Everyone needs to sweat to keep from getting too hot. However, too much sweat can certainly be a problem. Hyperhidrosis is one of the disorders that leads to excessive sweating. In fact, it can cause you to perspire even when you're shivering and feeling cold.

Unfortunately, there's now medical evidence to suggest that more children than ever before are acquiring this condition.

Two Forms of Hyperhidrosis

There are two basic types of hyperhidrosis. If you have the first kind, which is called primary hyperhidrosis, one, two, or a few body parts may frequently be drenched with sweat. Those regions of the anatomy are typically the feet, hands, and underarm areas. The face and other parts of the head may be overly sweaty as well.

The second type, secondary hyperhidrosis, can make a person's entire body sweat profusely when he or she is sleeping. This disorder is usually linked to a preexisting medical condition such as Parkinson's disease or diabetes.

Hyperhidrosis at Younger Ages

In 2016, the monthly medical journal Dermatologic Surgery released the results of a somewhat disturbing survey. According to this study, approximately one out of every three hyperhidrosis patients first experienced symptoms before turning 12.

Prior to this study, the medical community had calculated that the average age for the start of hyperhidrosis was 22.

More studies must be conducted before experts can say conclusively that hyperhidrosis is affecting patients at younger ages. Of course, if this thesis holds up, researchers will want to investigate why this earlier onset is happening.

A Singular Burden for Young People

Obviously, hyperhidrosis can be a nuisance — or worse — for adults. Consider, though, how excessive sweating could impact the life of a child or teenager. It's often embarrassing to be among other young people wearing a shirt that's soaked through. The situation could lead to teasing or even bullying.

Indeed, hyperhidrosis can make children and adolescents avoid social events, team sports, and other activities. As a result, they don't get to share their talents and make new friends. And, much of the time, they might feel anxious, lonely, or sad. They could have nightmares as well.

On top of that, sweaty hands can make turning pages, writing, and typing difficult. Plus, students with hyperhidrosis might dread speaking or giving presentations to an entire class. Thus, the disorder can impede a young person's learning and hurt his or her grades.

The good news here, relatively speaking, is that hyperhidrosis usually doesn't generate odor unless sweat begins drying on a person's skin. The deluge of perspiration sweeps out the bacteria and the fluid from apocrine glands that cause odor.

Help for Hyperhidrosis Is Out There

Of the millions of people in the United States who struggle with hyperhidrosis, slightly more than half have sought treatment for it. If you suspect that you have this condition, whatever your age, there's no reason to delay getting medical care.

The California Dermatology and Clinical Research Institute in San Diego offers some of the most cutting-edge hyperhidrosis treatments currently available. These efficient therapies include Botox injections, anticholinergics, special antiperspirants, and iontophoresis. To find out which courses of treatment you might be eligible for, you can contact the Institute right away. Give us a call at (760) 203-3839.