Don’t break a sweat

Dr Prabhat Ranjan Sinha

As summer descends on us, so do accompanying problems of the season, of which a major one is sweating. Sweating is a process which is controlled by the autonomic nervous system. It is a defence mechanism that helps to keep the temperature of body under control. It also helps to maintain the body temperature within a normal range. Sweating occurs when a body is overheated. 

While some amount of sweating is normal in summers, in some cases it can happen in excess. This condition is called hyperhidrosis and is quiet troublesome. It can affect all age groups and both sexes. Although a fairly common problem, people still hesitate to talk about this condition and often do not seek medical help. 

 Hyperhidrosis can occur in any part of the body, including armpits, palms, soles, forehead and others. Excess of sweating creates much trouble while doing daily activities of life. 

For example, sweaty hands can make it difficult to have a tight grip and can create problem while driving etc. Sweating in armpits causes body odour and can leave ugly stains on clothes. Excess sweating keeps the skin moist. This predisposes it to various infections especially fungal and bacterial infections. 

An inability to control this condition produces anxiety and even depression as it affects not only your daily life but can affect your social life too. 

If you think you are seating excessively, consult a skin specialist. Usually a simple test, thermoregulatory sweat test, can help in its diagnosis and help to determine the severity of condition. 

Treatment options  

Iontophoresis: Hands and feet are kept in water and low voltage painless electric current is passied through water which helps in relieving the condition. 

Botulinum Toxin (BOTOX): Useful in controlling sweating from focal areas.

Anticholinergic drugs: These inhibit transmission of autonomic nervous system impulses.

Thoracic sympathectomy: This surgery is only recommended in very, very severe cases. Nerves that are responsible for sweating are cut. 

This is curable problem, so don’t feel embarrassed; just seek medical help for a sweat-free life.

— The writer is consultant, internal medicine, Aakash Healthcare Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi

---

There are many causes of hyperhidrosis 

• Autonomic nervous system dysfunction
•  Some medicine which act on autonomic nervous system like antidepressants, anticolinesterase, propranolol, pilocarpine, etc.
•  Diabetes Mellitus
•  Hyperthyroidism
•  Tumours/Neoplasm      
•  Infection like HIV, Malaria, Tuberculosis
•  Peripheral nervous dysfunction
•  Heart disease
•  Physiological hyperhidrosis during menopause and pregnancy

---

Tips to keep a check

Some lifestyle modification may help in checking this problem. 

• Use to antiperspirant deodorant.
• Use an armpit shield
• Wear loose cotton clothes
• Opt for leather shoes. Avoid the ones made of synthetic material. Wear cotton socks