Thursday, October 29, 2009

Why do I sweat even when it’s cold outside?

With Fall upon us in the Midwest, we are getting lots of questions from people who find it strange that they are sweating just as much as when it's hot and humid. We have compiled some information to help explain this annoying facet of hyperhidrosis:

Ever ask why some people perspire even when the air conditioning is on full blast? Or how about those who sweat profusely even during the winter months? The answer is hyperhidrosis.

Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis in medical terminology, is more common than you think. Estimates show that approximately 2%-5% of the population is afflicted by excessive sweating. Sweating so severe, that these people consider undergoing surgery or botox injections over topical anti-perspirant to solve their sweating problems.

Hyperhidrosis is caused by the hyper-activity of the sympathetic nervous system. This part of the nervous system is responsible for the secretion of sweat in our bodies. People normally associate hyperhidrosis with excessive sweating of the armpits. Other parts of the body such as the palms of the hands, on the face, bottom of the feet, thighs and torso are also possible areas where hyperhidrosis can occur. Some people’s sympathetic nervous system is just much more active than the average person.

The cause of hyperhidrosis is still unknown. It is often (incorrectly) regarded as a result of anxiety especially when subjected to a stressful situation. Notice how we sweat during job interviews? Such case is more of situational in nature. We sweat as a result of stress. Hyperhidrosis, on the other hand, persists with or without being subjected to stress.

According to a study conducted by Dr. Richard G. Glogau, “there’s an unusual hybrid sweat gland with both eccrine and apocrine elements which is found in patients with axillary hyperhydrosis, and which is capable of a secretory rate of 10-fold higher than normal eccrine glands.” Eccrine and apocrine are sweat glands found in the armpit area. The eccrine gland is located deep in the skin and responsible for the watery consistency of the sweat. The apocrine gland, on the other hand, is located on the surface of the skin producing a protein-like secretion.

People afflicted with such unusual condition live each day worrying about the embarrassment caused by excessive sweating. Regular anti-perspirants and topical sprays bring temporary relief that stop the sweating for a few hours but lose their efficacy after a while. To cite an example, a man named Brandon Burg suffered from hyperhydrosis. He would sweat through his shirt within fifteen minutes. He even placed Kotex under his armpits to absorb the excessive sweating of his armpits! Imagine the emotional stress he has to go through every single day. Hyperhidrosis is not only a medical problem, it also affects our social life, more so our self-esteem.

So what are the available treatments for hyperhidrosis?

There are several options to treat excessive sweating. In lighter cases of hyperhidrosis, the first approach is to use topical antiperspirant containing aluminum chloride. The aluminum chloride constricts the pores so that sweating would be minimized. Other treatments include iontopherosis which means subjecting the axillary area under battery-powered electric current and psychotherapy but only to treat secondary hyperhydrosis, a side effect of another disorder in the case of obesity and endocrine disorders.

If the light treatments do not alleviate the problem of excessive sweating, there are surgical options to consider. One is the surgical removal of the sweat glands wherein the sweat glands are scraped in the underarm skin and another would be botox injections. The chemicals in botox prevent the glands from releasing bodily salts and water also known as sweat.

Before considering serious surgical procedures, it is advisable to get yourself a full assessment of a qualified dermatologist to diagnose the cause of the excessive sweating.

Before undergoing any surgery or radical treatments, the patient should try a Surefoot spray, a Handspray or an Antiperspirant like Klima Antiperspirant. Klima has been shown to nearly eliminate the problems associated with hyperhidrosis for thousands of people, without any detrimental side effects.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Sweating to the Oldies: An Encounter with Mr. Stinky

Traffic was a bear, so I got to the gym later than I had planned. Even though the spinning class I wanted to take didn’t start for half an hour, it was important – REALLY important – that I reserve a good spot in the spinning room. Yesterday had been the pits – literally speaking.

“Mr. Stinky” and his smelly underarms are class regulars, you see, and if I get to the gym late I might get stuck downwind of him in the biking studio. You know the guy, right? He’s the hairy one with the excessive underarm perspiration and the really strong body odor. The puddle surrounding his bike at the end of class is truly spectacular.

I feel both sympathy and revulsion simultaneously for Mr. Stinky. He’s a pleasant enough guy to speak to and his looks aren’t bad, but his old stained exercise shirt and his plumbing issues are a pretty big turnoff. …He probably looks in the mirror in the mornings and wonders why women aren’t interested.

Unfortunately, this guy is not an isolated case, and sweating problems aren’t just found in men. It seems that hyperhidrosis is an equal-opportunity ailment.

