Armpit hyperhidrosis - symptoms and treatment, effective remedies for hyperhidrosis

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Armpit hyperhidrosis - symptoms and treatment, effective remedies for hyperhidrosis
Armpit hyperhidrosis - symptoms and treatment, effective remedies for hyperhidrosis
Anonim

Armpit hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis of the armpits is profuse sweating in the armpits, which has no connection with physical factors (high physical activity, overheating, elevated ambient temperature, etc.). With hyperhidrosis, the sweating process is so intense that it significantly impairs the quality of human life.

Hyperhidrosis - what is this disease?

Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating of a certain part of the body or the trunk as a whole. Hyperhidrosis can be a congenital feature of the body, or it can develop as a result of another disease, for example, against the background of obesity, tuberculosis or thyroiditis. The word hyperhidrosis comes from two Greek derivatives: "hyper" and "hidros", which means "excessive" and "sweat".

If a person is absolutely he althy, then his sweating will increase, provided that the ambient temperature rises above +20 °C Celsius. Psycho-emotional stress (stress, excitement, fear), physical work, consumption of a significant amount of water also become triggers for increased sweat separation.

Hyperhidrosis of the armpits is a local increase in sweating. Similar pathological manifestations include excessive sweating of the palms, forehead or feet. The second name for armpit hyperhidrosis is axillary hyperhidrosis. In addition to the fact that the process of sweat separation itself is enhanced, there is also a change in its smell, which becomes fetid.

According to available statistics, about 2% of the world's population suffers from hyperhidrosis. Although doctors say that this indicator can be much higher, since not every person with a similar feature of the body turns to specialists for help. More often, hyperhidrosis is observed in women, which is explained by their increased emotionality and instability of the hormonal background in certain life periods. A large part of people with hyperhidrosis are teenagers, since it is in the transition period that the maximum activity of sweat and sebaceous glands is observed. After the age of 50, this problem becomes less and less urgent, as the sweat glands begin to work worse.

Despite the seeming frivolity of the problem, it can cause a person severe discomfort. Knowing about such a feature of the body, a woman or a man will constantly be in anticipation that sweating will increase at the most inopportune moment for this, for example, in a crowded place. Constant stay in nervous tension leads to the fact that the problem is aggravated. As a result, a vicious circle is created, from which it is almost impossible to find a way out on your own. If a person develops local hyperhidrosis, and he does not find objective reasons for this, then one should not delay contacting a doctor. The fact is that this pathology may indicate the development of serious diseases.

Symptoms of Hyperhidrosis

Symptoms of hyperhidrosis
Symptoms of hyperhidrosis

The symptoms of hyperhidrosis are obvious - this is excessive sweating of the armpits, which has no obvious relationship with internal or external factors. As a result of increased sweating, characteristic stains remain on clothes. The skin, with insufficient care for it, will be constantly irritated. This, in turn, will lead to the development of dermatitis.

Often, with hyperhidrosis, a person simply does not physically have time to take care of his clothes and body. It is known that sweat is a favorable environment for the development of bacteria and fungi. Therefore, it is not surprising that an unpleasant odor will come from a person.

In addition, scientists have proven that if hyperhidrosis exists in a person for a long time, then the number of sweat glands increases. Changes in the chemical composition of sweat lead to an increase in its stench. It is the sharp and unpleasant odor emanating from sweat that is the main symptom of armpit hyperhidrosis. To cope with it, often, no deodorants help. An unpleasant smell becomes noticeable not only for the patient himself, but also for his environment. To get rid of it, a person is forced to change clothes several times a day, take a shower, constantly look for a secluded place to take hygiene measures. In some cases, this leads to social isolation and isolation, which is especially true for teenagers.

Causes of hyperhidrosis

Causes of hyperhidrosis
Causes of hyperhidrosis

To understand the causes of hyperhidrosis, it is necessary to understand the specifics of sweating in general. This process is a natural mechanism for protecting the body from overheating, it is also aimed at cleansing it from toxic compounds, decay products, excess water and s alts. Sweat comes out through the sweat glands, which are attached to the subcutaneous fat. Most of the sweat glands are concentrated in the armpits. There are also a lot of them on the palms and feet. Sweat is almost entirely water. About 1-3% in it is represented by s alts and complex organic compounds. The concentration of these substances in different people is different, which causes differences in the odor emanating from sweat.

Hyperhidrosis can be either primary or secondary. The primary form of pathology is most often recorded in the pubertal period. It is diagnosed in no more than 1% of people. Secondary hyperhidrosis is the result of various disorders in the body. It can provoke diseases of the endocrine, nervous and somatic systems. Even the oncological nature of the disease, leading to increased sweating, cannot be ruled out.

