Excess Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
Hyperhidrosis is a condition, often inherited, where the sweat glands are over productive, exceeding the amount normally needed to regulate body temperature. Patient suffering the condition often avoid certain clothes or types of fabric, avoid certain social situations, change clothes frequently and try several anti-perspirant options with little success.
Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) is a medical condition that is treatable. This condition affects millions of people worldwide.
In a recent study, it was estimated that 2.8% of the U.S. population is affected by some form of hyperhidrosis, with about a third of sufferers describing their excessive sweating as barely tolerable or worse.
Sweating hands, underarms, feet or a sweating face can significantly impact one’s self-confidence and make it difficult to meet and interact with others. This affects an individual’s personal life and impacts their productivity at work or school.
Excessive sweating can also be inconvenient and costly. People with hyperhydrosis may have to wash more often, have clothes cleaned more often, and even use special pads to absorb excess perspiration.
Finally, excessive sweating can damage the skin, promote infection and cause unpleasant odours. These outcomes are undesirable from both the medical and social points of view.
Hyperhidrosis, while not a life-threatening condition, is a medical condition that has significant impact on quality of life and productivity. Fortunately, there are now doctors, like Dr. Bonnett, who have a thorough understanding of this condition and how to manage it.
Many Canadians have health insurance to assist with the costs of treating excessive sweating.