Body of Evidence
Following a scientific survey conducted by Dr. Dee Anna Glaser, a professor in the Department of Dermatology at St. Louis University, it was projected that about 8 million people in the United States have this condition. In her survey, that worked out to be about 2.8 percent of the population, based on a 150,000-household representative study. Of those individuals, females were afflicted as often as males – suffering from overly sweaty hands, feet, underarms and torso.

Dr. Glaser’s study statistics showed that 90 percent of those who had hyperhidrosis said they suffered social embarrassment because of their condition, and 95 percent said their problem interfered with daily activities. Three-quarters of sufferers reported a loss of confidence because of sweating with more than half of those people saying it made them depressed or unhappy.

Unfortunately, only 38 percent of those with excessive sweating had talked to a health care professional about the condition, according to Dr. Glaser’s study results, which appeared in the August 2004 Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

DOA – Socially Speaking

The negative social stigma for excessive sweat and bromhidrosis (foul body odor) is quite profound in our western, first-world culture. It has ramifications at the office, on the social scene, in the bedroom, and at the gym.

As a group fitness instructor, I KNOW sweat. I personally have a trigger-happy sweat response and have to be vigilant about managing it and odor. So, I do empathize with my odiferous acquaintance in the spinning room; however, he has to do his part. While I know he can’t really help the waterworks, he can do a few things to diminish the negative response from those around him at the gym…and help himself while he’s at it.

Just Say “N-O” to “B.O.”

Here are some tips I can offer from my years as a gym rat:

Shower frequently. New sweat has little if any odor. It’s when the bacteria on your body get busy that the B.O. kicks in. There is no excuse for negligent hygiene. Use a good antibacterial soap at least once a day. Use a washcloth and lather up under the arms, between your toes, and around the groin. Let the soap sit for at least two minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
See a doctor. Make sure you have had a thorough physical to rule out secondary causes of hyperhidrosis or excessive body stench. While some cases are thought to be inherited, others can be caused by hyperthyroidism, endocrine diseases, obesity, diabetes, central nervous system disorders, menopause (although not in Mr. Stinky’s case), liver disease and the use of antidepressants and other medications. Odor-causing fungal infections can accompany skin issues like psoriasis or eczema too, so see a physician.
For Pete’s sake, wash your gym clothes! It is NOT OK to hang your sweaty tank top on a hook in a gym locker so you can wear it again tomorrow. Take it home and wash it in the hottest water it can withstand. Better yet, buy white cotton shirts and use some bacteria-killing bleach each time you wash them. Although pricey, you can try buying exercise clothes featuring one of the new, high-tech antibacterial fabrics.
Keep a hand towel with you at all times. Two if necessary. Keep one draped around your neck to wipe your hands and face of excess sweat. Use the other one to wipe up your bike and any wetness you leave behind on weights or machines. Sweat is corrosive to metal equipment, plus it’s rude to leave your personal calling card on the weight bench. Some gyms supply paper towels and disinfectant spray, so use them!

Consider a bandana and absorbent wristbands. I know that sweat bands seem a little retro, but they will help you keep your grip on a barbell or the handlebars on your spinning bike. Take your bandana and tie it pirate style to decrease some dripping and bump up your fashion quota.
Park your sweat-prone self by a fan. It will help dry out the monsoon and cool you off at the same time. Ask gym management about keeping the gym and its studios properly air-conditioned and dehumidified.
Wear loose-fitting exercise clothes. Avoid tight synthetic materials, unless specifically designed to fight odor.
Eat a healthy diet. An eating plan with lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and water is essential. Limit onions, eggs, garlic and too much protein. Include zinc-rich foods in your diet to fight strong body odor. Try spinach, cucumbers, oysters, prunes, string beans, fortified cereals, parsley and collards.
Use a strong antiperspirant and a good deodorant. Apply your antiperspirant at least once a day as directed on the bottle to underarms, hands and feet. Keep an antiperspirant / deodorant in your gym bag and use it liberally. Products like Klima Antiperspirant, a powerful compound perfected by the Dermatology Institute in Europe, are shown to give relief. Not all products work for everyone, especially if you have allergies or other medical conditions. It may take some trial and error to get it right. Do some antiperspirant comparisons and find the best deodorant for you. Sometimes it takes a combination of products. Not all scents smell good on every person, so find a fragrance that works with your body chemistry.

