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Hyperhidrosis can be a frustrating problem to deal with. People with hyperhidrosis sweat more than normal, even without exposure to heat or physical activity. This can cause embarrassment, discomfort, and skin friction.
There are misconceptions about what it means to have hyperhidrosis. We’re here to clear up the facts so you can seek the appropriate treatment and improve your quality of life. Here’s what you need to know about hyperhidrosis.
Myth: Excess Sweating Helps You Lose Weight
Some people with this condition might try to stick out the symptoms without seeking treatment because they think it will help them lose weight. While you may lose a few pounds of water weight this way, you’re not achieving actual fat loss. Excess sweating is not a good or healthy weight loss strategy.
The Facts: Hyperhidrosis Can Cause Dehydration
In extreme cases, excessive sweating can dehydrate your body. This is especially true if you don’t drink enough water and electrolytes to replenish your system throughout the day.
Hyperhidrosis causes other unpleasant side effects besides skin problems and dehydration. If you’re trying to lose fat and keep it off for good, sweating isn’t the way to do it. You won’t see long-term weight loss from hyperhidrosis.
Myth: Excess Sweating Is Always Caused by Poor Hygiene
Many people view sweat as a gross substance. If you struggle with excess sweating, you may fear that others think you’re unhygienic. While poor hygiene can make body odor worse overall, it doesn’t lead to hyperhidrosis.
The Facts: Hyperhidrosis Stems From Overactive Sweat Glands
Genetics and environmental triggers play the largest roles in developing hyperhidrosis. Scientists aren’t sure exactly what causes it, but they know it’s not related to personal hygiene. Although you may need to use more deodorant or shower more often because of your symptoms, you didn’t get the condition from being unclean.
Myth: Stress Relief Cures Hyperhidrosis
Excess sweating can be a sign of anxiety and stress in some people. This leads some people to believe that if they can just calm down and relieve their stress, their symptoms will go away. If their symptoms persist, they may believe it’s their fault for “not relaxing enough.”
The Facts: Calming Techniques Don’t Cure Hyperhidrosis
It’s always a good idea to incorporate stress relief into your life. However, don’t expect this to cure your condition.
Naturally overactive sweat glands don’t stop producing perspiration once you calm down. If you don’t experience symptom relief after using stress management techniques, don’t blame yourself.
Myth: Hyperhidrosis Has Nothing to Do With Other Medical Conditions
There are many complex factors involved in hyperhidrosis. Some medical conditions and treatments can lead to excess sweating, even if you’ve never experienced it before. This is called secondary hyperhidrosis and is especially frustrating.
The Facts: Medications, Diseases, and Other Factors Play a Role
Some prescription medications and underlying health problems make you sweat more than normal. This can be incredibly embarrassing and frustrating since you haven’t had to cope with this problem before.
Some risk factors for secondary hyperhidrosis include:
- Medications
- Diabetes
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Gout
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Menopause
- Low blood sugar
If you experience any of these conditions, they could be worsening your existing hyperhidrosis symptoms. You may still have overactive sweat glands that need treatment.
Myth: Wearing More Antiperspirant Will Fix Hyperhidrosis
Some people believe antiperspirants are a solid cure for hyperhidrosis symptoms. This makes sense, as antiperspirants are designed to block active sweat glands. Unfortunately, even the strongest antiperspirants won’t cure your condition.
The Facts: Antiperspirant Is a Temporary Treatment
You may be able to block some overactive sweat glands using strong antiperspirants. However, this doesn’t address the root cause of your condition. You’ll continue to sweat excessively until you opt for a more permanent solution. In the meantime, you’ll have to spend a lot of money on antiperspirants!
Myth: There’s Nothing You Can Do About Excess Sweating
So what happens next? If you’re genetically predisposed to hyperhidrosis, do you have any treatment options? Many people think that they simply have to live with their symptoms. This is not the case.
The Facts: Electromagnetic Sweat Gland Treatments Help
Treatments like MiraDry are permanent solutions to your excess sweating problem. MiraDry uses electromagnetic energy to heat and destroy the overactive sweat glands found in your underarms. As a result, you can enjoy dry, comfortable skin for years to come!
Treat Your Hyperhidrosis at Metropolitan Vein and Aesthetic Center
You don’t have to live with excess sweat forever. We use MiraDry, an FDA-approved hyperhidrosis solution. Try our MiraDry treatments at Metropolitan Vein and Aesthetic Center! Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
