Hyperhidrosis: beyond excessive sweat production

Do you sweat excessively, even in winter? Do you sweat even when you are not exercising? Does sweating hinder your daily tasks?

Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is excessive sweat production beyond what is necessary to regulate body temperature. This chronic condition affects around 3 % of the general population, reaching values up to 12 % in countries such as Japan.

If you keep reading this article, you will discover:

• The effects of hyperhidrosis beyond excessive sweat production.
• Some tips to improve the quality of life of people with hyperhidrosis.

Hyperhidrosis is more than excessive sweat production

Nearly a third of people with hyperhidrosis say they are “frequently or constantly” bothered by the sweating they experience. A study conducted in the UK in 2017 associated hyperhidrosis with some level of physical discomfort for at least 40 % of participants. This discomfort is related to wearing wet clothes due to sweating, having wet feet, or sweat in the eyes. In addition, managing the symptoms of hyperhidrosis can take an extra 15 to 60 minutes a day.

The daily aspects that can be influenced by hyperhidrosis affect:

1. Lifestyle: choice of clothing, food, difficulty holding phones and books, opening doors, etc.
2. Social life: impacting personal relationships and generating fear of showing oneself in public.
3. Professional life: It may involve a decrease in productivity at work and influence the choice of a specific occupation that fits the level of sweating (prioritizing office jobs to fieldwork).
4. Mental health: hyperhidrosis can be accompanied by feelings of sadness and embarrassment, decreased confidence, and low self-esteem.

Tips to cope with hyperhidrosis

The impact on quality of life is noticeable and sometimes difficult to cope with. Here are some tips to try to reduce the effects of excessive sweating in your daily life:

1. Choose appropriate clothing and footwear. Use breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen. Avoid synthetic materials that trap heat and moisture. Opt for loose-fitting, dark-colored clothing to conceal sweat stains. Avoid occlusive footwear and use absorbent insoles and cotton socks.
2. Maintain good personal hygiene. Use antibacterial soap and deodorant regularly. Consider carrying extra clothes to change into if you feel uncomfortable and change socks and shoes frequently.
3. Keep a healthy eating lifestyle. Some foods and beverages can increase sweating. Avoid excessive caffeine, spicy foods, fatty foods, and alcohol, which can trigger sweating. Choose a balanced diet with fresh, healthy foods.
4. Manage stress. Stress and anxiety can aggravate sweating. Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. You may also consider exercising regularly, which can help reduce stress levels.
5. Seek emotional support. Share your concerns with loved ones or consider joining support groups. Sharing experiences with others who have hyperhidrosis can be helpful and comforting.
6. Use Ecrisens. Excessive sweating on the skin can lead to dyshidrosis and contact dermatitis. It is important to moisturize it with specific skin care products designed for areas with excessive sweating.

Ecrisens, a neurodermatological cream developed by Prospera Biotech, allows for controlling excessive sweating without blocking the pore. It maintains the necessary level of perspiration for skin care while moisturizing and protecting the skin. Its light, gel-like texture allows quick spreading and absorption into the skin. Ecrisens does not stain clothes and is fragrance-free.

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Keywords: hyperhidrosis; excessive sweating; sweat; quality; life

References

1. Hamm H. Impact of Hyperhidrosis on Quality of Life and its Assessment. Dermatologic Clinics. 2014;32(4):467-476.
2. Lenefsky M, Rice ZP. Hyperhidrosis and Its Impact on Those Living With It. The American Journal of Managed Care. 2018;24(23):S491-S495.

Kamudoni P, Mueller B, Halford J, Schouveller A, Stacey B, Salek MS. The impact of hyperhidrosis on patients’ daily life and quality of life: a qualitative investigation. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2017;15(1):121.