“Don’t Sweat It!”: Dermatologist’s Top Advice on How to Manage Excessive Sweating

Do you sweat so much and so frequently that it makes you uncomfortable or embarrassed? Excessive sweating is actually a medical condition; it’s called hyperhidrosis. The good news is that there are effective methods to alleviate this condition.

WORDS HANNAH MAY-LEE WONG

FEATURED EXPERT DR CH’NG CHIN CHWEN Consultant Dermatologist Subang Jaya Medical Centre

HOW COMMON IS EXCESSIVE SWEATING OR HYPERHIDROSIS?

According to Dr Ch’ng Chin Chwen, it is quite common.

• “Many people don’t know there is such a disorder and that they can do something about it. Hence, they do not take any measures or see a doctor,” she says.
• Some people sweat excessively in only a certain area, for example: the palms, armpit, feet, chest, thighs, or back.
• Others may sweat excessively throughout the whole body.

THE CAUSES OF HYPERHIDROSIS

• Genetics. Dr Ch’ng reveals that this is the main cause.
• Increased sweat production. Some people naturally sweat more because their sweat glands are extra active.
• Hormones. For example, thyroid disease or hyperactive thyroid that may cause one to sweat more.
• Menopause. Women going through menopause may experience hot flushes and hence sweat a lot.
• Stress. Some people tend to sweat excessively when they are anxious or nervous.

HOW CAN ONE TELL WHETHER THEIR SWEATING IS “NORMAL” OR “EXCESSIVE”?

“One of the methods for testing is the iodine-starch test,” Dr Ch’ng reveals.

• Iodine is painted onto areas that are excessively sweaty, such as the palms and armpits.
• A change in colour will be observed in the sweaty areas.

“That said, I rarely use the test in practice because it all depends on the individual and how much theur life is affected by hyperhidrosis,” Dr Ch’ng adds.

IF YOU HAVE EXCESSIVE SWEATING, SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR?

Dr Ch’ng feels that it depends on whether the excessive sweating is affecting the person’s daily routines.

“If you sweat a lot but it doesn’t bother you, and you don’t think it needs to be treated, it’s fine,” she says.

However, one should consider seeking medical advice if their excessive sweating is:

• Affecting their ability to perform daily activities. When the hands are too sweaty, for example, it can be difficult to hold on to things.
• Affecting their self-esteem. For example, some people sweat excessively on their armpits or thighs, causing wet patches on their clothing. If they are self-conscious about this and it affects their ability to socialize, they can consider seeking help.

TREATING EXCESSIVE SWEATING

“Treatment options depend on which part of the body is affected, and whether it’s localized or generalized excessive sweating,” Dr Ch’ng tells us.

Products with Aluminum Chloride

• Aluminium chloride helps to reduce sweating.
• They can come in a solution that can be applied to areas of heavy sweating every day.
• Some anti-perspiratory roll-on products also contain aluminium chloride.

“These products have to be applied every day,” Dr Ch’ng says.

Botox Injections

• Botulinum toxin or botox injections are a more long-lasting treatment option.
• Each injection lasts for 6 to 9 months.
• The toxin can be injected into the palms, feet, or armpits by a doctor to reduce sweating by about 80%.

Iontophoresis

• This is a treatment which passes low level electric currents through the skin.
• The patient’s palms or feet would be submerged in a shallow tray of water while the electric currents pass through.
• Each session takes around 30 minutes. Ideally, they would undergo the treatment 4 times a week, over a period of a few months.
• It is effective in reducing sweating.
• However, it can be inconvenient, as one would have to travel to the clinic or hospital for each session.

Surgery

• The outcome is permanent and will completely stop sweating in certain areas.
• Involves removing the sympathetic nerve at the affected area so that one doesn’t sweat there anymore.
• As with any other surgery, there are risks involved: infection, bleeding, hospital admission and there is a very small risk of puncturing the lung.
• Some may end up with compensatory sweating in other areas that can be quite severe, especially when they are nervous.