6 Common Complications of Hyperhidrosis
In some people, the complications associated with hyperhidrosis are pretty grave. If you measure it on the annoyance scale, excessive sweating can be off the charts. Some common complications of hyperhidrosis may include skin problems, but these are mostly minor. However, they may result in significant psychological diseases too. Herein, we will study some such complications, which arise as an outcome of hyperhidrosis.
1. Emotional and Social Issues
These include visible sweating, embarrassment from body odor, and social isolation. People with hyperhidrosis refer to their symptoms as being so grave that they hate to indulge in a romantic relationship and keep themselves away from social activities. All of this results in anxiety. A study found that approximately thirty-five percent of people with the disease withdrew from leisure activity because of excessive sweating. Of the same group of people, forty-one percent of people stated that their hyperhidrosis intervened with their life. It curtailed them from pursuing their hobbies, walking, working out, or even reading (in people with palm hyperhidrosis).
2. Psychological Issues
One common complication of hyperhidrosis is that is it hampers the patient’s self-confidence, relationships, and professional standing. At times, people become depressed, anxious, and socially withdrawn.
3. Maceration
Hyperhidrosis may result in common skin issues, and one of the most prevalent amongst them is maceration. It is the name given to the wet and mushy skin from constant exposure to moisture and sweat. A macerated skin is mostly lighter in color and seems wrinkly. In people with hyperhidrosis, there is only a mild form of maceration. Maceration can be treated easily by exposing the skin to the air and keeping the affected area dry. Although maceration is not physically draining, it can result in slow wound healing, discomfort, skin breakdown, pain and increase your likelihood of getting infected. Hence, it is vital to keep your skin clean and dry as much as possible.
4. Bromhidrosis
It is not the sweat that has a foul odor but the substances created by the skin bacteria. When these bacteria come in contact with sweat, they cause a bad smell. Usually, the sweat in the genital area and the underarms is most likely to cause body odor. Moreover, sweaty feet, too, may produce a bad smell. Thus, it is vital to keep these areas dry and clean.
5. Miliaria and Prickly Heat
A red, itchy skin rash often produces a prickling or stinging sensation known as heat rash. It develops as an outcome of sweat ducts being blocked and perspiration being trapped underneath the skin.
6. Warts
Lastly, warts are another prevalent skin condition, which may appear in people with hyperhidrosis. When the skin is exposed to moisture, it breaks down. As a result, it is less effective at keeping the infections at bay. One such infection that you may experience as an outcome of this is warts.