Join a support group. Having over-active sweat glands can be personally disheartening, but don’t let your condition define you. You are SO much more than your pores! Please don’t give up. Find others who can relate to your dilemma. Share some stories, exchange some tips, arm yourself with information, and take some action.

For more information, visit the International Hyperhidrosis Society’s website at: http://www.sweathelp.org/English/ and check out the information and remedies at http://www.klimadeodorant.com.

Thank you,
Guy Kitchell
Klima Deodorant

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Botox injections for Hyperhidrosis - Do they stop the sweat?

Have you heard the latest? People are injecting a chemical found in rotten chicken with salmonella poisoning into their armpits to stop hyperhidrosis!

Although this over-simplification may seem hard to believe, it’s not much different than taking penicillin, which is made from the extracts of moldy bread. Of course, both of these treatments are done by a physician using sterile and safe compounds.

What is Hyperhidrosis? Hyperhidrosis is the medical term used to describe excessive sweating or extreme sweating in an individual, in certain parts of the person’s body. This affliction affects 3%-5% of the population to a degree than makes normal life nearly unbearable, and may affect up to 50% of the population to a point that makes certain daily interactions not only difficult, but embarrassing.

How does Botox work?
Botox works in the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis (underarm sweating) by injecting the liquid under the skin in the armpit which blocks the body’s release of acetylcholine, which is a natural chemical produced in the body that stimulates sweat production. Sometimes patients will need more than one injection if the needle misses the targeted area.

Botox is used to treat multiple skin functions like perspiration, wrinkles or hair growth. It works by blocking the nerve endings in the sympathetic nervous system that controls how much sweat is produced. Only about 22 countries approve the use of Botox to combat severe sweating in the treatment of hyperhidrosis, due to the side effects which can be dangerous and unpleasant.

What are the side effects of Botox?
10% of patients experience flu-like symptoms, fever, inflammation of the throat and headache, pain and mild bruising. Some patients report respiratory trouble, although rare. Before using Botox, patients must undergo a Physician’s examination and evaluation to determine if it will be safe. Breastfeeding or pregnant women should not use Botox. You may be able to get insurance reimbursement for Botox injections.

Perhaps the worst side effect from Botox injections to treat hyperhidrosis is compensatory sweating. This is where the body will stop producing sweat in a certain area (like the underarms), but it will then transfer the output of sweat to another spot on the body. Often the thighs or back will begin to sweat uncontrollably.

The upside to Botox injections is that the patient may realize relief for up to 6-9 months before needing another injection.

Is Botox a cure for sweating?
The short answer is no. Because of the need for repeated injections for the rest of your life, Botox is a treatment (not a cure), just like deodorants and antiperspirants.

Does Botox cure sweating on other parts of the body?
Palmar hyperhidrosis (sweating of the hands) and plantar hyperhidrosis (sweating of the feet) are not approved for the use of Botox to stop sweating.

What’s the alternative to Botox?
Over the counter deodorants and antiperspirants may not do enough to stop your sweating – especially if you have severe or extreme sweating. Patients should try a prescription strength antiperspirant like Klima Deodorant which is made to an exacting standard in Europe. These “super deodorants” are much more powerful than the mass produced ones made in the USA. It may take about a week of use for these products the become 100% effective.

Natural remedies are always another option, but these rarely work well for people who sweat a lot.

Another alternative is Surgery (lumbar sympathectomy), which of course, can be risky.

The game plan:
For those who suffer from sever odor and wetness, they should start with a natural remedy or a regular over-the-counter deodorant or deodorant/antiperspirant first. If these don’t work, they should try a stronger prescription strength antiperspirant like Klima Antiperspirant. If this doesn't work, they should talk to their doctor about botox. If botox doesn't work, they should talk to their doctor about iontophoresis (electrical pulse therapy). And finally, if iontophoresis doesn't work, they may want to discuss surgery.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Are there different types of Hyperhidrosis?

There are two distinct categories of hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary. Primary hyperhidrosis in commonly believed to be a medical condition linked to a specific set of genetic traits that are passed from one or both parents to the offspring. The onset of primary hyperhidrosis in adolescence may last well into adulthood or it might subside through the normal stages of puberty.

Secondary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating linked to an underlying primary medical condition such as thyroid disease, pituitary disorders, diabetes, and so on. The excessive sweating is a secondary side effect of the primary medical condition, hence the designation. Secondary hyperhidrosis can also be associated with drug-related reactions or allergies in addition to environmental factors such as infections and mercury poisoning.

