Antiperspirants and cancer risk

There has long been concern that the aluminium in antiperspirants could be linked to breast cancer which had seemingly been started by an email rumour.

An article published by the American Cancer Society discusses the issue in detail and concludes that the claims are untrue. It cites a well conducted case-control study undertaken in the US that there was no evidence to link the use of aluminium containing antiperspirants with an increased risk of breast cancer. A case control study is the best method to look for risk factors. A group of 813 patients with the disease in question (the cases) was compared with a similar sized group of 793 people without the condition (the controls). Each group is then questioned in detail about their exposure to risk factors throughout their lifetime. In this study the odds ratio for developing breast cancer for those who had ever used antiperspirants was 0.9 meaning there was no association.

It should also be remembered that lipsticks, toothpaste and some pharmaceuticals (ant acids and vaccines) contain aluminium compounds as do some food colourings and flame retardants of children’s toys. Since aluminium is poorly absorbed through the skin, the EU Scientific Committee on safety concluded that daily applications of cosmetic products (including antiperspirants) does not add significantly to the amount of aluminium entering the body from other sources most notably the diet.

The Patient Voice

The Dermatological Nursing Journal is produced by the British Dermatological Nursing Group, a group of nurses and healthcare professionals that have an interest in dermatology which also includes hyperhidrosis.

A popular feature that they run in the journal is the Patient Voice which offers an opportunity for patients to write about their experiences and put a patient’s perspective for clinicians.

The Editor, Rob Mair, says about the Patient Voice,

“The patient voice article is a personal account of living with a condition, with a focus on diagnosis, management and impact. This is an opportunity for someone to write about their experiences, as well as put a patient’s perspective in front of clinicians and dermatologists, who might not fully understand the challenges, complexities and successes of their day-to-day management.”

So, if you feel you would like to let those that matter about your life with Hyperhidrosis this is your opportunity. Please get in touch with me for more details or use the contact us page. Assistance can be offered if needed.

Can you help with a Survey?

The Hyperhidrosis Research Network

The Hyperhidrosis Research Network was established by the De Montford University out of the Priority Setting Partnership which ranked the priorities for future research into hyperhidrosis.

It has long been suggested that diet has an influence on hyperhidrosis and the survey below is beginning to look at this association. The survey posted below is a first step in examining this link further. It can be completed by both people with hyperhidrosis and those that do not have the condition.

 

 

Could you help us with taking part in a survey about diet and salt intake?

We value your opinion and it will be vital to increase funding in improving medical guidance on hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Take part in our survey. It’s quick to complete and will take 5-10 minutes to complete. The results will be used to improve guidance given to people with hyperhidrosis.
You don’t need to have hyperhidrosis to take part!

As a thank you we will enter you into our prize draw in the chance of winning a £20 Amazon gift card. The winner will be announced on our Instagram page, @hyperhidrosisnetwork and will be emailed.

Click on this link or use the QR code below to take part in the survey: https://de-montfort.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/salt-diet-survey-hyperhidrosis-v2

For more information, contact the Hyperhidrosis Research Network:
[email protected]

Thank you!

How to Deal with Menopausal Night Sweats

A guest post from Tara Hardin (LadyCare Menopause Ltd) talking about night sweats associated with the menopause.

Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) is a condition that is often associated with night-time hot flushes in menopausal women. It is an irritating problem that can keep women awake all night long. Fortunately, there are various ways of dealing with it.

What are menopausal night sweats?
Night sweats are the body’s reaction to the hormones released due to the perimenopause or menopause. Sweating can also accompany hot flushes during the day.

What happens when you experience night sweats?
Night sweats cause your body to perspire profusely while you sleep. In addition, it is not uncommon for you to experience a cold sweat when you wake up. The severity of these symptoms can vary; some women suffer badly, while others barely notice them at all.
Unfortunately, the night sweats often result in women dreading going to bed as they fear the problem will affect their own health as well as their relationship with their partner.

