It is estimated that about 3% of people suffer from a condition called hyperhidrosis, where they sweat much more than they need to — having implications on their quality of life.
We sat down with DIV director and head dermatologist Professor Greg Goodman to discuss options and treatment for excessive sweating.
Q: What exactly is deemed “excessive” when talking about sweating?
GG: People who suffer from excessive sweating are a different group to those who have normal sweating. Their levels are significantly above the population. There is a scale called the IHHS scale, which defines people into 4 groups, with 3&4 being sweating that interferes with daily activity. People take extraordinary measures for this type of sweating, including only wearing certain types of clothing, utilising air blowers in restaurants and cafés, putting paper towel under their armpits and avoiding shaking hands with people.
Q: Are there any Medical conditions that cause hyperhidrosis?
GG: Yes. Diabetes, menopause, thyroid disease and anxiety can all induce sweating. This is slightly different to focal hyperhidrosis, the more typical problematic and common sweating that we are discussing here. Sweating, if it comes on later in life can be a sign of internal malignancy or autoimmune disease and needs to be investigated. However, most hyperhidrosis common forms occur either in late childhood and early adolescence and are consistent through adult life.
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