What is it?
Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) is the production of excess sweat, beyond the amount required to return elevated body temperature back to normal.
What areas does it affect?
Hyperhidrosis can be generalized or focal.
Generalised hyperhidrosis affects the entire body, the cause may be unknown, or it may be due to an underlying medical condition. These conditions can be identified on history, examination and investigations.
Focal hyperhidrosis affects specific sites of the body, most commonly the armpits, palms, soles or head/face. Focal hyperhidrosis typically occurs in otherwise healthy people, commonly before the age of 25.
How common is it?
It is estimated to affect about 3% of the general population.
Is it genetic?
Roughly two thirds of patients report a positive family history
Next post we will talk about the implications of this serious disorder.
Note: Information on this site is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
AFR Sweaty Australians are turning to Botox May 5 2015
AFP Hyperhidrosis and bromhidrosis May 2013
Treatment of Primary Axillary Hyperhidrosis with Botulinum Toxin Type A: Our experience in 50 patients from 2007 to 2010 ISRN Dermatology 2012