearing clothes in layers, such as donning a jacket over a shirt. This way, the individual may conceal his shirt in case axillary hyperhidrosis kicks in at a bad time. It’s not uncommon for sufferers to have to change their upper garments two or three times a day, sometimes even more, due to the persistent sweating condition. Women suffering form axillary hyperhidrosis also shun garments made of delicate fabrics such as silk, since sweat marks tend to be very noticeable in such fabrics. Whatever the occasion, axillary hyperhidrosis is a cause for embarrassment for the sufferer, and may make him/her less socially secure.

This condition frequently starts during teenage years. There are, however, some cases that occur before puberty. Kids with axillary hyperhidrosis are at risk of social withdrawal at a very early age, as the other kids may find their condition a tempting target for teasing. The teasing often triggers a vicious cycle that intensifies the anxiety endured by kids during this phase, leading to a feeling of hopelessness. The idea that there is no answer to or escape from their embarrassing medical condition may lead to withdrawal and isolation, making recovery even more difficult.

People with axillary hyperhidrosis sometimes do not have the strength to open up and discuss their condition even with their own family. This is because they think that they are the only ones afflicted by this disorder. There have been instances when parents only learn about their children’s suffering after the condition has been hampering their social lives for a number of years. It’s advisable to seek professional help immediately when parents detect a lack of social interaction, grief, and low self-esteem in their child.

Treatment of hyperhidrosis often entails correcting the malfunction of the sympathetic nervous system. Surgery to remove overactive sweat glands may also be the solution. Dermatologists are well-equipped to ascertain the most suitable treatments for axillary hyperhidrosis, as well as administering such treatments.