Hyperhidrosis

Excessive perspiration.

A cross section of human skin. In hyperhydrosis the sweat glands make too much sweat which then comes out of the sweat pores on the surface of the skin.

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition in which a person sweats too much.

Cause

It is often caused by overactive sweat glands.

Types

It can primary or secondary. Sweating that is not caused by another disease is called primary hyperhidrosis.

If the sweating occurs as a result of another medical condition, it is called secondary hyperhidrosis the causes of which include:

• Acromegaly
• Anxiety conditions
• Cancer
• Carcinoid syndrome
• Certain medicines and substances of abuse
• Glucose control disorders
• Heart disease, such as heart attack
• Overactive thyroid
• Lung disease
• Menopause
• Parkinson disease
• Pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor)
• Spinal cord injury
• Stroke
• Tuberculosis or other infections

Symptoms

People with hyperhidrosis may sweat even when it is cool and they are at rest.

Areas affected

The sweat glands on any area of the human body can be affected by hyperhidrosis but it is usually happens more often in the sweat glands of the palms of the hand, the soles of the feet and the armpits.

Diagnosis

In addition to history and physical examination, some of the test to help to diagnose excessive sweating include:

• Starch-iodine test - An iodine solution is applied to the sweaty area. After it dries, starch is sprinkled on the area. The starch-iodine combination turns a dark blue to black color wherever there is excess sweat.
• Paper test - Special paper is placed on the affected area to absorb the sweat, and then weighed. The heavier it weights, the more sweat has accumulated.
• Blood tests - These may be ordered if thyroid problems or other medical conditions are suspected.
• Imaging tests may be ordered if a tumor is suspected.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. For secondary causes, treating the underlying cause is important. Treatment

A wide range of common treatments for hyperhidrosis includes:

• Antiperspirants
• Medications
• Iontophoresis is a procedure that uses electricity to temporarily turn off the sweat gland
• Botulinum toxin
• Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS)
• Underarm surgery

Hyperhidrosis Resources
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