Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition in which a person sweats excessively and unpredictably. People with hyperhidrosis may sweat even when the temperature is cool or when they are at rest.
Alternative NamesSweating - excessive; Perspiration - excessive; Diaphoresis
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsSweating helps the body stay cool. In most cases, it is perfectly natural. People sweat more in warm temperatures, when they exercise, or in response to situations that make them nervous, angry, embarrassed, or afraid.
However, excessive sweating occurs without such triggers. Those with hyperhidrosis appear to have overactive sweat glands. The uncontrollable sweating can lead to significant discomfort, both physical and emotional.
When excessive sweating affects the hands, feet, and armpits, it's called primary or focal hyperhidrosis. Primary hyperhidrosis affects 2 - 3% of the population, yet less than 40% of patients with this condition seek medical advice. In the majority of primary hyperhidrosis cases, no cause can be found. It seems to run in families.
If the sweating occurs as a result of another medical condition, it is called secondary hyperhidrosis. The sweating may be all over the body, or it may be in one area. Conditions that cause second hyperhidrosis include:
The primary symptom of hyperhidrosis is wetness.
Signs and testsVisible signs of sweating may be noted during a doctor's visit. A number of tests may also be used to diagnose excessive sweating. Tests include:
Tests include:
You may be also be asked details about your sweating, such as:
Treatments may include:
Aluminum Chloride: Initially a patient may need to use it three to seven times a week. After sweating becomes normal, the person may need to use it only once every one to three weeks. If skin irritation is a problem, a doctor may temporarily prescribe a steroid-based cream.
Botox: Swelling goes away in a few weeks. The effect of a single injection can last up to a few months. Some patients need additional injections.
Iontophoresis: Sweating may be reduced after six to 10 sessions. After that, the person may need treatment once every one to four weeks.
ComplicationsSome of the causes of hyperhidrosis can be serious. Always consult a doctor if you have excessive sweating.
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you have:
Boley TM, Belangee KN, Markwell S, Hazelrigg SR. The Effect of Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy on Quality of Life and Symptom Management of Hyperhidrosis. Journal of the American College of Surgeons. March 2007;204(3).
Reisfeld R, Berliner KI. Evidence-based review of the nonsurgical management of hyperhidrosis. Thorac Surg Clin. 2008 May;18(2):157-66. Review.
Hornberger J, Grimes K et al. Recognition, diagnosis and treatment of primary focal hyperhidrosis. J Am Acad Dermatol2004; 51: 274-86
Lowe NJ, Glaser DA, Eadie N, et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007 Apr;56(4):604-11. Epub 2007 Feb 15.Botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis: a 52-week multicenter double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of efficacy and safety.
Solish N, Benohanian A, Kowalski JW. Prospective open-label study of botulinum toxin type A in patients with axillary hyperhidrosis: effects on functional impairment and quality of life. Dermatol Surg. 2005 Apr;31(4):405-13.
Generalized hyperhidrosis may affect the entire body
Dermatologists typically treat hyperhidrosis.
You can ask a thoracic surgeon. They know the causes, symptoms, and treatments for hyperhidrosis. You can learn more here: http://hyperhidrosismd.com/hyperhidrosis
The only permanent cure for hyperhidrosis of the palms is a surgical procedure known as a sympathectomy
When a person is diagnosed with facial hyperhidrosis, they tend to suffer from excessive sweating from the face, scalp or head. It is considerably more than the body requires to control its temperature. It is very common for people to be affected by hyperhidrosis, as one million people in the United Kingdom are diagnosed with hyperhidrosis.
Emotionally induced hyperhidrosis typically affects the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and the armpits
Hyperhidrosis is not associated with increased mortality; it primarily affects the patient's quality of life rather than longevity
A group of dermatologists in Virginia reported in 2004 that 2.8% of the United States population, or about 7.8 million persons, have hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating in one specific area is known as focal hyperhidrosis. If the excessive sweating occurs all over the body, it is referred to as generalized hyperhidrosis.
Hyperhidrosis may also contribute to such skin diseases as athlete's foot (tinea pedis) and contact dermatitis
It usually begins at puberty
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