As individuals living in today’s modern society, we have some predetermined judgments that we’re waiting to impose on fellow human beings. We wait until we find some sort of behavior that we don’t approve of, and then we make sure that other people know about how we think.
For instance, many of us frown upon those who display symptoms of poor hygiene, one example of which is body odors due to excessive sweating. While poor hygiene, in general, is harmful, excessive sweating in particular, is something that is out of their hands. In fact, it’s a medical condition known as hyperhidrosis, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.
Whether you’re suffering from this condition or you’ve come across someone who is, here are some facts you probably don’t know about hyperhidrosis.
IMAGE: PEXELS
1. It Has Nothing to Do With Hygiene
The first thing you need to know is that hyperhidrosis has nothing to do with hygiene at all. This condition can be the result of primary causes such as overactivity of the nerves that control sweat glands. The secondary causes include the results of other diseases, conditions, or medications.
It has nothing to do with hygiene; not even remotely. It doesn’t give any indication about how many times the person showers, whether or not they use deodorants or the type of food they ingest. As a matter of fact, those who have hyperhidrosis usually go to extreme measures in their hygiene routine to avoid embarrassment, but it rarely does any good in easing the condition.
2. Sweat Can’t Be Controlled
Many of those living with hyperhidrosis get constant remarks about their excessive sweating, exclaiming that they should consider using antiperspirants to eliminate their sweat. But that’s not really how it works; some mild forms can be controlled – to an extent – using antiperspirants, but that’s not the case with more severe conditions.
Hyperhidrosis is also a condition that occurs irrelevant to hot weather or exercise. So if it’s freezing and someone breaks into a sweating episode, it gives room to more remarks about how they should chill and stop being nervous. But here’s what everyone should know: they’re not nervous. They just can’t control the sweat.
3. Different Clothes Materials Can Help
It may seem like no amount of effort or trials can help in easing this condition, but there’s still some hope. Those who suffer from hyperhidrosis would be thrilled to know that a change in their closet can aid with the episodes. While the clothes they wear won’t really stop them from sweating, the type of material they wear can help in decreasing the effects of sweat.
For instance, it’s a pretty common occurrence to get home at the end of the day and take off the sweat-soaked socks, but something that can help with sweaty feet is changing from 100% cotton socks to ones that provide better foot ventilation. Cotton socks, and clothes in general, trap humidity and sweat, which can result in infection and other conditions in the long run. Switching to clothes that offer better ventilation will help in drying the sweat faster and preventing such complications.
4. There Are Some Treatment Options
While the condition is still not quite understood by healthcare experts, there are some treatment options available. The first line of treatment is using aluminum-based antiperspirants, but it only works for some people and not others. Other treatment options include prescription antiperspirants, iontophoresis, Botox injection, or permanent removal of underarm sweat glands using a miraDry device.
5. It Affects All Aspects of Life
Hyperhidrosis is a serious condition that affects all life aspects of those suffering from it. They become hyper-aware of their condition, being forced to take extreme measures in every part of their daily life. It’s pretty common to find them carrying around extra items of clothing to prepare for sweating episodes, investing a lot of money in personal care products, or avoiding social interactions altogether. It takes a heavy mental and emotional toll on many patients, which worsens their mental condition.
6. It Requires Medical Attention
Many of those living with hyperhidrosis don’t really think of it as a medical condition; they just try to control its symptoms. However, if their efforts are all in vain, then it’s a pretty serious condition that requires medical attention. Most of the time, their physician will give them helpful tips on controlling the episodes, but, sometimes, more serious actions should be taken.
It may be viewed as an annoying occurrence, but hyperhidrosis is an under-discussed condition that requires more awareness. It affects all life aspects of its patients, impairing their quality of life greatly. While there are some things that can be done to help in controlling the sweat, seeking medical attention is essential.
If you are interested in even more lifestyle-related articles and information from us here at Bit Rebels, then we have a lot to choose from.
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