What is Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a
common medical condition characterized by excessive sweating affecting up to 4.8% of the global population. Those who suffer from the condition can sweat 4-5 times more than the average person!
It is often referred to as the “silent handicap”, as people rarely talk about the condition nor seek medical help, which leaves many to suffer in silence. There are a lot of misconceptions about hyperhidrosis. In fact, many do not even realize that excessive sweating is a recognized, treatable medical condition. Some do not even know that there is a word for it!
Primary Hyperhidrosis
Primary hyperhidrosis is a chronic condition that has no known cause (idiopathic). Research indicates that it may be hereditary and linked to an overactive sympathetic nervous system.
Primary hyperhidrosis is generally present and diagnosed in childhood, and almost always before young adulthood. It is localized, meaning it affects one or more specific areas of the body. The most commonly affected areas are the hands,
feet, and
underarms. When more than one area is affected, it is referred to as multifocal hyperhidrosis.
While this condition is non-life-threatening, it can have a
serious impact on an individual’s occupational, physical, emotional, and social life. The condition can take a significant toll on its sufferer, leading them to live and plan their life around the condition, even leading them to completely avoid social interaction and gatherings.
Fortunately, highly effective treatment is available. Iontophoresis is a highly effective non-invasive, needle-free, and drug-free treatment option. Learn more by visiting our
iontophoresis page!
Secondary Hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition or can be a side effect of a medication. If that is the case, then it is referred to as
secondary hyperhidrosis, as it is not of primary origin. It is generalized, meaning it usually affects the whole body. The best course of treatment for this type of hyperhidrosis is to consult a medical professional in order to identify and treat the root cause.
