Dear Readers,
A.P. is a 32-year-old female from White House in Westmoreland. She says she has a "terrible perspiration" problem. She sweats excessively. Her hands, underarms and feet are the worst areas. She can't hold paper in her hand as it gets wet and she always carries a rag which she uses to dry her hands continuously. She uses a lot of antiperspirant deodorants under her arms but it doesn't work and her clothes are wet all the time, under the armpits. A.P. says she feels very embarrassed and cannot hold up her arms. She has to sun her shoes from time to time and when she wears sandals she can actually see water running off her feet. A.P. says she is very much in need of Life Line's help.
Perspiration is the body's way of adjusting and maintaining an individual's internal temperature. That is why we sweat when we are hot but not when we are cold. Also, when an individual metabolic rate increases because of increased exercise or stressful situations, the person sweats more. Some people seem to sweat excessively when there seems to be no reason for sweating. This condition is termed hyperhidrosis and can result from overactive sweat glands. In some people the problem is limited to specific sites such as the palms of the hands, the sole of the feet, the armpits, the undersides of the breasts or other areas, or the condition can be generalised, affecting the entire body.
Why localised hyperhidrosis occurs is not well understood but there is thought to be an "emotional" link as the condition worsens in stressful conditions. Generalised hyperhidrosis where excessive sweating affects the entire body can occur secondary to glandular causes such as thyroid gland hyperactivity or adrenal gland hyperfunction. When this excessive sweat mixes with bacteria in the skin as well as with dead cells, the condition can become quite odorous and even more embarrassing.
If the excessive sweating is caused by hormonal or glandular dysfunction the underlying cause would need to be treated to stop the sweating. Physician should be consulted.
For localised perspiration problems the affected area can be treated with an aluminium chloride solution applied at nights and washed off in the mornings which can be obtained from the dermatologist or pharmacist.
When the condition is linked to stress and anxiety, the person can be counselled and treated for a while with anxiolytics.
Occasionally, when sweating from the armpits is really excessive the sweat glands can be surgically removed from the armpits.
When there is excessive odour to the underarms or sweaty, smelly feet, the areas can be kept hair-free and cleaned several times daily with dilute hydrogen peroxide solution to rid the region of bacteria. Antibacterial and antifungal powders can also be applied several times daily.
In individuals, where the application of anti-perspirants help them, the antiperspirant can be applied to hands and feet as well as to the underarm areas. Many antiperspirants also contain aluminium.
Hygiene is important. Bathe daily or twice daily and avoid using heavy lotions which coat the skin thickly and can stimulate perspiration. A water-based lotion is best. Unless the weather is very cool, always dress in lightweight clothing; cotton is a good fabric for clothes. If the condition persists, see a dermatologist.
Several have specific 'in house' treatments for sweaty hands and feet which may require regular weekly visits for a while.
Write to:
Life Line
P.O. Box 1731
Kingston 8
AJM
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