It’s a Wednesday night and finally you get the chance to sit down with your family and watch a nice relaxing movie together. However, 15 minutes into the movie you notice that your shirt is very damp. Apparently, you have been sweating profusely — again. What does this mean? Well it means that you might have a problem with excessive sweating.
If this sounds like you it might be an indicator that there is an underlying medical problem that needs to be resolved. Excessive sweating can be defined as “going beyond the normal physical need to sweat. If you have hyperhidrosis, you may sweat heavily for no reason.” However, it is also important to realize that everyone has a different body. Some people simply sweat more than others, especially when working out or being under a lot of stress.
There are two types of excessive sweating: localized hyperhidrosis and generalized hyperhidrosis.
Localized Hyperhidrosis
The most common form of excessive sweating is primary focal hyperhidrosis. This condition affects one to three percent of the population and usually begins at an early age. This form of hyperhidrosis comes from either a minor malfunction in the nervous system or through family genetics.
People with this condition will sweat more in specific areas of their body, some of which may include, the underarms, groin, face, hands or feet. While it may be extremely inconvenient this condition is not dangerous. It may interfere with how you live your life, but it won’t cause other illnesses.
Generalized Hyperhidrosis
This condition is characterized by sweating all over the body, and is much more serious. If you sweat excessively at night that could be a sign that you have general hyperhidrosis.
There are some diseases and factors that could trigger this form of hyperhidrosis. Some of them include:
- Menopause
- Pregnancy
- Thyroid Problems
- Diabetes
- Alcoholism
- Infectious Diseases
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Stroke
- Heart failure
- Cancer
- Taking certain medications
If you worry that your excessive sweating is a sign of an underlying medical problem, don’t wait to talk to your doctor and get treatment.
When to See the Doctor?
If you have symptoms similar to localized hyperhidrosis, it is not crucial to see a doctor. However, by meeting with your doctor you can receive solutions that will help you sweat less.
However, if you have any of the following symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor.
- Consistent sweating while sleeping
- Sweating all over the body
- Asymmetrical sweating- sweating on only one side
- Sudden changes in your sweating patterns
- Symptoms after changing your medication
- Excessive sweating accompanied by other symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, increased thirst, increased urination or cough.
Excessive sweating doesn’t need to be a burden. If your condition is influencing you to avoid social situations or participate in activities, come talk to a doctor. There are many safe and easy ways to treat the condition.
Don’t let your sweat glands dictate how you live your life. Come talk to our doctors at Mountain Peaks. They can help you feel confident with your body, no matter where you are. Call us at 801-724-9840 to talk to the professionals. You can make an appointment with one of our award-winning doctors over-the-phone or walk-in.