Hyperhidrosis most commonly causes excessive sweating of the feet, palms, head, or underarms. These areas may drip with sweat while other parts of the body remain dry.
People who experience excessive sweating of the palms may experience embarrassment when hand-shaking or struggle to open doors or hang onto tools. Excessive sweating of the underarms can soak through clothing, causing embarrassment in social situations.
In addition, hyperhidrosis can put the patient at risk of infections, especially when it affects the feet.
Signs and symptoms include:
Yes. When excessive sweating is limited to one or just a few areas of the body, occurs on both sides of the body at least once a week, and is more prevalent during the day, it’s rarely a sign of a more serious condition. However, excessive sweating that occurs at night or affects the entire body may be secondary to a medication or condition. Conditions that may cause hyperhidrosis include diabetes, gout, frostbite, head trauma, obesity, menopause, tumor, and hyperthyroidism. Seeking evaluation from a primary care physician is the best way to rule out an underlying condition.
Patients who have a family member with the condition, a medical condition that causes excessive sweating, or who take medications or supplements that can cause this side effect are at higher risk of developing hyperhidrosis.
Treatment depends on the parts of the body affected and the patient’s medical history. Common treatments for hyperhidrosis include prescription antiperspirants, prescription medications, and Botox injections. Botox injections are used under the arms to block a sweat-gland-stimulating chemical. Botox treatment takes effect in just 4-5 days and lasts up to 6 months.
*Individual results may vary.