Other Conditions
Hyperhidrosis
Excessive Sweating
Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) occur throughout the body (generalized) or in specific regions.
The hands, feet, armpits (axillae), and groin have the highest concentration of sweat glands (eccrine glands) and tend to be the areas of greatest perspiration.
It may be a sign of a medical disorder if you are experiencing such excessive sweating. Some conditions being hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or heart disease. This is more likely if the increase in sweating occurs later in life.
Primary Hyperhidrosis
Many people experience hyperhidrosis who are otherwise healthy, this is referred to as a condition known as primary hyperhidrosis. This type typically begins in adolescence and often seems to run in families. Individuals with primary hyperhidrosis frequently report a cycle of sweating more due to nervousness, which in turn increases their anxiety. The exact cause of this condition is unknown, but it can be exacerbated by anxiety, alcohol, caffeine, certain foods, and even specific odors.
Axillary Hyperhidrosis
Armpit sweating
Armpit sweating is a form of excessive sweating in the axilla (armpits). It can be associated with generalized hyperhidrosis, palmar hyperhidrosis (hand sweating), or it can occur on its own.
The armpit area has two types of sweat glands:
- Eccrine glands - Responsible for producing the fluid referred to as "sweat", which is an important bodily function to maintain a stable body temperature.
- Apocrine glands -Contribute to body odor & are involved in various physiological and social processes. Becomes active during puberty & are influenced by emotional stress, hormones, & other factors.
Palmar Hyperhidrosis
Sweating of the palms & feet
- Excessive sweating of the hands is the most common form of hyperhidrosis. It can disrupt everyday activities, such as securely gripping objects, and may lead individuals to avoid situations involving physical contact, like shaking hands.
- Excessive foot sweating may not have the same social impact as hand sweating but can still be quite troublesome. It often makes wearing slide-on or open-toe shoes challenging, as sweat can cause the feet to slip inside the shoes.
Both foot and hand sweating can be aggravated by emotional stress and anxiety.
Perioral Dermatitis
Perioral Dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that appears as red, bumpy, or scaly rashes around the mouth.
It can also extend to areas near the nose, chin, and even the eyes (referred to as periocular dermatitis). Although most common in women between 20 and 45, it can also occur less frequently in children and men. The exact cause of perioral dermatitis is unknown. Still, several factors can be associated with its development and intensity including the overuse of steroid creams, irritants in skincare products, hormonal changes, microbial imbalances, and environmental factors (UV exposure, wind, or heat). This condition can be stubborn, but proper treatment typically leads to resolution over weeks to months.
Affected Areas
- Primarily around mouth (sparing the skin immediately next to the lips)
- May spread to nose and chin
- Sometimes spreads to eye area
Symptoms
- Small, red, inflamed bumps or pustules (often grouped together)
- Skin feels tight, flaky, and dry
- Rash may be itchy
- Burning Sensation
- Tenderness in area
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, chronic skin condition that causes inflammation and leads to red, scaly, itchy, and flaky skin.
This condition predominantly affects areas of the skin rich in oil-producing (sebaceous) glands. While its exact cause remains unclear, several factors are thought to play a role. These include the overgrowth of Malassezia—a naturally occurring yeast on the skin—that can trigger inflammation in susceptible individuals, excessive oil production, and an overactive immune response to Malassezia.
Affected areas
- Scalp - Often resulting in dandruff or yellowish, greasy scales.
- Face - Commonly on the eyebrows, sides of the nose, eyelids, and ears.
- Chest
- Upper back
Symptoms
- Red or pink patches of skin
- Greasy or oily scales or flakes (yellow or white)
- Itching or discomfort
- Crusting in severe cases, especially on the scalp
Common Triggers
- Stress
- Hormonal changes
- Cold weather
- Certain medical conditions (like Parkinson's disease or HIV) can worsen condition