Excessive Sweating. What is hyperhydrosis?

We all sweat. Each of us typically has between 3 and 4 million sweat gland covering our bodies and amazingly, we can produce around 11 litres of sweat during a 24hr period.

The body produces two types of fluid when we sweat: : eccrine, which is a clear, odourless fluid that appears all over our bodies and regulates our body temperature and keeps us cool (Thermoregulation); and apocrine, a more viscous substance that is produced by glands in areas such as the underarm and goin areas. Like eccrine fluids, apocrine fluids are odourless, at least until bacteria on the skin's surface acts upon it, breaking down enzymes within the fluid and producing the offensive smell that we all associate with sweating.

An estimated 40% of the population will experience some form of excessive sweating or problem odour at some point during their lives. Sweat problems can manifest themselves in specific areas of the body and be caused by many different factors, including age, diet, lifestyle, stress, medication, hormone imbalances, etc.

Approximately 3% of the world's population will suffer with severe excessive sweating, which is clinically identified as 'Hyperhidrosis' and can affect any adult, in any area of the body and during any stage of life (excessive sweating or Hyperhidrosis rarely affects pre-pubescent minors). Axillae (underarms), Palmar (palms of the hands), Plantar (soles of the feet), Cranial-facial (head, face and neck) are all areas commonly affected by excess sweating.



There are two types of Hyperhidrosis, Primary and Secondary. Doctors do not fully understand the reasons for Hyperhidrosis occurring in patients, but Primary Hyperhidrosis is linked to over activity in the sympathetic nervous system, specifically, it is the Thoracic Sympathetic Ganglion Chain, which controls the release of Acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter that tells the body to sweat) over-reacting that produces excess sweat. Secondary Hyperhidrosis is caused by many factors including, obesity, poor diet, menopause and anxiety.

Many people simply do not realise that they have the condition and hide away under layers of dark clothing or keep their arms clamped by their sides all day. Most do not realise that the problem can generally be solved simply by applying a topical application of specialist antiperspirant and by using auxiliary products such as sweat shields, deodorants and natural products designed to prevent odour and reduce sweat.

We manufacture several specialist products designed to help cure, or at least control excessive sweat problems. Our antiperspirant, Perspi-Guard has been clinically proven, dermatologically tested and will provide extremely effective protection from sweat and odour for up to 5 days. Simply apply the antiperspirant at night to clean dry skin once or twice a week for complete confidence. Perspi-Guard can be used on the hands, feet, underarms, torso by men and women. If you use our antiperspirant and do not find it effective, we will refund the cost of the product!

For facial Hyperhidrosis or cranial sweating, we produce an aluminium and alcohol free hydrogel antiperspirant treatment, called Perspi-Gel, that can safely be used on the face as well as the underarms, hands, feet, groin and body. Perspi-Gel is a unique, paten-pending formula that uses pentapeptide technology and efficiency boosters to provide an un-equalled level of protection from an antiperspirant that does not contain traditional ingredients.



If you have a problem with excessive sweating you should always seek the advice of your doctor, as on rare occasions, there can be underlying health issues causing the over-activity of sweat glands.

Treatments for excessive sweating or Hyperhidrosis:

Antiperspirants
Antiperspirants containing higher percentages of Aluminium Chloride, or Aluminium Chlorohydrate as the key active ingredients, will invariably treat even the most severe cases of excessive sweat and problem odour. Applying the products at night before bed, to clean dry skin, will help the solution work. Some antiperspirants can be harsh to the skin due to their increased percentages of active ( Perspi-Guard has been formulated to be milder, yet still offer the longest levels of protection available). If you find your antiperspirant to cause irritation, try applying a little moisturiser after application (when dry) and ensure that you are fully dry before application. Never apply max strength antiperspirants after shaving or bathing as the pores will be open.

Deodorants
Deodorants are not designed to offer any protection from actual sweat. They only mask the odours produced as a by product of sweating. Deodorants can be used with Perspi-Guard antiperspirant, as it is unscented.

Clothing Shields / Sweat Liners / Dress Shields
Clothing shields or sweat liners are useful for light to moderate protection from sweat. They will not really help a sufferer of severe excessive sweating, although our washable cotton shields can be useful and do provide a better level of protection. Perspi-Shield were the first disposable shields available in the UK and have proved to be market leaders.

Iontophoresis Machines
It is not fully understood how Iontophoresis treatments prevent excessive sweating, but weak electric currents created are passed through water into which areas of treatment (underarms, hands, feet) have been placed, to prevent sweat gland secretion, without causing damage. Iontophoresis has been successful in up to 98% of all patients who undertake the treatment.

Botox® Injections
Botox® injections under the arms can be an effective means of preventing underarm sweat and can last 3-6 months. The draw backs are the cost (£400-£600 per treatment), the limited location and availability of licensed clinics and many of us do not enjoy the sight, or use of needles! Botuliin toxin works by penetrating the dermis and blocking the acetycholine release, effectively 'blocking' the signals sent by the over-active sympathetic nervous system that tells our body to sweat. Perspi-Gel's unique formula works in the exact same way - nano sized peptides penetrate deep within the dermis and block the same action, therefore stopping sweat without toxins, needles or the cost!