There is often a link between anxiety and excessive sweating, although hyperhidrosis can be caused by a number of factors.
It’s no secret that anxiety can cause a variety of physical symptoms, including sweating. But is sweating always just a side effect of anxiety? In some cases, excessive sweating may actually be the root cause of your anxiety. Read on to learn more about how anxiety and sweating are related, and what you can do to get relief from both conditions.
What is the connection between anxiety and hyperhidrosis?
In some cases, excessive sweating (also known as hyperhidrosis) can be a symptom of social anxiety disorder. Individuals who struggle with social anxiety often experience stress when interacting with other people, meeting new people, or speaking in front of others. Besides excessive sweating, other possible symptoms of social anxiety disorder include facial blushing; a sensation of overheating; shaking; and headaches.
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), on the other hand, can also develop as a symptom of hyperhidrosis, although it does not usually cause excessive sweating. If one is constantly worried about excessive sweating, it may begin to interfere with one’s day-to-day life and manifest as a form of anxiety over time.
Can these issues be resolved?
If you are struggling with excessive sweating, it is advisable that you see a doctor who will be able to provide you with a proper diagnosis. Primary hyperhidrosis is not caused by any underlying condition or by anxiety — this is the most common type of hyperhidrosis and often begins early in life. In many cases, primary hyperhidrosis is genetic, so if you have a family history of excessive sweating you may be at greater risk of developing the condition yourself.
If you are suffering from an anxiety disorder that you suspect is contributing to your excessive sweating, it is a good idea to seek professional help. The good news is that there are a number of effective treatments for anxiety, including therapy and medications. By addressing both anxiety and excessive sweating, it is often possible to enjoy an improved overall sense of wellbeing.
How can hyperhidrosis be managed?
It is important to understand that there are two types of hyperhidrosis, and the treatment that is best for you will depend on your unique case.
Primary hyperhidrosis usually begins in childhood and can cause excessive sweating of the feet, face, hands and underarms.
Secondary hyperhidrosis, on the other hand, is typically caused by an underlying medical condition or by certain medications. Medical conditions that can cause secondary hyperhidrosis include hyperthyroidism; adrenal gland disorders; menopause; stroke; cancer and heart disease. Secondary hyperhidrosis often causes sweating all over the body, although it may just affect one specific area.
Fortunately, there are a few ways in which excessive sweating can be managed. These include a surgical procedure in which the nerves that deliver messages to the sweat glands are severed; and MiraDry treatment, which involves a heating process known as thermolysis in which the sweat glands are destroyed.
How can we help?
At North Western Vascular, we offer a number of treatments designed to alleviate the symptoms of hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating. If you are concerned about how much you sweat and suspect that you have hyperhidrosis, we encourage you to come in and see us. We will discuss your symptoms and provide you with a diagnosis before recommending a treatment plan that is best suited for your needs.
Some of the treatments that we provide include MiraDry, which delivers carefully controlled microwave energy to the sweat glands through a handheld device; and Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS), a procedure that uses minimally invasive techniques to resolve hyperhidrosis and facial blushing.
To find out more about hyperhidrosis and how we can help you, please take a look here.
If you would like to book an appointment, please get in touch here, or alternatively call us on 03 9372 9999.
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