Do you sweat too much? you may suffer from hyperhidrosis

Do you know what hyperhidrosis is and what causes it? Do you know how to treat it?

Sweat is the mechanism that human beings have to dissipate excess body heat. This process is normal and very important as it helps regulate body temperature, without it the body can overheat which can cause heat stroke which can be dangerous and even life-threatening.

However, hyperhidrosis is an unusual condition of excessive sweating that is not associated with a normal physiological response to ambient temperature or physical exercise. Hyperhidrosis occurs when the nerves that stimulate the eccrine gland to sweat become overactive.

Primary hyperhidrosis is usually local and hereditary. The areas of greatest sweating in people with primary hyperhidrosis are those where the eccrine glands are concentrated, such as the axillary area (armpits), the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, and the craniofacial regions. The mechanism that triggers primary hyperhidrosis remains unknown, however, it is assumed that an overactive sweat gland with a lower threshold may be the main cause. Social and/or physical stress has often been identified as the trigger for the overactive sympathetic nervous system that controls the sweat glands.

According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, approximately 5% of the world's population suffers from excessive sweating. However, only 38% of patients seek medical help due to embarrassment.

Hyperhidrosis has no effective topical treatment. The treatments that exist focus on reducing sweat production and improving the quality of life of people who suffer from it. Habits in the daily routine such as wearing clothing made with more breathable fabrics, reducing the intake of alcohol, spicy foods and caffeine, can improve the symptoms, but do not reduce them.

Along with these measures, the use of antiperspirants that contain aluminum salts that clog the pore in the outer layer of the skin and reduce sweating is usually recommended. However, blocking the sweat gland can cause excessive dryness, itching, and skin irritation. The use under medical supervision of oral medications such as anticholinergics may be another alternative, but these medications have side effects that include urinary incontinence and blurred vision.

The treatment of hyperhidrosis with iontophoresis is based on a non-invasive therapy that uses a unidirectional electrical current (continuous or pulsating) at low power, reducing sweating by a mechanism that is currently not yet fully known. 3 to 5 sessions per week are required for 4 weeks and then tapered to once a week. The results are dose-dependent and time-limited. Adverse effects are rare, but excessive dryness, skin irritation, erythema or blisters may occur.

Botulinum toxin injections, on the other hand, target the overactive nerve. Botox works by blocking the release of acetylcholine in the eccrine glands, which reduces sweating. The drawbacks of this treatment are the cost and pain caused by the injection, although depending on the area anesthesia can be used, along with the duration of the effect, which usually lasts between 4 and 6 months.

Prospera Biotech laboratories have been studying these problems with real cases for years. Thanks to their effort and dedication they have managed to create Ecrisens®. It is a neurodermatological product that helps control excessive sweating. Given the primary role that the peripheral nervous system plays in regulating sweating, Prospera Biotech identified possible routes of action and developed Ecrisens® that alleviates this condition and improves the quality of life of people who suffer from it.

Excess sweating can be uncomfortable for carrying out daily tasks and social activities, worsens the appearance of the skin and generates uncomfortable sensations.

Unlike conventional treatments, Ecrisens is the first neurodermatological cream that helps control excessive sweating without affecting the body's thermoregulatory needs.

We are proud that the AITEX Awards jury, made up of top-level representatives from the textile, cosmetic, business and academic industrial sectors, has recognized Ecrisens® as an innovative product.

Ecrisens has been nominated as a finalist in the 18th edition of the Cosmetics and Pharmacy Awards from the Diario Médico and Correo Farmacéutico.

Farrugia ME, Kavanagh GM. Hyperhidrosis. In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Coulson IH, Murrell DF, eds. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 109.

James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM. Diseases of the skin appendages. In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology . 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 33.