Everything you need to know about

sweat!
Sweating, also known as perspiration, is an essential bodily function that helps regulate body temperature.

Sweat Glands
There are approximately 2-4 million sweat glands on the human body. The two types of sweat glands
are known as the eccrine and apocrine sweat glands. The apocrine sweat glands are present in few
numbers across the body and are responsible for the foul-smelling sweat that humans secrete. On the
other hand, eccrine sweat glands secrete what is essentially a diluted sodium chloride solution with
trace amount of other plasma electrolytes that is odorless. Eccrine sweat glands are present all over the
body and are responsible for regulating body temperature.

Why do we sweat?
While sweating is a necessary daily function, certain scenarios and activities make us sweat more, such
as when we are exercising, stressed, sick, exposed to hot temperatures, or consuming spicy foods. The
segment of the brain responsible for temperature control is the hypothalamus, which acts as the body’s
thermostat. It responds to a situation by sending signals to the sympathetic nervous system, which then
stimulates the eccrine sweat glands to secrete water to the skin’s surface. It then cools the body
through a process called evaporative cooling.

Sweating is also part of the human fight-or-flight response, which is why we tend to sweat in stressful
situations, such as prior to an exam, job interview, presentation, or first date. In this case, the cause is
adrenaline, which stimulates muscle activity and causes blood vessels to widen, which increases body
heat and triggers the sweat response. Eating spicy foods can also trigger this same neural response in
the brain, which activates temperature receptors that respond to increased heat.

When we are sick, the hypothalamus detects infections and tells the body to generate and retain more heat,
thus producing a fever, which can result in sweating, among other symptoms. This increase in your overall
body temperature is a protective mechanism that makes your body less inhabitable to infectious agents.

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Medical Conditions
Related to Sweating

In these aforementioned scenarios, sweating is a completely normal bodily response to recognized internal
and external factors. The amount we sweat each day depends on a variety of factors, including tempera-
ture and our level of activity. However, if there is no recognized cause or trigger to the sweating, then it
can signal a bigger problem. Both sweating too much and too little can be categorized as the medical
conditions known as hyperhidrosis and hypohidrosis, respectively.

Hypohidrosis / Hyperhidrosis
Anhidrosis
Hypohidrosis is characterized by diminished Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition charac-
sweating in response to appropriate stimuli and terized by excessive sweating that affects
is the result of poorly functioning sweat nearly 5% of the global population. Those
glands. Causes range from skin conditions and who suffer from this condition can sweat 4-5
injuries to dehydration and nerve disorders. It times more than the average person.
is a less severe form of anhidrosis, which is
Essentially, their sweat glands do not shut off
generally characterized by the complete absence
and are always switched “on”, meaning that
of sweating.
they sweat in circumstances that don’t call for
The body’s inability to produce a normal it. While this condition is non-life-threatening,
amount of sweat can be extremely dangerous it can have a serious impact on an individual's
as it increases the risk of overheating, leading occupational, physical, emotional, and social
to life-threatening complications such as life. The condition can take a significant toll on
hyperthermia and heat stroke. its sufferer, leading them to live and plan their
life around the condition, even leading them to
avoid social interaction and situations. It is
often referred to as the “silent handicap”, as
people rarely talk about the condition to those
around them, including medical professionals,
therefore leaving many to suffer in silence.

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The Different
Types of Hyperhidrosis

Depending on the cause, hyperhidrosis can be categorized as primary or secondary. It can also be gener-
alized or focal, meaning it can affect the whole body or just some regions. Before commencing treatment,
you must first determine the cause, or lack thereof, of your excessive sweating. Read on to find out more!

Secondary Hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating can be attributed to an underlying medical condition or can be a side effect of a medication.
If that is the case, then it is referred to as secondary hyperhidrosis, as it is secondary to another condition.

Generalized Hyperhidrosis
Secondary hyperhidrosis is typically generalized, meaning it affects large sections of the body. This type of
sweating will usually have an abrupt onset in relation to another condition’s development, and most commonly
affects those aged 25 and older.

Generalized hyperhidrosis is usually the result of an infectious, endocrine or neurological disorder. Some condi-
tions that are associated with secondary generalized hyperhidrosis include anxiety, diabetes, cancer, heart
disease, hyperthyroidism, menopause, and obesity, among others.

Many drugs used to treat a variety of medical conditions have excessive sweating listed as a side effect. Some
of these medications include antidepressants, migraine medications, pain relieve, diabetes medications, asthma
inhalers, heartburn medications, and cancer medications.

In these cases, the best course of treatment is to first identify the underlying cause of the sweating by con-
sulting a medical professional. Since the cause of excessive sweating can be a very serious condition, it is
important to never self-diagnose and always consult a doctor. Once the primary cause is identified and treated,
then the sweating could subside.

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Focal Secondary Hyperhidrosis
Secondary focalized hyperhidrosis can be the result of neurologic injury and dermatologic syndromes. While
secondary hyperhidrosis usually affects the entire body, if you’ve been subject to an injury, focal hyperhidrosis
could develop in that specific region. The most common cause of focal secondary hyperhidrosis is central
nervous system injuries.

Compensatory Hyperhidrosis
Compensatory hyperhidrosis can occur following a major injury, and most commonly following an endoscopic
thoracic sympathectomy (ETS). If you’re subject to an injury that affects a large portion of the sympathetic chain,
then you may suffer from anhidrosis. If the affected area is large enough, then compensatory hyperhidrosis can
occur in other areas. As the name suggests, it’s compensating for the absence of sweat in other areas.