So, the causes of generalized hyperhidrosis can be:

  • Hormonal disorders in the body during puberty.
  • Hormonally dependent diseases: diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, pheochromocytoma, carcinoid syndrome.
  • Diseases of a neurogenic nature.
  • Stress, nervous strain. In this case, an excessive release of hormones (adrenaline and norepinephrine) occurs in the body. They have a stimulating effect on the central nervous system, as a result of which the sweat glands receive a command to work actively. In this case, we can talk about psychogenic hyperhidrosis.
  • Disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system as a result of a malfunction in the functioning of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for sweating.

This can happen as a result of the following failures:

  • Injuries of the spinal cord and brain;
  • Family dysautonomy;
  • Diencephalic syndrome of the newborn;
  • Parkinson's disease;
  • Epilepsy;
  • Vegeto-vascular dystonia.
  • Acute infectious diseases, body poisoning.
  • Pregnancy and lactation.
  • Mopa.
  • Inappropriate cosmetics and deodorants.
  • Taking certain medications such as Acyclovir, Insulin, Aspirin, antidepressants, etc.
  • Eating errors. Sweating can be increased by extractives found in meat, mushrooms, fish, spices, spirits, tea and coffee.
  • High levels of catecholamines in the body. These substances regulate the transmission of impulses along the nerve tables. A jump in catecholamines is observed during intense physical exertion, against the background of intense pain (regardless of its cause), with pathologies of the heart and with respiratory failure.
  • Wearing clothes made of synthetic materials.

There can be many reasons for the occurrence of generalized armpit hyperhidrosis. To establish what exactly influenced the development of this pathology, you need to contact the doctor.

Diagnosis

Diagnostics
Diagnostics

To diagnose hyperhidrosis, you need to contact a general practitioner or dermatologist. The doctor will perform a survey of the patient, examine him. This will allow him to suggest one or another cause of the pathological condition and prescribe treatment. In some cases, consultation of other narrow specialists (neurologist, endocrinologist, oncologist) is required.

If hyperhidrosis has a psychogenic basis, then it will be possible to trace its beginning, which is often closely associated with psychological trauma. Sweating in such patients increases in minutes of nervous strain, or at night. Periods of remission are observed against the background of emotional calm. In addition to the armpits, the face, feet and palms are intensely sweating.

If a person has primary hyperhidrosis, that is, one that develops against the background of congenital disorders of the sympathetic nervous system, then a number of signs will indicate this. Hyperhidrosis in this case manifests itself in childhood or adolescence, a similar situation can be traced in other family members. Connection with emotional overexcitation and increased sweating is not observed. In addition to the armpits, primary hyperhidrosis can occur on the feet and hands.

If hyperhidrosis occurs not only in the armpits, but throughout the body, then we can suspect the endocrine nature of the pathology. At night and in the evening, sweating intensifies, and so much so that a person is forced to constantly change clothes. Possible redness of the skin of the body and face.

Laboratory tests given to a patient with hyperhidrosis:

  • General and biochemical blood tests.
  • Fluorography.
  • Blood test for thyroid hormones, glucose levels, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis.
  • Complete urinalysis.

Qualitative and quantitative assessment of the discharge of sweat helps to carry out the following studies:

  • Minor's test makes it possible to determine the boundaries of the area that is characterized by excessive sweating. The skin is thoroughly dried, and then a solution of iodine and starch is applied to them. Those places where the zones with hyperactive glands are located will be painted in black and blue. This procedure is performed when surgery is planned.
  • To be able to choose the optimal treatment and diet, it is necessary to study the chemical composition of sweat. This procedure is called chromatographic analysis.
  • A sheet of filter paper is applied to the armpits to determine the amount of sweat per minute. This method is called gravimetric. It allows you to assess the severity of hyperhidrosis.

Paying enough attention to the questioning of the patient and the methods of diagnosing hyperhidrosis, the doctor will be able to accurately determine the cause of the pathology and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Hyperhidrosis treatment

Treatment of hyperhidrosis
Treatment of hyperhidrosis

Treatment for hyperhidrosis can be conservative or surgical. However, before proceeding with the description of these methods, it is necessary to give people with this pathology a few practical recommendations.

Firstly, great attention should be paid to the rules of personal hygiene. Shower should be taken every day. Sometimes this will even need to be done several times a day. To enhance the effect of hygiene procedures and to eliminate unpleasant odors, you can wipe the armpits with infusion of chamomile or oak bark.

Secondly, the use of deodorants is a must in the fight against bad smell.

Thirdly, clothes should be made only from high-quality natural materials that allow air to pass through and absorb moisture well.

Fourthly, spicy, hot, fatty foods, spices and alcohol should be excluded from the diet. Fresh onions and garlic, various spices enhance the unpleasant smell of sweat.

