Sweating helps the body maintain its temperature. It happens for many reasons, such as exposure to hot weather, physical exertion, eating hot or spicy foods, and psychological states, like fear. In most cases, sweating stops, and the body cools down. However, sometimes, sweating occurs excessively, more than the body needs to cool itself. This condition is called excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis. Here, we discuss the main causes and treatments for excessive sweating.

Causes of excessive sweating
Excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis can be of two types: primary and secondary. We shall understand their causes briefly:

1. Primary hyperhidrosis
In this case, abnormal sweating occurs for no apparent reason. It is just that some people have overactive nerves that trigger the sweat glands to produce more sweat than necessary. The abnormal nerves are linked to the genetics of a person. Scientists have discovered that more than 80 percent of the people who have primary hyperhidrosis develop excessive sweating during puberty.

2. Secondary hyperhidrosis
This type of excessive sweating is triggered by other conditions, such as diabetes, infectious diseases like tuberculosis, or, sometimes, during hormonal changes, such as puberty or menopause.

Treatments for excessive sweating
There are quite a few ways to treat excessive sweating, including:

1. Antiperspirants
Doctors usually recommend prescription-strength antiperspirants, such as applicants or topicals. Besides, there are anti-perspiration powders, sprays, lotions, and even cool cloth wipes that instantly cool the skin. It takes about five to six weeks of antiperspirant treatment to decrease excessive sweating

2. Antiperspirant medications
Extreme sweating can lead to displeasure and complicates daily living. In cases of skin allergies, excessive sweating can become a nightmare. To prevent such vexation, doctors prescribe oral medications to arrest the sweat glands temporarily.

3. Botulinum Toxin or Botox
Botox, known for its cosmetic use, is also used to arrest sweating, particularly in the underarm region. Dermatologists inject small amounts of Botox directly around the armpit area for five days. The method is proven to control underarm sweating successfully for about six months.

4. Iontophoresis
This is a medical technique of introducing ionic medicinal compounds into the body through the skin by applying a low electric current. In this case, the hands and feet are immersed in a bowl of water mixed with the right medicinal compounds that inhibit the sweat glands from secreting sweat.

5. Surgical treatments
When all other methods of treating hyperhidrosis fail, patients resort to surgical methods to remove the sweat glands or shut them via laser, liposuction, or sympathectomy. Sympathectomy is a complex surgical procedure that temporarily collapses one lung to let a mini surgical camera into the chest under the armpit. The camera enables the surgeon to effectively cut or destroy specific nerves that trigger the sweat glands.