Why do night sweats happen during the menopause?
Even if you keep the windows open or turn up the air conditioner, night sweats can still occur. This is yet another side effect of the menopause. When your ovaries stop secreting hormones, it is a sign that you are going through ‘the change’. Due to the reduction in hormones, your body has difficulty regulating heat, which in turn causes the night sweats and hot flushes.

How to prevent or reduce night sweats
Here are some quick tips that can help prevent you from having an uncomfortable night:

● Turn on the fan or lower the temperature on the air conditioner
● Don’t use blankets or sheets
● Wear light or cool nightclothes
● Take sips of cold water
● Relax your body by meditating – slow down and deepen your breathing

To reduce the frequency of the night sweets, consider the following advice:

● Alleviate any stress by performing calming exercises before you go to bed
● Daily exercises can also reduce stress and help you enjoy a long and peaceful sleep
● Maintain a healthy weight
● Avoid eating spicy food and don’t drink alcohol or caffeine
● Avoid unhealthy habits, such as smoking

Maintaining a balanced diet with lots of healthy food can provide long-term solutions to your night sweats. Studies have shown that a daily intake of one or two servings of soy can reduce the occurrence and intensity of your symptoms.

While supplements have shown mixed results, many women find them helpful in relieving menopausal symptoms, especially night sweats. However, make sure you consult a doctor before you take any supplements as they may cause side effects or interact poorly with the medication you are already taking. Here are the most frequently used vitamins and supplements:

● Vitamins B and E
● Flax seeds in their natural form, capsules or oil
● Primrose in capsules or food-grade oil

Another way of combating night sweats and hot flushes involves hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, exercise caution when opting for this treatment. If possible, try to take the smallest dose and for the shortest time possible. Acupuncture may also be beneficial.

Conclusion
There is no standard relief for night sweats. A method that works for one woman may not be suitable for another. It is a good idea to keep a record of the treatments that help alleviate your own particular symptoms. You should also understand that finding an appropriate treatment regime can take time. And remember, always consult a doctor before taking any supplements, even herbal ones.

Hyperhidrosis Research Network Newsletter

The Hyperhidrosis Research Network has been established to bring together people with hyperhidrosis, healthcare professionals and researchers so we can:

  • Share new research developments and how you can get involved
  • Publicise hyperhidrosis in the media and help to remove misconceptions about it
  • Develop an advocacy group so our voices are heard when decisions about being made by the NHS etc.

The first Newsletter can be downloaded by clicking on the image above or by clicking here.

If you would like to get involved please contact the group by email: [email protected]

 

Please help a high school student

Hello, my name is Ava from the United States. I am a high school student researching how hyperhidrosis affects the lives of patients. My interest in this subject is inspired by the fact that I suffer from hyperhidrosis and would like to communicate with an audience which shares my circumstances. All responses are completely anonymous.Thank you so much for your time. To take part in the survey click here or use the link below:

https://forms.gle/hdtvkiQWSr7UXQxS8

Are there any Pro-patients out there?

What is a Pro-Patient?

A patient/ friend or family member of a patient or patient advocate who takes on a leadership role in helping those with a medical condition.

What does a Pro-patient do?

A Pro-patient might organise support groups, advocate for individual patients and even advance treatments and help organise care by establishing and running professional organisations.

How do I get involved

Any Pro-patients out there? We’re looking to facilitate peer to peer and specialist to patient information exchange and support. www.health-shared.com was created to allow you to make and share content with the wider healthcare community.

Join us by signing up at www.health-shared.com

Contact Us

We have been experiencing some problems receiving messages from the Contact Us page over the last few weeks (End of September/early November 2019).

If you have recently sent a message but received no response, please would you complete the form on the Contact Us Page again.

Thank you. 

Do you have a skin condition that you want to change?


Katie at TwoFour has got in touch with us about a new BBC Three series focusing on skin conditions. The show offers people the chance to see experts, possible treatment and to have a chat about their skin conditions.
If this is up your street and sounds like something you or a family member or friend may be interested in applying for please follow / pass on this link: https://b1.etribez.com/ag/twofour2/skin/welcome.html