Conservative treatment of hyperhidrosis comes down to the following methods:

  • Psychotherapeutic impact. The main method of psychotherapeutic influence is hypnosis. It is used to eliminate a wide variety of neurological problems. The easier it is for a person to control his own emotions, the faster he will get rid of hyperhidrosis.
  • Medication treatment:
  • Belladonna preparations with Atropine are prescribed for hyperactive sympathetic nervous system.
  • Herbal sedatives and tranquilizers are recommended for patients with hyperexcitability of the nervous system.
  • Botox injections.
  • Using antiperspirants. Antiperspirants have a local effect, since they contain zinc s alt, aluminum s alt, salicylic acid, etc. All these substances help to reduce sweating by clogging the ducts of the sweat glands. However, with hyperhidrosis, antiperspirants should be used with extreme caution, since the narrowing of the sweat glands can be accompanied by tissue swelling, dermatitis and allergic reactions.
  • Physiotherapeutic treatment of hyperhidrosis. Coniferous baths, contrast showers, electric sleep, electric current treatment can be used in complex treatment.

However, it must be taken into account that all conservative methods are aimed only at achieving remission for a period of several hours (when using antiperspirants) up to 6 months (when using botulinum toxin). The problem can be radically solved only by resorting to the help of a surgeon.

As for surgical treatment, modern medicine suggests the use of the following methods:

  • Performing armpit liposuction.
  • Curettage of the armpit area.
  • Excision of armpit skin.

It should be borne in mind that any surgical methods are associated with certain risks, so you need to resort to them only when hyperhidrosis really worsens the quality of life, and treatment with more gentle methods does not bring lasting results over time.

Treatment of hyperhidrosis with Botox

Botox treatment for hyperhidrosis
Botox treatment for hyperhidrosis

Botulinum toxin is injected into the armpits and blocks the transmission of nerve impulses to the sweat gland. As a result, sweating is reduced, but water and heat exchange of the skin is not disturbed. This treatment method is widely practiced in modern beauty parlors.

Before starting the procedure, all hair is removed from the armpits, after which iodine solution and starch are applied to the skin in the treatment area. This will tint the sweat glands in a dark color. Then the armpits are disinfected and marking points are placed where the drug will be injected. For injection, a thin needle is used, which is injected shallowly. Punctures are made at a distance of 1-2 cm from each other. To reduce pain, an anesthetic cream is applied to the skin.

The procedure itself is not long in time and does not take more than 50 minutes. Already after two days, sweating will significantly decrease, and after a week it will stop altogether (we are talking exclusively about the treatment area). The effect, on average, lasts 6 months, although sometimes it stretches for a year. In the future, the procedure will need to be repeated. Its cost is equivalent to 40,000 rubles (average price).

Botox treatment of hyperhidrosis is contraindicated, provided that it is caused by any underlying disease. You can not carry out the procedure in the case when there is an inflammatory process in the armpits, myasthenia gravis and hemophilia. It is also contraindicated to carry a child, taking certain antibacterial drugs and breastfeeding.

As for the restrictions after the procedure, you should refrain from visiting the sauna and bath, from taking hot baths and active sports.

The introduction of Botox is most often not associated with any complications. However, in some cases, small bruises and muscle weakness of the upper limbs may appear, which disappears after a short time.

Hyperhidrosis laser treatment

Treatment of hyperhidrosis with a laser
Treatment of hyperhidrosis with a laser

Laser treatment of hyperhidrosis is one of the innovative techniques in the modern cosmetology industry. The cells of the sweat gland are affected by a laser beam, which contributes to its complete blockage. As a result, the gland loses its efficiency. Hyperhidrosis is permanent, no additional procedures are required.

The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting. Local anesthesia is enough to eliminate all discomfort in the patient. Under the control of a microscope, a cannula with a laser beam is inserted into the skin of the armpits, which affects the gland. The patient does not spend more than half an hour in the cosmetologist's office.

The procedure is not associated with any complications. After that, there are no bruises, the tissues do not heat up during processing. Moreover, laser exposure allows you to additionally disinfect the treatment area. Therefore, in just one procedure, you can permanently get rid of a problem that has tormented you for a long time.

Curettage

curettage
curettage

Curettage is a local effect on the sweat glands of the armpits, in which the destruction of nerve endings and the removal of sweat glands occur. This method is used by plastic surgeons.

Before the procedure, a Minor test is performed to accurately determine the area of influence. The area to be treated is then anesthetized with a local anesthetic. Punctures and exfoliation of the skin are performed using a curette, and then the sweat glands are scraped from the inside. The effect of the procedure will be long-term (for several years). After this time, the nerve endings may recover, which will require repeated curettage.

Despite its effectiveness, this method is associated with the risk of bleeding, bruising, accumulation of subcutaneous exudate. It is very rare for fibrous tissue lumps to form and require another operation to remove them.

