Comedian Alan Carr Reveals Hyperhidrosis Diagnosis, Highlighting Condition Affecting Millions
LONDON – Comedian Alan Carr has publicly discussed his experience with excessive sweating, bringing attention to a condition known as hyperhidrosis that impacts an estimated 1 in 200 people, according to Hyperhidrosis UK. While frequently enough dismissed as simply “being a sweaty person,” hyperhidrosis can significantly affect quality of life and,in certain specific cases,indicate an underlying medical issue.
Hyperhidrosis manifests differently. Primary focal hyperhidrosis typically affects specific areas like the armpits, hands, and feet, and isn’t necessarily linked to an underlying health problem. However, generalized excessive sweating – affecting the whole body – can be triggered by conditions including pregnancy, the menopause, an overactive thyroid, anxiety, certain medications (like some beta blockers and antidepressants), severe heart and lung disease, infections like tuberculosis, some cancers (especially lymphoma), Parkinson’s disease, and even nerve damage possibly caused by diabetes, viral infection, or tumors. New, localized sweating, such as on one arm or leg, is considered particularly suspicious and warrants medical examination.
Night sweats, while common during menopause or periods of stress and anxiety, are not typically associated with primary hyperhidrosis and should be investigated by a doctor.
Treatment options range from basic measures like wearing appropriate clothing and managing anxiety, to medical-grade antiperspirants containing aluminium chloride hexahydrate (such as Anhydrol Forte or Driclor). These are typically applied at night to dry skin and washed off the next morning, with frequency adjusted based on effectiveness. For more severe cases,dermatologists can offer medication,iontophoresis (electrical stimulation),sympathectomy (keyhole surgery to cut nerves supplying sweat glands),or Botox injections to temporarily paralyze sweat glands. Further details is available at hyperhidrosisuk.org.
