Hyperhidrosis Evaluation and Treatment
Numerous patients are assisted by dermatologists in controlling excessive perspiration. Before beginning treatment, it is essential to determine why a patient is sweating excessively. A dermatologist performs a physical examination of the patient to diagnose this condition. This involves attentively examining the area of the body that sweats excessively. In addition, a dermatologist may pose very specific inquiries. This helps the physician comprehend why the patient is perspiring excessively. Sometimes the medical exam is absolutely necessary. Some patients are required to undergo a perspiration test. This involves coating a portion of the skin with a powder that turns purple when the skin becomes moist. (6)
To identify a significant medical condition, additional medical tests may be necessary. Urine and blood tests are typically used to diagnose serious conditions such as low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Regarding sweating patterns, patients will be asked which areas of their bodies are affected, how frequently sweating episodes occur, and whether sweating occurs during sleep. The patient may be asked several questions or be required to complete a questionnaire regarding the impact of excessive perspiration.
How frequently do you alter your wardrobe?
Does your hyperhidrosis affect your mental or behavioral state in public?
How often do you become aware of excessive sweating?
Do you carry anything with you, such as towels, antiperspirants, tampons, napkins, or towels, to deal with excessive sweating?
How frequently do you bathe or cleanse your body?
Have you ever lost a family member as a result of hyperhidrosis?
Has hyperhidrosis affected your employment in any way?
The thermoregulatory sweat test involves applying a moisture-sensitive powder to the epidermis. When excessive perspiration occurs at ambient temperature, the powder changes color. The patient is then exposed to escalating humidity and heat in a sweat cabinet, which induces body-wide perspiration. Individuals without hyperhidrosis tend not to sweat excessively in the palms of their hands when subjected to heat, whereas patients with hyperhidrosis do. This test also helps physicians determine the severity of these conditions. Your doctor will inquire about your medical symptoms and medical history during your appointment. A physical test or examination may also be necessary to determine the underlying cause of such a condition.
Stress testing
Sweat thermoregulatory test
Numerous tests, including an iodine-starch test, thermoregulatory test, and skin conduction, are available to identify the areas of excessive perspiration and assess the severity of such conditions.
Laboratory testing
Your doctor may recommend urine, blood, or other lab tests to determine if your sweating is caused by another medical condition, such as hypoglycemia or hyperthyroidism.
The process of diagnosing (Hh) commences with the application of one or more sweating severity measures. The physician has access to qualitative, practical, and quantitative methods for confirming the diagnosis. Along with a logical method for making a clinical diagnosis, a diagnostic algorithm is presented.