*HYPERHIDROSIS: SWEATING BEYOND REASONS* Imagine being in an air-conditioned room, yet your palms are so drenched in sweat. Or picture yourself walking into an event in a scorching weather, and within few minutes, your shirt is soaked as if you ran under the rain. Don’t be quick to blame it on the weather, especially when it’s hot. You might be experiencing *HYPERHIDROSIS.* *WHAT IS HYPERHYDROSIS?* Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive sweating that is usually not related to heat or extreme physical activities like exercise. The condition is caused by overactive sweat glands. Usually, the sweat glands produce sweat when the body is hot to give a cooling effect. In hyperhidrosis, even when the body is cool, it keeps producing more. *TYPES OF HYPERHIDROSIS* 🖊️ Primary or Focal Hyperhydrosis This type is genetic, meaning one may have inherited it from your family. It is the most common form of hyperhidrosis and oftentimes starts before age 25. 🖊️Secondary or Generalized Hyperhidrosis; This type is caused by underlying medical conditions like; Diabetes, hyperthyroidism and certain cancers. This condition can make one sweat unnecessarily while sleeping Secondary hyperidrosis can also occur due to side effects of certain medications in this class ; -Antidepressants -Opioid analgesics -NSAIDs *SYMPTOMS TO LOOK OUT FOR* -Unexplainable reason for sweating -Wetting even when it's cold -Sweating even when you don't engage in activities that trigger sweating -Sweating while resting -The kind of profuse sweating that makes you very uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassed -Being soaked with sweat -Itching due to this sweating pattern -Having body odour due to this sweating -Having cracked and peeling feet *WHAT ARE THE MOST AFFECTED AREAS?* -Armpits -Soles of your feet -Lower back -Forehead -Genitals -Palms *COMPLICATIONS OF UNTREATED HYPERHIDROSIS* -Frequent skin infections ; bacteria thrive in moist environment -Cracked, discolored, or wrinkled skin -Fungal infections ; especially on feet -Severe social anxiety & embarrassment -Difficulty with tasks like writing, gripping objects, or shaking hands *TREATMENT OPTIONS* Based on the type, the symptoms, and the severity, the treatment options may include ; -Medications to control sweating: Agents like anticholinergics, beta-blockers -Botox injections; to temporarily blocks sweat gland activity -Iontophoresis ; use of mild electrical currents to reduce sweating -Surgery ; in severe cases, to cut nerves that overstimulate sweat glands -Treating underlying conditions if it’s secondary hyperhidrosis *PREVENTION & MANAGEMENT TIPS* There are two types and you may not he able to prevent the focal type. But for the secondary type, the best thing is to treat underlying conditions that cause hyperhidrosis; -Using strong antiperspirants -Showering frequently to reduce odor and bacteria buildup -Wearing breathable fabrics -Avoiding known triggers ; spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol -Keeping a handkerchief or absorbent wipes handy Hyperhidrosis is more than mere sweating, it can be a discomforting condition that affects self-esteem and daily life. If you experience these symptoms in yourself or recognize them in someone else, don’t ignore it. Seek medical advice early and take control!