ETS is a high-risk operation for severe cases of hyperhidrosis, which is strongly advised against by many
physicians, due to its many side effects. Those who have undergone it often suffer from compensatory
hyperhidrosis, and they often end up sweating more in places they were not even sweating before. Before
considering ETS surgery, we urge you to research other non-invasive treatment options.

Primary (Focal) Hyperhidrosis

If your hyperhidrosis is not associated with an underlying condition nor is considered a side-effect of a
medication you are taking, then it is of primary origin. Those who suffer from primary hyperhidrosis produce
excessive amounts of sweat that is beyond what is needed for thermoregulation needs of the body and is not
triggered by emotions. It is the more common type of hyperhidrosis. Unfortunately, the causes of primary
hyperhidrosis are not as clear.

While there is no satisfactory explanation for this type of hyperhidrosis, it is believed that there is a hereditary
component to it, meaning that if you suffer from hyperhidrosis, there is a chance that one or more close
family members also suffer from hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis can also be the result of heightened stimulation
of the sympathetic nervous system. Primary hyperhidrosis is generally present and diagnosed in childhood,
and almost always before young adulthood.

Primary hyperhidrosis is most commonly focal, meaning it affects one or more specific areas of the body.
The most commonly affected areas are the hands, feet, underarms, and face/head. When more than one area
is affected, it is referred to as multifocal hyperhidrosis. Most individuals who suffer from primary hyperhidrosis
generally experience it in more than one localized zone.

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The Struggles of Living
with Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis poses a significant social burden on its sufferer. If you suffer from the condition, then you
know all too well how big of an impact it can have on daily life. You may even go to great lengths to
conceal your sweat and sweat stains from those around you.

Those affected by hyperhidrosis can sweat anytime, anyplace, and often in the most inconvenient situa-
tions. This can significantly impair someone’s ability to carry out basic daily social interactions, such as
shaking or holding hands, attending events, and developing intimate relationships.

Those who suffer from hyperhidrosis are hyper-aware of their condition and are in a state of constant
fear that others may take notice. Besides experiencing discomfort from the sweating itself, they develop a
sense of shame and embarrassment, especially in social situations. Turning down invitations and avoiding
social situations, may give those around them the sense they are unsociable when it is just an undesired
side-effect of their hyperhidrosis. In extreme cases, they may seek complete social isolation.

Since hyperhidrosis is seldom talked about and somewhat misunderstood, it can be a challenge for some-
one to explain that their excessive sweating is due to a medical condition. Unfortunately, there‘s still a social
stigma associated with sweating, and people are quick to notice and judge. It takes a considerable toll on
your self-confidence and can lead to lasting negative social and psychological effects.

To prevent social embarrassment, many have developed strategies to prevent others from noticing their
sweat and sweat stains. For those suffering from axillary hyperhidrosis, this can include carrying extra sets
of clothing, only wearing black or dark clothing, and wearing absorbent tissues underneath their clothing to
hide sweat stains. For those suffering from palmar hyperhidrosis, this can include wearing gloves and
avoiding contact such as handshakes. Those with plantar hyperhidrosis will carry extra pairs of socks, avoid
taking their shoes off, and completely avoid wearing certain types of shoes (i.e. jelly shoes and high heels).
These temporary solutions are inconvenient, recurring, and time-consuming. Many “tricks”, such as layering
clothing or wearing gloves, can aggravate hyperhidrosis by confining the affected area in a closed, non-
breathable fabric, which raises body temperature.

Thankfully, due to the effective treatment that is available, you don’t have to suffer from the confines of
your home. Treating your hyperhidrosis can significantly improve your quality of life and ease stress and
anxiety levels. The best way to take charge of your life is by seeking non-invasive treatment that gives
lasting results. Iontophoresis is the ideal option for the busy individual who likes to create their own treat-
ment schedule that will provide them with lasting dryness.

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The Solution: Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis has been used to treat palmar and

plantar hyperhidrosis since the 1940s. This tech-
nology works by directing a mild current through

llustration by Robert John Paterson / mrcavaliere.com

the skin, neutralizing the connections between the
sweat nerves and sweat glands.
For the vast majority of cases, this significantly
reduces excessive sweating. In fact, studies have
shown that tap water iontophoresis devices such
as Dermadry are extremely effective in the treat-
ment of excessive sweating.

Iontophoresis is a non-invasive, drug-free, and needle-free treatment option. It is ideal for those looking
for long-lasting dryness that antiperspirant sticks and creams just cannot provide. Due to its effectiveness
and its limited side effects, it is also recommended over more dangerous and/or invasive treatment options
such as medications, injections, and surgery.

Since its introduction as a treatment option for hyperhidrosis, iontophoresis has undergone many develop-
ments and improvements. Home-use devices, such as Dermadry, make treatment more convenient than
ever before! There’s no longer a need to schedule appointments, as you can now build your own treatment
schedule and get results from the comfort of your own home. Dermadry’s treatment sessions last
between 15 minutes (underarms) to 20 minutes (hands and feet) and can provide up to 6 weeks of dry-
ness! Following the initial treatment phase, treatments need to be maintained (as little as once every 2-3
weeks!) to maintain dryness.

Dermadry’s iontophoresis device is simple to set up and only requires access to an electrical outlet and
some tap water. Dermadry is indicated for use by those 13 years and older to treat mild to severe primary
palmar, plantar, and axillary hyperhidrosis.

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@2019, Dermadry Laboratories lnc. All rights reserved

@2019, Dermadry Laboratories lnc. All rights reserved