The Effects of Facial Hyperhidrosis
The cause of facial hyperhidrosis is usually divided into two categories; primary and secondary hyperhidrosis. Primary hyperhidrosis is caused by an over activity in the sympathetic nervous system located in the brain. The sympathetic nervous system is in charge of the flight-or-flight reflexes of the body and notably responsible for anxiety. Sweating in the face tends to make a person anxious which causes them to sweat more, making it a very uncomfortable cycle. Secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by a medical condition known as hyperthyroidism, diabetes or Parkinson’s disease.
Even though hyperhidrosis is a constant, the symptoms are not always active because most times, this excessive sweating is triggered by different stimuli such as, caffeine, nicotine and social anxiety. It can also be caused by a simple elevation in humidity or the general room temperature. The condition may also quickly manifest in any other heightened situation, even if it is not considered stressful. Women who have this condition find it difficult to wear makeup as sweating profusely will make it run. Facial hyperhidrosis can also manifest is many forms. It sometimes extends farther than the face, affecting the scalp and neck. Women usually wear their hair short and some persons wear towels around their neck.
If sweating is caused by the abnormal imbalances brought about by hyperhidrosis, particularly an overactive sympathetic nervous system and most importantly the one located in the chest cavity, this can thankfully be treated more effectively. A doctor can easily rule out any further medical problems that may disguise themselves as hyperhidrosis. There are four types of treatment utilized, and sometimes combined to help control facial hyperhidrosis; these are: oral medication, Botox injections, simple topical solutions, and finally Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy.
Oral medications like antidepressants are prescribed when the main trigger may be social anxiety. Anticholinergics are prescribed only when excessive sweating occurs in areas like the armpit, feet or palms. These, like any drug carries some side effects such as dryness in and around the mouth and drowsiness.
Prescription antiperspirants are the basic, store bought variety, only in a higher solution. These may also be suggested to cut down on excessive hyperhidrosis and the effects may become noticeable in as little as a week.
Botox injections have been used as an instant but expensive fix. These injections do not last forever and after about nine months they will have to be redone. They are usually recommended when sweat comes from a small localized spot, like the chin or forehead.
Another option would be ETS also known as Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy. This treatment is still very controversial but is an effective treatment for palmar and armpit hyperhidrosis. It is reserved to be questionable with the treatment of facial hyperhidrosis because rates of success have not been as high with it in this respect. Its side effect is also compensatory sweating so willingness to go this route is minimal.