In addition to the primary and secondary categories of hyperhidrosis, there are several sub-classifications that are used to describe the physical location where the excessive sweating occurs on the body, or focal areas. The most common sub-classifications are:

Axillary Hyperhidrosis (armpits)
Facial Hyperhidrosis (face).
Palmar Hyperhidrosis (hands)
Plantar Hyperhidrosis (feet)

Three less common sub-classifications of hyperhidrosis are also in general use to describe their particular traits:

Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis: generally associated with emotional stress, and is usually localized in the palms or soles.

Gustatory Hyperhidrosis: an overreaction from eating hot or spicy foods or foods and beverages high in caffeine content.

Generalized Hyperhidrosis: triggered by conditions that would normally make you sweat except that you sweat profusely, i.e. during exertion or in hot, humid weather.

Of the four common sub-classifications of hyperhidrosis, two of them carry with them the additional symptom of body odor: Axillary and Plantar hyperhidrosis. Body odor occurs on protected areas of moist skin where naturally occurring odor-causing bacteria can flourish. The armpits are a natural haven for the bacteria, and feet, wrapped in damp socks shielded from air circulation by shoes, are the next best thing.

Thank you,
Guy Kitchell
President
Klima Deodorant
http://www.klimadeodorant.com/

How to deal with Sweaty Feet

Sweaty feet. It’s something most people prefer to just not talk about, however, it is estimated that up to 20% of people suffer from excessive sweat on their feet and in their shoes.

The body’s nervous system sends strong messages to some people’s feet when they are nervous or excited, which can produce a lot of moisture. Sometimes, the nervous system becomes “confused” and keeps sending the message to produce moisture – long after it should. Many people find this moisture (and the odor) embarrassing. This can make it difficult to interact with other people outside of the home. Not only is it embarrassing, but it causes discomfort, blisters, peeling skin and – unfortunately – odor.

Overly sweaty and moist feet are the symptoms of a medical condition called Plantar Hyperhidrosis. Although there are surgical procedures, called Lumbar Sympathectomy, to help with excessive foot sweating to stop sweaty feet, it is costly and can have some detrimental side effects. The main side effect is called compensatory sweating. This is when your body starts producing more sweat in a random spot, to make up for the sweat it was producing through your feet. This is usually in the groin, thighs, arms or back, but it can be anywhere on your body.

Some suggest wearing open shoes or sandals, but for those with severely sweaty feet, this does not help. Treating your feet with a regular deodorant or antiperspirant usually helps minimize the odor and wetness, but most products are made for the underarms, and not for the feet. The feet contain different sized pores than the underarms and the skin is much thicker. It takes a specialized product to penetrate the feet and protect them from excessive moisture and odor.

Shoe inserts can help with some of the odor, but they do nothing to stop the wetness, and after the inserts become saturated, they too, begin to fester in the moist conditions contained in your shoes, resulting in an embarrassing situation. People become hesitant to remove their shoes in front of other people and self confidence suffers.

Finally, there are a few products on the market that are specifically designed to stop foot odor and wetness (plantar hyperhidrosis). Many of the topical sprays that are mass-produced in the United States do not hold water (pardon the pun), however, there are products being imported from Dermatology Institutes in Europe that do fit the bill nicely. These Surefoot sprays usually contain ingredients like these: Ethyl Alcohol, Aluminum Chloride, Aluminum Chlorohydrate, Glycerin, Alcloxa, Dimethicone, and Propylene Glycol.

Some sprays claim that with only one application your feet are protected for up to 5 days.Whatever method you choose to combat your sweaty feet, try to pick a product that has been dermatologically tested for skin tolerance. And remember that you are not alone!

Thank you,
Guy Kitchell
President
http://www.klimadeodorant.com/

Welcome to Klima Deodorant's Hyperhidrosis Blog

Hello everyone! Welcome to my Klima Deodorant blog. I am Guy Kitchell, president of Klima Deodorant. We specialize in providing solutions for people with excessive sweating of the hands, feet, underarms, face and back. This condition, commonly called hyperhidrosis, affects at least 5% of the population to a degree that makes life outside the home difficult. It also affects about 20% of the population to a degree that makes social interaction embarrassing, frustrating and tiresome at times.

We strive to stamp out hyperhidrosis with our revolutionary products which can be seen at http://www.klimadeodorant.com/.

This blog is dedicated to providing information and compilation of research pertaining to hyperhidrosis issues and cures. And although we would love for you to buy our products, the goal of this blog is to help hyperhidrosis sufferers - like myself - live normal lives.

Thank you,

Guy