Sweat Clinics Australia
Melbourne

There is no known cause for Primary Hyperhidrosis. There are likely to be some genetic factors at play as it often runs in families. The nerves that trigger sweating seem to be overactive in people with primary hyperhidrosis. Some people have specific triggers like stress, being nervous or eating spicy food.

If your sweating has been long standing and affects specific areas of the body (eg. underarms, hands, feet, forehead), is symmetrical (happening in a similar way on both sides of the body) and reduces at night then you likely have primary hyperhidrosis.

If your sweating is whole body sweating or more generalised, if it did not start in adolescence, if it started in the context of a new medication or it has other associated symptoms (eg. weight changes, palpitations or menstrual irregularities) then you may have a secondary cause for your hyperhidrosis.

Your Sydney Sweat Clinic Doctor will determine if you have primary or secondary hyperhidrosis.

The impact of hyperhidrosis on mental health can vary from person to person. Not everyone with hyperhidrosis will experience significant mental health issues.

However, there have been numerous studies linking hyperhidrosis and mental health concerns. Statistics have shown you are nearly 3 times as likely to suffer depression or anxiety if you have hyperhidrosis than if you don’t have this condition.

A study published in “Archives of Dermatological Research” in 2016 found that 75% of those with excessive sweating say their condition negatively impacts their social life, sense of well-being and emotional and mental health. Another study published in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” in 2016 reported hyperhidrosis sufferers were more likely to experience social anxiety and feelings of embarrassment related to their sweating.

Fortunately, there is also research published showing improvements in mental health with treatment of hyperhidrosis.

Hyperhidrosis can significantly impact mental health, self-esteem, social interactions, relationships and occupational choices. Studies have reported that up to 48% of patients with hyperhidrosis report a poor or very poor quality of life.

Stressful situations can trigger sweat production, which for individuals troubled by hyperhidrosis can lead to even higher stress levels. This can become a vicious cycle with exponentially increasing negative effects on the quality of life for people with hyperhidrosis.

People with hyperhidrosis talk about sweat “ruining” their life. They describe feelings of isolation, shame, and depression.

Treatment of hyperhidrosis has been shown to improve psychosocial symptoms and improve quality of life.

Bromhidrosis is a medical condition characterised by unpleasant smelling body odour. Sweat itself is odourless, the characteristic body odour arises when sweat interacts with bacteria on the skin’s surface.

The areas of the body with a high concentration of sweat glands that are most likely to interact with bacteria and produce body odour include the armpits, groin and feet.

Bromhidrosis can be embarrassing and impact an individual’s social life and self-esteem. It can result from an interplay of various factors such as hormonal imbalances, diet, medications, or underlying medical conditions such as hyperhidrosis.