Sweating - The Problem of Sweating in excess

Perspiring is a condition which in turn causes excessive sweating. According to research practically 4 percent of the world's human population suffers from indications of hyperhidrosis. Sweaty palms, hands, arms, face and toes can cause embarrassment and social issues. Day-to-day life may become difficult and mingling closely with others an uphill battle. Even so, hyperhidrosis is a fixable condition and does not have to end in social isolation.

In the brain lies the hypothalamus. This part of the brain is in demand of the sweat-related functions. The hypothalamus sends signs to nerves, which send signals to the perspiration glands. These glands then produce sweat. A normal person will only work in conditions of activity or warmth. A person suffering from hyperhidrosis, however, sweats all the time. The sweat glands produce a surplus of sweating.

Hyperhidrosis can be broken into two main categories, such as focal hyperhidrosis or major hyperhidrosis symptoms and generalized perspiring or secondary hyperhidrosis.

Central Hyperhidrosis or Primary Sweating. This type of sweating causes sweating in overabundance of in the arm area (including underarms), hands, ft and face. Focal perspiring is a result of a glitch in the nervous system. The sweating glands are stimulated to produce an excess of sweat.

Generalized Hyperhidrosis or Secondary Hyperhidrosis. Generalized perspiring causes the complete body to break out in sweating in excess. It's the result of certain health problems such as metabolic disorders, neurological disorders and perimenopause.

Hyperhidrosis is a fixable condition. Mild case of hyperhidrosis can be handled by using antiperspirants regularly, wearing loose clothes, staying away from lycra and nylon as well as spicy foods. Also note that antiperspirant won't be the same as deodorants, as antiperspirant stop the secretion of sweat whereas deodorants only mask foul odors. Additionally, if you suffer from sweaty feet, consider changing socks regularly and using baby powder to absorb sweat.

Yet, if you suffer from severe increased sweating you may want to consider seeking professional help. Iontophoresis, for occasion, is a treatment which involves electrical stimulation. The treatment contains about four sessions per week with maintenance every four several weeks. Yet, iontophoresis is time consuming. Also note that it is not encouraged to work with this treatment if you are pregnant or if you have a pacemaker.

One other option is botox shots. This treatment is successful in reducing armpit perspiration. Botox stops the work glands form producing perspiration. However, Botox does have the risk of cold muscles in the inserted area. Also, botox has on off after having a few hours, which means that this is a repetitive treatment.

Arlene Amaler-Raviv is a South African Fine Artist living in Cape Town.