What is Axillary Hyperhidrosis?
What is Axillary Hyperhidrosis?
Axillary hyperhidrosis (sometimes wrongly spelled as auxillary, axilary or axilliary hyperhydrosis) is excessive sweating of the arm pits and is also known as “excess underarm sweating”. Unlike regular underarm sweating, axillary hyperhidrosis is the production of excessive sweat, even under normal conditions (not in a hot environment or exercising heavily) and is unlikely to respond to regular anti-perspirants or deoderants. Axillary hyperhidrosis is a fairly common condition and is thought to occur in about 1% of the general population.
Often sufferers of Axillary hyperhidrosis will have excess sweating in other parts of the body as well as the axillae (armpits). The feet (plantar hyperhidrosis), hands (palmar hyperhidrosis), and face (facial hyperhidrosis), are often affected as well as the armpits, although they are not always involved. Interestingly, it is also possible to have a condition called “unilateral axillary hyperhidrosis” which is when only one armpit is affected. It is also possible to have a higher amount of sweating from one armpit than the other.
What Causes Axillary Hyperhidrosis?
The actual root cause of axillary hyperhidrosis is unknown, but the reason for the excessive sweating is an increased level of activity of the sympathetic nervous system which activated the sweat glands more than normal, and even leads to their enlargement. So, instead of sweating only when the body needs to, people with axillary hyperhidrosis will product excess sweat in response to everyday life, even when it’s not required to cool the body. Often excessive underarm sweating starts at puberty which may indicate an involvement of hormones in the condition. There is also though to be hereditary influence, which means that in some cases the condition may be inherited from your parents, or grandparents, although this hasn’t been well documented.
What Problems Does Axillary Hyperhidrosis Cause?
In addition to the huge social issues caused by excessive underarm sweating, which can cause large emotional stress, there’s also the possibility of fungal infection because of the skin being constantly damp. People with the problem of excessive armpit sweating usually have to develop coping mechanisms such as frequent clothing changes which puts additional stress on the individual. Often excessive under arm sweating can lead to other problems such as bad odor or infection and inflammation of the sweat glands, which requires other treatment.
What Remedies Are There For Axillary Hyperhidrosis?
There are roughly three types of treatment for Axillary Hyperhidrosis.
- Surgery to remove the sweat glands from the armpits. This can have complications and a recovery time from the procedure. Less invasive surgical processes are injections of botulism toxin (botox) or anasthetic to stop the action of the sweat glands, temporarily.
- Drugs to decrease sweat production in the body. Drugs can have have unwanted side effects such as drying out areas of the body you don’t want to be dry!
- Natural hyperhidrosis treatments and remedies that are usually low cost and low risk.
Before considering any surgery or drugs, it is strongly suggested that someone thinking they have axillary hyperhidrosis consider using natural treatments and remedies and, if they fail, consult a heath professional. We recommend the ebook,”Stop Sweating and Start Living” by Mike Ramsay as an excellent way to learn all about hyperhidrosis and what you can do to control your sweating naturally and cheaply.