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Hyperhidrosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment for Excessive Sweating

© Mary M. Alward

Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes an offensive body odor. People with hyperhidrosis sweat excessively despite cold weather. Irregularities in organ function, bowel function, infection, poor metabolism, menopause, obesity, nerve damage, and digestion can all contribute to an offensive body odor.

Characteristics of Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is caused when nerves controlling the sweat glands become overactive. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor. If Hyperhidrosis is suspected, the “Minor Test” can be used as a diagnostic tool. A weak solution of iodine is applied to the area of excessive sweating. Powdered starch is then dusted over the iodine. If Hyperhidrosis is present, the sweat will cause the iodine/starch mixture to turn dark blue.

Gravimetry is a test that measures how much a person sweats. This test requires blotting paper to be put on the area where excessive sweating is thought to occur. The paper soaks up the sweat and is then weighed to find out how much sweat has been absorbed.

Treatment of Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is treatable. Oral medications can often alleviate the problem, and applying aluminum chloride hexahydrate may help. Injections can be used to stop the signal from the nerves to the sweat glands. In very severe cases, surgery may be necessary to cut the nerves that cause the excessive sweating.

There are a few home remedies worth trying.

• A high fibre diet will help clean the walls of the intestines.
• Cod Liver Oil capsules lubricate the intestines and assist the fibre in cleaning the intestinal walls.
• Raw mushrooms or mushroom tea will provide relief if the problem is candida.
• Sage tea helps to minimize how much the body perspires.
• Cypress, lavender and other essential oils added to bath water may help.
• Baby wipes may be helpful. Take breaks and use the wipes to clean your underarms. Carry deodorant to use afterwards.
• Garlic can be secreted through the sweat glands, as can other spicy foods. If a certain food is suspect, remove it from your diet for a time and monitor the results.
• Use deodorant instead of anti-perspirants. Anti-perspirants can clog underarm pores. Never use deodorants with fragrance added as this can make the problem worse. Citronella Grass is a great natural deodorant, as is a bit of vinegar.