HyperhidrosisDefinition Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition in which a person sweats excessively and unpredictably. People with hyperhidrosis can sweat even when the temperature is cool, and when they are at rest.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Sweating 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 localized to one area. Conditions that cause second hyperhidrosis include:
Symptoms The primary symptom of hydrohidrosis is wetness.Signs and tests Visible 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:
The patient may be also be asked details about the sweating, such as:
Treatment There are a variety of treatment options available for patients with hyperhidrosis, including:
Support Groups International Hyperhidrosis Society, www.sweathelp.orgExpectations (prognosis) 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 1% hydrocortisone 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. Complications Some of the causes of hyperhidrosis can be serious. Always consult a doctor if you have excessive sweating. Calling your health care provider
References Haider A, Solish N. Focal hyperhidrosis: diagnosis and management. CMAJ. 2005 Jan 4;172(1):69-75. Hornberger J, Grimes K et al. Recognition, diagnosis and treatment of primary focal hyperhidrosis. J Am Acad Dermatol 2004; 51: 274-86 Fitzgerald E, Feeley TM, Tierney S. Current treatments for axillary hyperhidrosis. Surgeon. 2004 Dec;2(6):311-4, 360. 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. Page Content: Sweating - excessive; Perspiration - excessive; Diaphoresis ; diaphoresis; definition of diaphoresis; excessive perspiration; excessive perspiration underarm; cause excessive perspiration; excessive perspiration treatment; excessive sweating; cause excessive sweating; excessive florida sweating; excessive ohio sweating; excessive sweating treatment; botox excessive sweating; armpit excessive sweating; excessive sweating underarm; excessive head sweating; body excessive sweating; excessive facial sweating; excessive herb sweating; child excessive in sweating; excessive foot sweating; excessive medication sweating; excessive in man sweating; child excessive sweating; cure excessive sweating; excessive stop sweating; excessive problem sweating; excessive stop sweating underarm; excessive night sweating; deodorant excessive sweating; excessive sweating remedy; cure excessive natural sweating; control excessive sweating; excessive home remedy sweating; excessive hyperhidrosis sweating; excessive face sweating; excessive sweating symptom; cause excessive medical sweating; excessive in sweating toddler; excessive from head sweating; excessive stopping sweating; excessive flash hot sweating; excessive medical reason sweating; excessive prevent sweating; excessive maxim sweating; excessive natural over stop sweating ways; excessive home remedy sweating underarm; excessive flash hot menopause sweating; excessive herbal remedy sweating; cause excessive sweating underarm; arm excessive stop sweating ways; arm excessive sweating under; excessive sweating tablet; excessive infant sweating; excessive natural remedy sweating underarm; excessive exercising sweating while; best excessive remedy sweating; excessive hair removal sweating; baby excessive heart in problem sweating; cause excessive head sweating; excessive sweating woodlands; excessive over stop sweating; cause cure excessive sweating; excessive natural remedy sweating; antiperspirant best excessive sweating; can cause drug excessive sweating that; diabetes excessive sweating; excessive relief sweating; excessive surgery sweating; cure excessive herbal sweating |