What is hyperhidrosis, and when should you see a doctor?
Sweating is necessary for temperature regulation. Hyperhidrosis is considered when the body produces more sweat than it needs and this noticeably interferes with everyday life.
Short answer
If heavy sweating regularly occurs without heat or exertion, interferes with work or communication, starts suddenly, happens at night, or affects the whole body, discuss it with a doctor.
Normal sweating and hyperhidrosis
In hot weather, during sport, or when body temperature rises, sweat helps the body cool itself. A wet mark after exercise, by itself, does not mean hyperhidrosis.
A reason to pay attention is heavy sweating in cool conditions or at rest, repeated episodes without an obvious cause, and a noticeable effect on clothing, work, sleep, communication, or emotional wellbeing.
Primary and secondary types
Primary focal hyperhidrosis usually affects one or more areas, such as the underarms, palms, or feet, and often begins in childhood or adolescence.
Secondary excessive sweating may be related to a medical condition or to medication you are taking. It is more often widespread and may sometimes occur during sleep. Only a doctor can determine the type.
When not to postpone a consultation
See a doctor if sweating starts suddenly and is accompanied by weakness, pain, fever, palpitations, or other new symptoms. Regular night sweats and sweating over the whole body deserve particular attention.
Do not stop prescribed medicines on your own, even if you suspect a connection with sweating. Discuss it with the specialist who prescribed them.
How to prepare for an appointment
For one to two weeks, record when sweating occurs, which areas are affected, what happened before each episode, and which medicines you take.
It is also useful to note your age when it began, a family history of hyperhidrosis, and situations you avoid because of sweating. This information helps the doctor see the pattern more quickly.
What is OKEY’s role?
OKEY is a cosmetic antiperspirant for local sweat control. It does not identify the cause of a symptom, replace diagnosis, or treat a disease.
If a doctor has found no contraindications, an antiperspirant may be part of everyday control. Use it only according to the instructions and monitor your skin’s response.
