Generalized hyperhidrosis is a condition that results from a medical comorbidity, such as menopause. Fortunately, this condition usually resolves on its own once the comorbidity has been treated. During your initial consultation, your doctor will ask you a number of questions to determine the severity of your symptoms. These include when you sweat, where it occurs, and what triggers it. They may prescribe an antipyretic drug or hormone replacement therapy, or other medication that interferes with the function of the sweat glands.
Systemic drugs may also be prescribed to treat generalized hyperhidrosis. These medicines inhibit the release of acetylcholine, which transmits information from nerve cell to nerve cell. Although these methods are expensive, they are an effective way to control sweating temporarily. They must be repeated regularly, which may limit their long-term effectiveness. Another option is a surgical procedure to correct underlying medical problems. But this is not a cheap option and is often reserved for very severe cases.
While most forms of generalized hyperhidrosis are treatable with over-the-counter medicines, some patients require additional diagnostic tests to determine if they have an underlying medical condition. Blood and urine tests may be ordered, and endocrinologists may be consulted to conduct hormonal workups. Other medical conditions that cause generalized sweating include cancers and infectious diseases. Diagnosis is crucial to the right course of treatment for hyperhidrosis.
Topical antiperspirants, such as aluminum chloride, are effective for some patients, but can cause discomfort, including skin cracking. Other medications include anticholinergic drugs (anticholinergics), which block the acetylcholine receptors at the involuntary nerve sites and reduce sweating. In some cases, psychotropic drugs may also be used. Various lifestyle changes and dietary supplements are also recommended to control generalized hyperhidrosis.
A doctor may recommend the use of over-the-counter medications or surgery if a prescription drug is ineffective. The symptoms of hyperhidrosis can be accompanied by emotional distress, and some sufferers even withdraw socially. A medical professional may order blood tests or a starch-iodine test to rule out other causes of the condition. Once an underlying medical condition is treated, the condition should resolve.
Hospitals & clinics held the largest portion of the hyperhidrosis treatment market in 2019. This segment is expected to register a CAGR of 5.5% over the analysis period. The availability of state-of-the-art technologies, favorable reimbursement scenarios, and increasing awareness about excessive sweating treatment in the region are key factors driving growth in this region. Further, Asia-Pacific is expected to contribute to the global generalized hyperhidrosis treatment market with a CAGR of 6.2% through 2027.
If you have been suffering from the symptoms of hyperhidrosis for more than a decade, you may be looking for ways to deal with the condition. Home remedies can help you minimize the sweating that occurs on your body. However, a medical professional will likely prescribe a combination of therapies, such as antiperspirants and microwave therapy. In the most severe cases, a physician may recommend undergoing an invasive procedure, such as endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy, to address the underlying cause of your problem.