Medicines

Medications that can be used to treat hyperhidrosis: Propranolol, Atropine, Klonopin, Prozac, etc. It should be noted that their use is often accompanied by increased dry mouth, increased fatigue and drowsiness. Possible ophthalmic problems, as well as disorders of the digestive system (nausea, constipation, vomiting, etc.).

Treatment of hyperhidrosis at home

Treatment of hyperhidrosis at home
Treatment of hyperhidrosis at home

Treatment of hyperhidrosis at home involves the following procedures:

  • Follow a diet that avoids spicy foods and caffeinated drinks.
  • Wear clothes made from natural fabrics, change them daily.
  • Taking a contrast shower several times a day.
  • Quit bad habits (tobacco and alcohol).

Traditional medicine advises making baths with decoctions of herbs with antiseptic properties (sage, chamomile, oak, nettle, eucalyptus). Additionally, you can treat the armpits with tincture of horsetail in alcohol. Inside, you can take herbal decoctions that have a calming effect (melissa, mint, motherwort).

It is impossible to completely get rid of hyperhidrosis at home. This problem needs to be solved together with a dermatologist.

Effective remedies for hyperhidrosis

Antiperspirant Maxim

Antiperspirant Maxim
Antiperspirant Maxim

Antiperspirant Maxim is not a cosmetic, but a medical product, which contains an increased amount of aluminum chloride hexahydrate, compared to other similar products. This allows him to more effectively deal with excessive sweating.

Antiperspirant is applied only to clean and dry underarm skin before a night's rest. Aluminum chloride will penetrate into the sweat glands during sleep and clog them. This is what will prevent excess sweating.

Be sure to consult your doctor about the possibility of using this remedy for pregnant and lactating women. It should not be used directly after epilation of the underarms, as well as on skin with wounds and abrasions.

The product may leave visible marks on clothes, so you must wait until it is completely dry.

Dry Dry

Dry Dry
Dry Dry

Dry Dry deodorant contains denatured alcohol and aluminum chloride hydrate. It is these components that allow you to actively deal with increased sweating. According to the manufacturers, the product works for five days, leaving the skin of the armpits completely dry.

Before applying the product, you must make sure that the dermis is not damaged. Otherwise, the risk of severe irritation remains. In case of increased skin sensitivity, you can use the Dry Dry light deodorant, which has a milder composition, but this affects the duration and effectiveness of its action.

You should refuse to use this remedy during pregnancy and lactation, in the acute course of infectious diseases, after visiting the solarium. From the moment of depilation to the moment the drug is applied to the skin, at least 2 days must pass.

Experts recommend taking a break after 2 months of continuous use of deodorant. The fact is that long-term use of this remedy increases the risk of developing breast cancer.

Odaban

Odaban for armpits is used in the form of a spray. This antiperspirant has been produced since 1970 and has proven itself in the fight against hyperhidrosis. Its main active ingredient is aluminum chloride, which contains 20% of the spray. It clogs the sweat glands, thereby reducing sweating. The result lasts up to several days. The spray can be used not only to treat the armpits, but also the feet, hands, neck. One bottle lasts an average of 6 months.

Please note that Odaban is alcohol-based and may cause skin irritation.

Formidron

Formidron is a combined alcohol solution for external use. It contains formaldehyde, which fights excessive sweating. The drug is applied to the skin of the armpits for no more than 20 minutes, after which it is thoroughly washed off with running water and sprinkled with talcum powder. If armpit shaving was performed, then Formidron should not be used earlier than in a day.

Formidron is an effective tool that allows you to get rid of sweating and unpleasant odor for an average of 12 days. It should not be applied if there is inflammation in the treatment area, or under the age of 16.

Pasta Teymurova

Teimur's paste is a comprehensive tool to combat hyperhidrosis and bad breath. It contains boric and salicylic acid, methenamine, borax, talc, formaldehyde, zinc oxide. Together, all these substances help prevent excessive sweating.

The paste can be applied to clean and dry underarm skin (they must first be washed with soap). The paste is squeezed onto the tip of the finger and lubricated with the skin of the armpits. The effect lasts up to 4 days.

Prevention of hyperhidrosis

Prevention of hyperhidrosis
Prevention of hyperhidrosis

Prevention of hyperhidrosis comes down to the following activities:

  • Wear clothes made from natural materials.
  • Wear clothes that are "seasonal" so you don't overheat.
  • Using antiperspirants.
  • Take a contrast shower at least 2 times a day.
  • Intake of vitamin A, E and group B.
  • Taking natural-based sedatives that have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous system.
  • Timely treatment of diseases that can lead to hyperhidrosis.

Which doctor should I contact with hyperhidrosis?

If hyperhidrosis occurs, you need to contact a dermatologist or a therapist.

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