Hyperhidrosis is localized and abnormal excessive sweating
Normal sweating helps regulate body temperature by producing a cooling effect, but too much perspiration is not conducive to overall health.
General excessive sweating is not considered hyperhidrosis, but can be a sign of an illness, including cancer, tuberculosis, and thyroid disease.
Localized, excessive perspiration often occurs on the face, palms of hands, soles of feet, armpits, or a combination of these locations. This perspiration is often aggravated by stress. Hyperhidrosis can be and uncomfortable and emotionally taxing condition.
What Causes Hyperhidrosis?
Overactive sweat glands
Hyperhidrosis may occur as a natural bodily function for some
Hyperhidrosis may be hereditary. Studies indicate that hyperhidrosis is inherited, and that children of parents with hyperhidrosis have approximately a one in four chance of developing the condition.
What Treatments Are Available?
Antiperspirant, over-the-counter or prescription
Medications, primarily used to prevent excessive sweating in stressful situations
Iontophoresis, application of low electrical current results in a blocked sweat duct
Botox, botulinum toxin A, injections to prevent nerves from sending signals that stimulate sweat glands. Relief is temporary and this treatment must be repeated to continue experiencing results.
Surgery for sweat gland removal. Surgery’s side effects include difficulty with range of motion in arm
Surgery to sever the nerves leading to sweat glands. Surgery’s side effects include difficulty with range of motion in arm
As many as one in twenty people may suffer from hyperhidrosis. It can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing condition, especially when aggravated by work or social stress. Fortunately for many, a variety of effective treatment options are available.