Medical Causes of Excessive Sweating

Many people go through life never thinking that there may be a medical cause for why they tend to sweat more than other people. The fact is, excessive sweating is a medical condition known as hyperhidrosis.

Sweating is the body’s natural safety mechanism to protect against overheating, so some sweating is natural. Common triggers that may cause someone to sweat include heat, physical activity, stress, and even spicy foods.

Certain illnesses may cause excessive sweating as well, such as an infection. Other conditions that can lead to sweating include menopause, obesity, etc.
When sweating becomes a problem is when it is excessive, despite the fact that there does not seem to be any triggers. This is when excessive sweating may be caused by a medical condition.

One condition known to cause excessive sweating are overactive sweat glands. When someone has overactive sweat glands they could find that they sweat excessively in various areas of their bodies, such as under the arms, breasts, face, hands, and feet, as well as the groin area.
The most common area of the body to be afflicted with hyperhidrosis are the hands, but often those who have sweaty hands also tend to have sweaty feet. Hyperhidrosis is generally thought to be the result of a genetic abnormality with the central nervous system. The message sent between the brain and the nerve endings to trigger sweating, gets crossed somewhere, resulting in excessive sweating without a physical need to cool the body.

This condition can be inherited from a parent who suffers from the same disorder; therefore if a parent has a problem with hyperhidrosis, it is possible their child may develop the same problem.

When someone has hyperhidrosis, they will easily be able to tell that they are not sweating normally. They will have a problem with damp clothing all day long, even if they are not being physically active and temperatures are cool.
Those with sweaty feet will find that they go through socks and shoes quickly because they become rotted due to constant moisture, and they will also have a problem with fungus on the feet.

When someone’s hands sweat excessively, the palms of the hands will be constantly moist. There may be a problem with holding objects, and if the problem is really severe, they may actually see sweat dripping from the hands.

With excessive sweating in the underarm area, a person will have stained shirts and odor. Frequently the shirt will become soaked, not just right under the arms but also down the sides of the shirt.

Today, there are several treatments options available for those who suffer from hyperhidrosis; these treatments include topical medicine, as well as oral medication, and even surgery.

If you feel that you sweat more than what is normal, talk with your healthcare provider about the possibility that you may suffer from hyperhidrosis.  You can also check out 'Stop Sweating, Start Living' for a natural solution to your problem.