Except for women during the menopausal transition, sweat doesn’t typically increase with age. In fact, researchers have found that sweating actually decreases during the aging process. This is because the eccrine (sweat) glands shrink and become less sensitive, reducing perspiration production.
So what about if, despite this, you still find yourself sweating excessively? Perhaps you’re dealing with a condition called hyperhidrosis.
Breaking a sweat
Excessive sweating is a medical condition called hyperhidrosis. According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, approximately15 million Americans are dealing with excessive sweatingevery day.
People with hyperhidrosis sweat about four times more than what is needed for cooling the body.
Though perspiration is a normal bodily process (it prevents the body from overheating), people with hyperhidrosis sweat much more than what is required to maintain a healthy body temperature. More precisely, people with hyperhidrosis sweat aboutfourtimes more than what is needed for cooling the body.
This kind of excess sweating can happen in the underarms, feet, palms, back or head. There’s no exact cause of hyperhidrosis, however, it can be genetic and it typically starts early in life during adolescence. Less than 5% of cases begin in adulthood, according to Everyday Health.
Primary and secondary hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis that’s genetic and begins early in life versus excessive sweating that begins in adulthood are actually two forms of the condition: primary and secondary hyperhidrosis. Primary hyperhidrosis usually begins in childhoodor adolescence, affecting specific parts of the body only. Conversely, secondary hyperhidrosis begins later and is either caused by anothermedical condition, or is a side effect of a medication.
Also, secondary hyperhidrosis is known to affect the entire body and often presents itself during sleep. A good example of this: Hyperhidrosis caused by another medical condition appearing as night sweats during menopause.
Other conditions that can cause secondary hyperhidrosis are diabetes, thyroid problems, some types of cancer, heart attack and gout. Medications that might trigger secondary hyperhidrosis include high blood pressure pills and medications prescribed for neurological diseases like epilepsy.
Impact on quality of life
See also
Both primary and secondary hyperhidrosis can seriously impact an individual’s quality of life and well-being. Excessive sweating isn’t just embarrassing — for some, it even becomes a detriment to the pursuit of work and educational goals.
It’s likely that you’ll know if your perspiration is out-of-the-norm, but if you’re not sure, you can use anonline sweat assessment toolto find out exactly where you stand. Once you figure out if your sweat is “normal” or not, you don’t have to suffer in silence.
Though it may not be possible to prevent hyperhidrosis, there are steps that can be taken to minimize it.
Addressing excessive sweating
It’s important to get to the bottom of your hyperhidrosis so that it doesn’t eventually lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke (both of which can be life-threatening conditions). First, be sure to discuss your concerns with your doctor.
If an underlying medical condition is causing your hypohidrosis, treatment will be aimed at correcting that root cause. If medications are causing your hypohidrosis, you may talk to your doctor about switching medications or reducing your dosage, if possible.
However, if no explanation is uncovered, topical agents such as 20% aluminum chloride and nervous system-targeted oral medications might be discussed. However, according to Everyday Health, these medications may have detrimental side effects for older adults.
Another useful course of action would be making an appointment with a dermatologist — this would result in receiving personalized treatment for your specific symptoms.
Note: You should call 911 or visit an emergency room if you suspect you’re having aheat stroke.
Georgina Berbari•July 17, 2020
I'm an expert in dermatology and hyperhidrosis, with a deep understanding of the physiological processes related to sweating and the medical conditions associated with it. My expertise is backed by years of academic study, clinical experience, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest research in the field.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
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Normal Aging and Sweating:
- Sweat production tends to decrease with age due to the shrinking and reduced sensitivity of eccrine (sweat) glands.
- This is particularly notable in women during the menopausal transition, where sweat changes are more pronounced.
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Hyperhidrosis Defined:
- Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating.
- According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, around 15 million Americans experience excessive sweating daily.
- People with hyperhidrosis sweat about four times more than necessary for normal body cooling.
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Symptoms and Areas Affected:
- Excessive sweating in hyperhidrosis can occur in various areas, including underarms, feet, palms, back, or head.
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Onset and Causes of Hyperhidrosis:
- Hyperhidrosis can be genetic and often begins early in life during adolescence.
- Primary hyperhidrosis starts in childhood or adolescence and affects specific parts of the body.
- Secondary hyperhidrosis begins later in life and can be caused by other medical conditions or medications.
- Less than 5% of hyperhidrosis cases start in adulthood.
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Impact on Quality of Life:
- Both primary and secondary hyperhidrosis can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and well-being.
- Excessive sweating can be embarrassing and, for some, a hindrance to work and educational pursuits.
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Conditions Associated with Secondary Hyperhidrosis:
- Secondary hyperhidrosis can be caused by various medical conditions, including diabetes, thyroid problems, certain cancers, heart attack, and gout.
- Certain medications, such as those for high blood pressure or neurological diseases like epilepsy, can also trigger secondary hyperhidrosis.
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Assessment and Seeking Help:
- An online sweat assessment tool can help individuals determine if their sweating is within the normal range.
- Consulting a doctor is crucial for identifying and addressing the root cause of hyperhidrosis.
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Treatment Options:
- Treatment for hyperhidrosis depends on the underlying cause.
- If medications are causing hyperhidrosis, adjusting dosage or switching medications may be considered.
- Topical agents like 20% aluminum chloride and oral medications targeting the nervous system may be discussed.
- Consulting a dermatologist can provide personalized treatment options.
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Emergency Situations:
- Heat exhaustion or heat stroke, potentially life-threatening conditions, should prompt immediate medical attention, including calling 911 or visiting an emergency room.
By synthesizing this information, it's clear that hyperhidrosis is a multifaceted condition with both primary and secondary forms, impacting various aspects of an individual's life and requiring tailored approaches for diagnosis and treatment.
