| General Illness Information |
Common Name: |
Hyperhidrosis |
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Medical Term:
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Hyperhidrosis |
| Description: |
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Excessive perspiration
due to over activity of the sweat glands.
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May be general or
confined to the palms, soles, armpits, below the breasts or
groin.
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Often causes social
embarrassment.
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| Causes: |
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Genetic factors.
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Anxiety.
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Fever and infection.
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Malignancy.
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Hyperthyroidism.
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Menopause.
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Some drugs and
medicines, such as narcotics.
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Withdrawal from
addictive drugs.
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Unknown in some cases.
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| Prevention: |
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Control anxiety.
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Keep cool.
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| Signs
& Symptoms |
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Heavy perspiration
from underarm area, soles and palms and to a lesser
degree, from other body parts.
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Unpleasant odor,
which is caused by bacteria in sweat.
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| Risk Factors |
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Stress.
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Strenuous activity.
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Hot weather.
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| Diagnosis & Treatment |
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This is a clinical diagnosis.
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| General
Measures: |
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Treatment for
underlying conditions.
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Psychotherapy or
counseling, if stress is a major factor.
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Bathe frequently.
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Change clothes
frequently.
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Wear loose-fitting
clothes of natural fibers, such as cotton.
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Use underarm sweat
shields.
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Use
antiperspirants and deodorants.
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Use drying
powders.
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Wear cotton socks.
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Wear leather shoes
or sandals. Don't use man-made materials.
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Shave underarm
hair.
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Surgery to remove
sweat glands or sever nerves to major sweat areas
(rare).
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| Medications: |
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Treat with soap containing chlorhexidine. Apply
aluminum chlorhydroxy complex after bathing.
Localized hyperhidrosis
- treat with nighttime applications of aluminum
chloride in absolute ethyl alcohol. Cover with polyethylene
films if possible. Wash applications away next morning.
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| Activity: |
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No
restrictions
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| Diet: |
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No
special diet. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, more
in hot weather |
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| Possible
Complications : |
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Psychological
distress caused by social embarrassment.
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Rashes from
deodorants or antiperspirants.
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| Prognosis |
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Symptoms
can be controlled with treatment.
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| Other |
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Nil
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