There are several types of skin sweating disorders. They can exist as singular conditions or as a result of another, more serious condition. Most sweating skin disorders revolve around excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) or, in some rarer cases, not sweating enough (anhidrosis).
Hyperhydrosis
Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating can affect any part of the body, but generally occurs on the groin, soles armpits and feet. People suffer from profuse sweating triggered by stress, anxiety, heat or physical exertion. Primary hyperhidrosis is caused by overactive sweat glands, while secondary hyperhidrosis is a result of another medical condition, for example, heart disease, hyperthyroidism or tuberculosis. Symptoms include foul odor caused by sweat-related bacterial growth, prickly heat, or softening and cracking of the skin.
Prickly Heat
Prickly heat is due to trapped sweat under the skin which leads to red itchy irritated rash from clogged sweat ducts preventing sweat to travels to the surface of the skin. It is more prevalent in humid, hot climates. It tends to occur more commonly on the thighs and torso regions, and symptoms include red inflamed areas which could form blisters due to secondary infections from the constant, repetitive scratching.
Hidradenitits Suppurativa
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) occurs when sweat fails to drain properly and accumulates in hair follicles. This buildup of sweat caused by apocrine sweat glands, found in the armpit and groin areas, can become inflamed and eventually burst. Bacteria develops easily in this environment, and results in the formation of swollen, tender lesions or abscess. Some risk factors include hyperhidrosis, smoking, diet and obesity.
Anhidrosis
Anhidrosis is a disorder of the skin where there is a lack of sweating. It is a rare genetic disorder that results in ectoderma dysplasia and is potentially life-threatening. Various causes can lead to this rare skin disorder, such as a hidradenitis infections in the sweat glands, diuretic or antipsychotic drugs, and dehydration. The body's inability to cool down can increase the risk of hyperthermia, which could lead to heat storkes and death.
Prevention/Solution
Anhidrosis sufferers need to regulate body temperature, and require a cool climate and frequent water baths. Other solutons are hydration, avoiding alcohol, caffeine and high sugar intake, and behavioural changes like scheduling physical activities early or late in the day. Hyperhidrosis can be treated with applications of methenamine solution or aluminum chloride solution to control heavy sweating; thoracoscopic sympathectomy or injections using botox to disrupt nerve impulses. Secondary hyperhidrosis, which is due to anxiety or a psychological condition, can be managed with group counseling or drugs. Prickly heat symptoms are treated with low doses of steriods and keeping the skin cool and dry. Hidradenitis suppurativa is treated with drugs like antibiotics, steroids, antiandrogens or retinoids. However, surgery is often required in the later stages.
