Understanding Hyperhidrosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

What is it?

Hyperhidrosis, which is sweating in excess of that required for normal thermoregulation, is a condition that usually begins in either childhood or adolescence. Although any site on the body can be affected by hyperhidrosis, the sites most commonly affected are the palms, soles, and axillae. Hyperhidrosis may be idiopathic or secondary to other diseases, metabolic disorders, febrile illnesses, or medication use. Hyperhidrosis exists in 3 forms: emotionally induced hyperhidrosis (in which it affects the palms, soles, and axillae),localized hyperhidrosis, and generalized hyperhidrosis

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Additional names

This group contains additional names:
- Night sweats

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms of excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis) may include:
- Excessive sweating that’s occurred for at least six months without an apparent reason
- Sweat that occurs on both sides of the body in roughly the same amount
- Incidents of excessive sweating at least once a week
- Sweating that interferes with daily activities (such as work or relationships)
- Excessive sweating that began when before the age of 25 years
- Not sweating in during sleep- A family history of hyperhidrosis

Diagnosis

During examination, your doctor will ask about your medical history and symptoms. You may also need a physical exam or tests to further evaluate the cause of your condition, it may include:
- Lab tests: Blood, urine or other lab tests to see if your sweating is caused by another medical condition, such as an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
- Sweat tests: A number of tests are available to pinpoint the areas of sweating and estimate the severity of your condition, including an iodine-starch test, skin conductance and a thermoregulatory sweat test.

Treatment

There are several treatment options for excessive sweating. It may include:
- Specialized antiperspirant: antiperspirant contains aluminum chloride. This antiperspirant is stronger than those available over the counter and is often used to treat mild cases of hyperhidrosis.
- Iontophoresis: this procedure uses a device that delivers low-level electrical currents while you’re submerged in water. The currents are often delivered to your hands, feet, or armpits to temporarily block your sweat glands.
- Anticholinergic drugs: can provide relief for generalized sweating. These drugs, such as glycopyrrolate (Robinul), prevent acetylcholine from working. Acetylcholine is a chemical your body produces that helps stimulate your sweat glands. These drugs take about two weeks to work and may cause side effects such as constipation and dizziness.
- Botox (botulinum toxin): botox injections block the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. You usually need several injections before this treatment becomes effective.
- Surgery: if you only have sweating in your armpits, surgery might be able to treat your condition. One procedure involves removing the sweat glands in your armpits. Another option is to have an endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. This involves severing the nerves that carry messages to your sweat glands.
- Home remedies: you can also try to reduce sweating by:
using over-the-counter antiperspirants on the affected area
bathing daily to get rid of bacteria
wearing shoes and socks made from natural materials
letting your feet breathe
changing your socks frequently

☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.

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Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:

National Institution of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ University of Illinois hospital