Sweating, also called perspiration, is necessary, among other things, to keep our body at the right temperature. We sweat through two types of crevices, namely the eccrine and accrine sweat glands. We can sweat for psychological and physical reasons, but it may also be that no reason can be given for a sweat attack at all. This is called idiopathic. A synonym of sweating is hidrosis. When there is excessive sweating, this is called hyperhidrosis. Excessive sweating can lead to social isolation. There are different ways to tackle sweaty armpits, feet and hands. A well-known example to combat ‘armpit ponds’ is to apply an armpit pad under your t-shirt. If these methods do not work, medical treatment can still be used.
Why do we sweat anyway?
The main reason why we sweat is to maintain our body temperature. When we get too hot, sweat cells will produce moisture and be squeezed empty by nearby muscle cells. We then get this moisture on our skin and this layer of sweat will evaporate. In this way we maintain a normal body temperature. However, sweating can also be an expression of an underlying psychological or physical problem. By producing sweat, our body wants to signal that something is wrong. In addition, someone can also sweat without an underlying cause.
Eccrine and accrine sweat glands
Eccrine sweat glands are located all over the body and play an important role in keeping our body warm. These sweat glands produce odorless sweat. Accrine sweat glands only occur in the armpits, around the nipples and around the anus. Unlike the eccrine sweat glands, they produce fluid that can smell. Excessive sweating and the development of bacteria can cause a ‘sweat smell’ to develop. This is most common on the armpits, soles of the feet and the palms of the hands.
Causes of excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
It is very normal that we start sweating after intensive exercise or on a hot summer day. Just like when you have a fever, experience stress or consume spicy food or alcohol. But sweating can also become excessive: this is called hyperhidrosis.
Primary hyperhidrosis
If no cause can initially be identified, it is called ‘idiopathic’. This creates a stimulus in the brain (specifically in the hypothalamus) that will cause people to sweat. This is also called primary hyperhidrosis.
Secondary hyperhydrosis
When sweating has a physical or psychological cause, it is also called secondary hyperhidrosis.
It is therefore important in the first instance to find out the underlying cause of the sweating. Common causes for excessive sweating include:
- overweight
- menopause
- diabetes
- side effect of medications
- carcinoid syndrome
- acromegaly
- cancer
- cardiovascular diseases
- overactive thyroid
- lung disorders (such as inflammation)
- tuberculosis
- psychiatric conditions such as anxiety disorder
Excessive sweating and social isolation
In many cases, excessive sweating is caused by a combination of physical and psychological causes. More specifically, predisposition to sweating and stress. Someone who is easily stressed and who expresses this by sweating will eventually be afraid to start sweating. Just thinking about it creates more stress and increases the risk of excessive sweating. For example, sweaty armpits, sweaty feet and sweaty hands are a real nightmare in social situations. It happens that people withdraw from social life for fear of excessive sweating, but don’t let it get to that point with the following remedies.
Tackling sweaty armpits (armpit ponds).
The following tips can help prevent armpit ponds:
- A useful tip to escape ‘armpit ponds’ is to use armpit pads
- Shave armpit hair
- When showering, use neutral PH washing gel or soap
- Wear cotton clothing as much as possible (this makes ‘armpit ponds’ less visible)
- Use an anti-transparent
- Avoid too much deodorant
Tackling sweaty feet
There are the following options to tackle sweaty feet:
- Wash your feet at least once a day with lukewarm or cold water
- Purchase insoles
- Take a foot spray, shoe spray or powder at home (these kill bacteria that cause an unpleasant odor)
- Preferably wear woolen or cotton socks
- Choose shoes that can ‘breathe’
Dealing with sweaty palms
You can reduce sweaty hands in the following ways:
- Use talcum powder (this ensures that the sweat is absorbed)
- Rinse your hands with cold water and dry them well
- Use antiperspirant cream
Medical treatment sweating
When previous remedies do not work, in practice people often resort to different medical treatments.
Aluminum chloride therapy
Aluminum salts are used to prevent sweating on the skin.
Tap water iontophoresis
The patient follows a therapy in which the hands and feet are treated with sponge electrodes.
Injection of botulinum toxin (Botox) into the skin
Botox is injected into places where people sweat a lot.
