What is the difference between sweating and hyperhidrosis, their symptoms, causes, and effective treatment, Sweating is a natural process to cool the body and regulate its temperature, as sweating is a natural sweating resulting from physical effort.
hyperhidrosis is a condition in which the body secretes more sweat than is needed to maintain its temperature. We will learn the difference between them and the treatment methods.
What is sweating
Sweating is a natural process by which the body secretes sweat to cool itself and regulate its temperature, especially when the body temperature rises due to stress or exercise.
Sweating occurs through the nervous system stimulating the sweat glands, which secrete a solution of water and salts, such as sodium chloride.
What is hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis, also known as excessive sweating, is a medical condition in which the body secretes sweat in quantities exceeding the body's need to regulate its temperature.
This often affects specific areas such as the hands, feet, and underarms and can cause anxiety and discomfort.
Symptoms of Sweating and Excessive Sweating
Symptoms of normal sweating include:
- Wetness on the skin due to excessive sweating.
- Clothes become wet with sweat.
- Drops of sweat may appear on the forehead or cheeks.
- A slight body odor may occur as a result of bacteria interacting with sweat.
Symptoms of excessive sweating include:
- A constant feeling of dampness in the hands, feet, and armpits.
- Spots of sweat may appear on clothing.
- The skin may become inflamed and red due to constant dampness.
- An unpleasant odor may occur as a result of bacteria interacting with sweat.
- Skin discoloration or wrinkling in areas prone to sweating.
- Sensation of social anxiety and tension due to sweating.
Causes of normal sweating
Sweating is a natural process that aims to cool the body. Its main causes include:
- High temperatures stimulate the sweat glands to cool the body.
- Physical exertion and exercise raise body temperature.
- Hormonal changes associated with menopause may cause hot flashes and sweating.
- Stress and fear can lead to increased sweating.
- Eating spicy foods and caffeinated beverages increases sweating.
- Hormonal changes and weight gain during pregnancy can cause sweating.
What are the causes of excessive sweating
Excessive sweating can result from taking certain medications, and excessive sweating can be a side effect, or it can result from certain medical conditions, such as:
- Obesity and overweight.
- Diabetes.
- Thyroid disorders.
- Hot flashes due to menopause.
- Certain types of cancer.
- Nervous system disorders.
- Infection.
Types of Hyperhidrosis
There are two main types of hyperhidrosis:
Primary hyperhidrosis, which is often hereditary, is the main type of hyperhidrosis and is concentrated in specific areas of the body, such as the palms of the hands, armpits, face, and head.
Secondary hyperhidrosis, which affects most or all parts of the body, can result from a medical condition or the side effect of certain medications, such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, and obesity.
Treatments for Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis can be treated through lifestyle changes:
- Wearing loose, comfortable cotton clothing.
- Bathing regularly.
- Wearing moisture-wicking socks and changing them regularly.
- Reducing spicy foods.
- Reducing alcohol and caffeine consumption.
- Drinking adequate amounts of water to replace lost fluids.
- Avoiding smoking to reduce sweating.
Natural ways to prevent hyperhidrosis
- Apply apple cider vinegar and water to areas that sweat heavily two to three times a day.
- Mix sandalwood with a little water to form a paste, then apply it to the area that sweats heavily.
- Eating foods rich in potassium and magnesium, such as bananas and dairy products.
- Sage helps reduce sweating.
What drinks reduce sweating
Some drinks that may help reduce sweating:
- Water, as it keeps the body hydrated and helps regulate temperature.
- Sage, which contains tannic acid, helps reduce sweating.
- Coconut water replaces salts lost through sweat and helps hydrate the body.
- Lemon, which contains antibacterial properties, helps kill germs.
Foods that Increase Sweating
There are some foods that should be avoided because they increase sweating:
- Meat and proteins, as they require more effort from the digestive system to digest.
- Processed foods and sugars.
- Beverages containing caffeine.
- Foods containing certain compounds, such as garlic and onions.
- Fenugreek, as it contains phosphorus, which increases energy.
- Spicy foods.
Is excessive sweating healthy
Sweating is a normal bodily function that helps remove toxins and regulate body temperature. However, excessive sweating can be a cause for concern and requires treatment.
Summary of the Difference Between Sweating and Hyperhidrosis
Normal sweating is a natural process in which the body secretes sweat to regulate temperature and cool the body as a result of stress or exercise.
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweat secretion in areas such as the hands, feet, or armpits.