Do you shy away from certain shirts because you sweat easily and are afraid of sweat stains?
Do you avoid shaking hands because your palms are always wet from excessive sweating?
Do you wake up in the middle of the night with your sheets soaked from sweating?
You’re not alone! Excessive sweating affects about 2.8% of Americans – that’s equal to about 7.8 million people! While you may assume that sweating is caused by “being hot all of the time,” excessive sweating can point to many medical causes. Here are a few of the main ones that can cause excessive sweating:
Hyperhidrosis:
If you find that your excessive sweating is in a more localized point such as underarms, groin, face, hands or feet you could have Focal Hyperhidrosis. Secondary General Hyperhidrosis is the less common form that causes sweating all over the body, not just localized to hands or feet. This usually leads to a more serious medical condition. A common symptom of Secondary General Hyperhidrosis is night sweats.
While hyperhidrosis (general or focal) is a medical condition, it is not a sign of a more serious disease or even a drug interaction. People who have hyperhidrosis tend to be healthy, as their symptoms are not related to another disorder.
Hyperthyroidism:
Hyperthyroidism is a condition where there are too many thyroid hormones being produced in the body. With the over production of thyroid hormones, the body’s chemical production is in overdrive which could possibly cause excessive sweating. A simple blood test can be taken to check your thyroid levels to see if you have a problem with your thyroid.
Anxiety:
Extreme cases of anxiety and stress is also a leading cause for excessive sweating. When stressed, the body’s internal temperature will rise, which leads to sweating. Oftentimes, it is easy to figure out if anxiety or stress is causing your sweating issues. Next time you find yourself sweating, ask yourself if you are feeling anxious or stressed about anything. Learning to relax or utilizing breathing techniques can help keep your anxiety to a minimum. If you are unable to control your anxiety, you should consider speaking with your primary care physician about additional techniques to help you control your anxiety. Once you are able to reduce your anxiety or stress, you should notice a reduction in your sweating.
Luckily, there are over-the-counter treatments, as well as prescription options available to help you reduce excessive sweating. If you feel that you are excessively sweating, we encourage you to call our office today to schedule a consultation to see how we can help you!
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussion about medical, cosmetic, mohs, and surgical dermatology. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed dermatologist or other health care worker.