How to reduce excessive sweating?

Excessive sweating. It’s a natural bodily function, essential for regulating temperature and keeping us cool. But for some people, sweating goes beyond a healthy response to heat or exertion – it becomes excessive and disruptive, leading to a condition called hyperhidrosis.

If you find yourself constantly battling embarrassing sweat patches, leaving damp handshakes in your wake, or feeling self-conscious about sweat dripping down your face, you might be one of the millions living with hyperhidrosis. In this post, we are going to explore the causes of hyperhidrosis, and discover the strategies we have at Sisä Skincare to manage this often-misunderstood condition.

The Science of Sweat: Keeping Our Cool

Sweat is produced by eccrine glands located throughout our skin. When our body temperature rises, or during physical activity, these glands release sweat onto the skin’s surface. As the sweat evaporates, it cools us down.

There’s another type of sweat gland, the apocrine gland, found primarily in areas like the armpits and groin. Apocrine glands are activated by emotions like stress or anxiety, and the sweat they produce has a stronger odour.

Understanding Excessive Sweating

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterised by excessive sweating that goes beyond what’s necessary for regulating body temperature. It can affect specific areas like the armpits, hands, feet, face, or scalp, or it can be generalised, impacting larger areas of the body.

There are two main types of hyperhidrosis:

• Primary Hyperhidrosis: This is the most common type, often starting in childhood or adolescence. It’s not caused by any underlying medical condition and is thought to be related to a dysfunction of the nervous system that overstimulates the sweat glands.
• Secondary Hyperhidrosis: This type develops as a result of an underlying medical condition, medication, or hormonal changes. For example, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or menopause can cause secondary hyperhidrosis.

The Causes of Hyperhidrosis: Unveiling the Triggers

While the exact cause of primary hyperhidrosis is unknown, several factors are thought to play a role:

• Genetics: Hyperhidrosis can run in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition.
• Nervous System: An overactive sympathetic nervous system, responsible for the “fight-or-flight” response, can trigger excessive sweating.

Living with Hyperhidrosis: Beyond Embarrassment

Hyperhidrosis can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. The constant worry about sweating can lead to social anxiety, affecting work, relationships, and even daily activities.

Here are some of the challenges people with hyperhidrosis face:

• Social Anxiety: The fear of sweating in public can lead to social withdrawal and avoidance behaviours.
• Emotional Distress: The frustration and embarrassment associated with excessive sweating can take a toll on mental well-being.
• Skin Irritation: Constant dampness can lead to skin irritation, particularly in areas like the armpits and groin.

Combating the Sweat: Strategies for Managing Hyperhidrosis

At Sisä Skincare, we have several options for managing hyperhidrosis, and the best approach depends on the severity and location of the sweating. Here are some strategies to explore:

• Antiperspirants: Clinical-strength antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride can be very effective in managing underarm sweating.
• Sweat-Absorbing Products: Using absorbent pads for areas like the hands, feet, and underarms can help manage moisture and reduce odour.
• Clothing Choices: Natural, breathable fabrics like cotton can help absorb sweat and keep you feeling cooler.
• Relaxation Techniques: Managing stress and anxiety, which can trigger sweating, is crucial. Techniques like deep breathing or meditation can be beneficial.

Sisä Skincare Treatment Options

For more severe cases of hyperhidrosis, there are additional treatment options available. Our most popular Morpheus8 RF treatment offers some potential benefits in specific cases. Here is how:

• Reduced Pore Size: As mentioned earlier, Morpheus8 uses microneedling. This process creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin, triggering collagen production and some skin tightening. In theory, this tightening effect may help shrink the size of sweat gland pores, potentially reducing the amount of sweat reaching the surface of the skin.
• Disrupted Signalling: The radiofrequency (RF) energy component of Morpheus8 may offer some additional benefits. The heat from the RF energy can potentially disrupt the nerve signals that stimulate sweat production in the treated area. However, more research is needed to confirm this specific effect for hyperhidrosis.