Hyperhidrosis
(Excessive Sweating)
Definition
Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating. It can be an embarrassing and serious problem. It can affect social, professional, and intimate relationships.
The sweating may be in just one area. It is most common in the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or armpits. In some cases the sweating can also affect the entire body. Hyperhidrosis is divided into two categories:
- Primary hyperhidrosis—has no known cause
- Secondary hyperhidrosis—caused by an underlying condition
Sweat Gland
Causes
Primary hyperhidrosis may be triggered by:
- High emotional states (eg, intense sadness, fear, anger, stress)
- Spicy foods
- Hot climates
-
Certain medicines:
- Fever-lowering medicines
- Insulin
- Meperidine
- Emetics (vomit-inducing medicines)
- Alcohol
- Pilocarpine
Secondary hyperhidrosis may be caused by conditions such as:
- Menopause
- Fever
- Infection
- Cancer, such as lymphoma
- Thyroid disease
- Acromegaly or anterior pituitary tumor
- Hypothalamic disorders
- Adrenal tumor
- Parkinson's disease
- Nervous system disorders
- Diabetes
- Tuberculosis
- Drug withdrawal
-
Certain medicines:
- Fever-lowering medicines
- Insulin
- Meperidine
- Emetics (vomit-inducing medicines)
- Alcohol
- Pilocarpine
Risk Factors
Factors that increase your chance of secondary hyperhidrosis are the conditions that cause it (listed above).
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Sweaty palms of the hands and/or soles of the feet
- Sweaty armpits
- Change in amount of sweating
- Change in pattern of sweating
- Change in the odor associated with sweating
- Stained clothing
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. There are no specific tests for this condition.
A starch-iodine test is often used on armpits. It may be used to determine the areas of the most active sweat glands. Tests may be ordered if your doctor is concerned that you may have a specific medical condition.
Treatment
Treatment includes:
Lifestyle Changes
To help decrease the uncomfortable feeling and odor associated with sweating try:
- Frequent clothing changes
- Careful washing
Topical Treatments
A number of treatments can be applied to decrease sweating in a particular area. These include:
- Aluminum chloride hexahydrate
- Aluminum tetrachloride
- Formalin compresses
- Glutaraldehyde compresses
- Iontophoresis (stimulation with electrical current)—needs to be repeated on a daily or weekly basis, eventually tapering off to every 1-2 weeks; may be used if prescription antiperspirants don't work
Medications
These are very rarely used due to their side effects, but may include:
- Scopolamine
- Phenoxybenzamine
- Propantheline
Prevention
There are no known ways to prevent hyperhidrosis.
Hyperhidrosis
International Hyperhidrosis Society
Canadian Institute for Health Information
Health Canada
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Last reviewed September 2011 by Lawrence Frisch, MD, MPH
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
