What is Hyperhidrosis?
Excessive sweating is a condition characterized by abnormally increased perspiration, in excess of that required for regulation of body temperature. Some patients experience a distinct reduction in the quality of life. They feel at a loss of control because perspiration takes place independent of temperature and emotional state. However, anxiety can exacerbate the situation for many sufferers. A common complaint of patients is that they get nervous because they sweat, then sweat because they are nervous.
Excessive sweating can either be generalized or localized to specific parts of the body. Hands, feet, axillae, and the groin area are among the most active regions. Primary hyperhidrosis usually starts in childhood and may increase during adolescence It seems to be genetic. Facial blushing is associated with sweating in 10% of sufferers.
Hyperhidrosis is caused by malfunctioning of the sympathetic nervous system or disorders of the sweat glands.
Social Effects
Excessive sweating affects many routine activities. Things like driving, taking tests and simply grasping objects are severely hampered by sweaty hands. In addition, many careers present challenges for excessive sweating sufferers, such as for cook/chefs, doctors, and people working with computers. However, it is the social embarrassment that most excessive sweating sufferers find most troubling.
Some sufferers avoid situations where they will come into physical contact with others. Interviews, a common source of anxiety for many people, are particularly harrowing for excessive sweating patients. Sadly, it is the handshake before and after the interview that they will be stressing most about.