The excessive sweating known as hyperhidrosis seems to be wrapped thickly in misconception. This may be due to the fact that, although the condition and all of its attributes are known well to those living with it (approximately 7.8 million in the U.S. alone), hyperhidrosis is a lesser-known disease by the general public, leading to the spread of misinformation.
We’re here to dispel some of the untruths surrounding this excessive sweating condition. Below are five debunked myths about hyperhidrosis you may have heard:
Myth 1: Individuals with hyperhidrosis tend to have an odor.
Fact: Sweat does not have an odor (the odor comes from a fluid that is discharged by a separate set of glands), so excessive sweating by itself does not create a smell. However, excessive sweat that isn’t managed to some degree by good hygiene can predispose someone to bad odor.
Myth 2: Individuals with hyperhidrosis simply have larger sweat glands.
Fact: Excessive sweating that is the result of hyperhidrosis has nothing to do with the size of the sweat glands (which are normal in individuals with this condition). The sweating is due to a malfunction in the nerves that trigger sweating.
Myth 3: Drinking less water will reduce the amount of sweating.
Fact: The amount of fluid someone takes in has absolutely no effect on how much he/she sweats. However, excessive sweating can result in dehydration if there isn’t a sufficient amount of water consumed daily.
Myth 4: Prescription medications and antiperspirants are the only solutions to hyperhidrosis.
Fact: Not only is this untrue, but these methods of treatment aren’t always effective depending on the amount of sweat and where the individual is sweating from. Further, medications and antiperspirants only provide temporary relief.
That said, there are actually several types of treatment—including miraDry® and endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) —that provide a resolution of hyperhidrosis.
Myth 5: Surgery to treat hyperhidrosis is dangerous.
Fact: While there are risks with any medical procedure, the specialists at the Hyperhidrosis Center at Thoracic Group are the pioneers of the minimally invasive ETS. They have decades of combined experience in this procedure that may effectively cure certain types of hyperhidrosis with optimal safety.
At the Hyperhidrosis Center at Thoracic Group, our team of surgeons and staff has years of experience in providing relief for those living with the common types of hyperhidrosis. Our dedicated practice offers comprehensive services, such as diagnostics and tailor-made treatment plans that cater to your individual needs.
For more information on the truth about hyperhidrosis or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, contact the Hyperhidrosis Center at Thoracic Group today.
