Hyperhidrosis of the armpits, groin or feet–it can be bad enough to impair social life.
But is there hope as the sufferer gets older?
Can you “age out” of hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating. It can occur anywhere, but when it affects the armpits and feet, the odor becomes an issue in addition to the sweat.
If the groin is affected, this is really uncomfortable.
It can be so bad that several changes of underwear a day are necessary.
Too Old for Hyperhidrosis?
There’s a belief circulating that people who suffer from excessive sweating, which can also affect the hands and beneath the breasts, will outgrow this condition as they get older.
After all, how many elderly people do you know who complain of hyperhidrosis?
Then again, how many people of any age reveal this problem to family and friends? They know it may be taken as poor hygiene rather than as a medical condition.
- But what really is the truth?
- Is advancing age the best treatment for excessive sweating?
“No, contrary to popular belief, research shows that hyperhidrosis does not go away or decrease with age,” says registered nurse and emergency medical technician Angela Ballard, RN, EMT, with the International Hyperhidrosis Society (www.SweatHelp.org).
“In fact, in one recent IHhS study, 88 percent of respondents said their excessive sweating had gotten worse or stayed the same over time,” continues Ballard.
“This was consistent across all the different age groups, from youngsters to older adults.
“Research from the IHhS also shows that profuse sweating is not simply dictated by the time of year (i.e., hot summer months).”
Nor is it simply a function of rigorous physical activity. It can occur during sedentary periods.
“The majority of patients in one survey indicated that their sweating bothers them equally, no matter the season,” says Ballard.
Angela Ballard has been working with the International Hyperhidrosis Society (IHhS) since it’s inception in 2003.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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