Abnormal sweating

Causes and the cure
Mum, look: giggles *Stacey showing a little pair of wet palms. ‘We have the same kind of hands. They make lots and lots of water. How come dad’s and *Tony’s don’t?’

‘Because God made us on a rainy, rainy day: mum chuckles. Dad and brother were made on a hot, hot day – too hot to have any water around!’ Stacey trots off. The pattern and energy in her trot tells she is glad to identify with a very important person. Mum, on the other hand smiles thinking: Stacey needs to get a little older for me to explain to her what Hyperhidrosis is.

Hyperhidrosis is a hereditary condition linked to an over-activity in the nervous system. According to International Hyperhidrosis Society, 178 million people worldwide live with Hyperhidrosis; sweating four or five times more than the average person.

What causes it?
Hyperhidrosis is hereditary. However, research has shown that the condition has triggers. These include spicy foods, sugary snacks, caffeine and some types of medication. Paying some attention should help you identify them easily; in turn avoiding or reducing their intake – if possible

Excess body fat or obesity is also said to increase sweating. Therefore, should your child be overweight, shedding some weight would help make it more bearable.

A lot of physical activity has also been linked to less Hyperhidrosis. In the current TV and computer era, many children have adopted an inactive lifestyle. Get your child involved in a lot of physical activities. Then watch the sweating difference.

Treating it
First, take your child to a doctor. This is because excessive sweating in children can sometimes be triggered by much more serious underlying conditions.

Tests will be done and prescription will be made on the results. One of the prescriptions is likely to be a strong antiperspirant to reduce sweat levels. It can be applied to the underarms, palms, feet, scalp and sometimes to the face. However, this kind of treatment sometimes has the side-effects of skin irritation, sensitivity and tingling; thus unsuitable for children below teen age as their skin is often more sensitive.Certain mental techniques that produce change at the subconscious level have been said to help control Hyperhidrosis.

Surgical treatment can also be administered. Again, this is to children above age 14 – and with the doctor’s consent. The recurrence rate in the younger children is apparently higher. Or. Rafael Reisfeld, a leading Hyperhydrosis surgeon and Diplomat of the American Board of Surgery, explains that there is more regeneration of the sweat around ages 10-14 years, making the recurrence rate higher.

Emotional boost
Friends or school-mates may make fun of children with Hyperhidrosis, bringing down their self-esteem. Their palms lack grip as a result of the sweat. They may be consequently considered as ‘weaker’ team- mates in ball games and sometimes even left out. This can make them feel alienated.

Teens, on the other hand, usually being fashion-conscious, are likely to feel constrained to the black and light colours they are advised to wear, as dark-coloured clothes show the sweat patches. Being left out of the trends may work down their self-regard.

The counter ‘downers’, encourage open communication, informing them that Hyperhidrosis is not a big deal, because it really isn’t. It is not life- threatening. As embarrassing as it may get, assure your child that it is not his or her fault and that he or she has what it takes to enjoy life to the fullest. Actually, Hyperhidrosis is a natural moisturiser, which leaves others ogling at the soft, cool and ever- moisturised hands of those living with it.

Myths demystified
Courtesy of International Hyperhidrosis Society

Myth 1: Antiperspirants are for underarms only.
You can glide, stick, spray and roll-on nearly anywhere sweating is a problem. But talk to your dermatologist before applying an antiperspirant to sensitive areas. He or she may have recommendations about which antiperspirants or active ingredient concentrations may be more suitable for different regions of the body. Note: This is for older children in puberty and above.

Myth 2: If someone sweats a lot, they must be overweight, out-of-shape or nervous.
The average person has two to three million sweat glands. Sweat is essential to human survival and serves as the body’s coolant, protecting it from overheating. Many athletes actually sweat more than other people because their bodies have become very efficient at keeping cool.

Meanwhile, people with Hyperhidrosis’ sweat excessively regardless of mood, weather, or activity level – often producing four or five times more sweat that is considered ‘normal’. You cannot tell much about a person by his or her sweat.

Myth 3: Antiperspirants can cause breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim. In fact, the American Cancer Society, Susan B. Komen Cancer Foundation, National Cancer Institute, and Alzheimer’s Association have each made statements refuting the rumours that antiperspirants (and specifically the aluminum salts used as active ingredients in antiperspirants) have any significant links to cancer or Alzheimer’s.

Myth 4: Like caffeine, use antiperspirants in the morning.
Well, do not start taking coffee just before bed but DO start using your antiperspirant in the p.m. hours. Applying antiperspirant twice a day and especially before bedtime – has been shown to be more effective.

Sweat production is at its lowest at night, giving the active ingredients in antiperspirants a better chance to get into your pores and form the superficial plugs necessary to block the flow of perspiration in the morning-when you really get moving.

END: BL 43/38-39