Skin and Venereal Diseases Specialist Dr. Adem Özdemir said that excessive sweating, known as hyperhidrosis, is a disease that can harm a person's social life and negatively affect the quality of life.
Dr. Özdemir also touched on whether excessive sweating is a sign of a disease. Stating that sweating is a natural response to the increase in body temperature, Dr. Özdemir said, “It is normal to sweat during situations such as hot environment, physical exercise, anxiety and fear. However, if excessive sweating occurs without these situations, if it adversely affects the person's mental state, prevents social life, determines the choice of clothing or reduces school and work efficiency, treatment may be required.”
“Hyperhidrosis is rare”
OFM Antalya Hospital Skin and Venereal Diseases Specialist Dr. Adem Özdemir stated that hyperhidrosis, which is common in the society, can affect all ages and genders. Dr. Özdemir stated that the disease can be seen in a limited area of the body or in more than one area and this condition is called “limited hyperhidrosis” and “diffuse hyperhidrosis”. He said that limited hyperhidrosis is the most common type and usually starts in childhood or adolescence. “Palms, soles of the feet, armpits, scalp and neck areas are affected. Sweating can be continuous or triggered by emotions such as tension, embarrassment and excitement. Diffuse hyperhidrosis is characterized by increased sweating in all parts of the body. It can be caused by infections, diabetes, hormonal diseases such as overactive thyroid gland, nerve damage, gout, obesity, menopause and some medications.”
“Cotton fabrics provide comfort as they have the ability to absorb sweat”
Dr. Özdemir stated that sweat is actually an odorless liquid, but in case of excessive sweating, the number of bacteria in the feet and armpits may increase and this may lead to bad odor. Stating that the diagnosis of hyperhidrosis is made by dermatologists and some tests can be performed when necessary, Dr. Özdemir also mentioned the treatment options: “Treatment options include drugs applied to the skin surface, iontophoresis, botulinum toxin injections, surgical interventions and oral medications. It is very important to wear underwear made of sweat absorbent fabric (100 percent cotton). Cotton fabrics provide comfort as they have the ability to absorb sweat. It is necessary to wear wide-cut clothes made of natural, non-synthetic yarns. It is very important to wear ventilated shoes and to ventilate the shoes after taking them off. It is necessary to use 100 percent cotton socks with sweat-absorbing properties, daily sock change, monosodium glutamate, caffeine-containing foods, intense spicy foods and alcohol consumption should be avoided.”
