Medically reviewed by Chris Schwerdt. Last updated on December 22, 2024
General Illness Information
Common Name:
Hyperhidrosis
Medical Term: Hyperhidrosis
Description:
Excessive perspiration due to over activity of the sweat glands.
May be general or confined to the palms, soles, armpits, below the breasts or groin.
Often causes social embarrassment.
Causes:
- Genetic factors;
- Anxiety;
- Fever and infection;
- Malignancy;
- Hyperthyroidism;
- Menopause;
- Some drugs and medicines, such as narcotics;
- Withdrawal from addictive drugs;
- Unknown in some cases.
Prevention:
- Control anxiety;
- Keep cool.
Signs & Symptoms
- Heavy perspiration from underarm area, soles and palms and to a lesser degree, from other body parts;
- Unpleasant odor, which is caused by bacteria in sweat.
Risk Factors
- Stress;
- Strenuous activity;
- Hot weather.
Diagnosis & Treatment
This is a clinical diagnosis.
General Measures:
- Treatment for underlying conditions;
- Psychotherapy or counseling, if stress is a major factor;
- Bathe frequently;
- Change clothes frequently;
- Wear loose-fitting clothes of natural fibers, such as cotton;
- Use underarm sweat shields;
- Use antiperspirants and deodorants;
- Use drying powders;
- Wear cotton socks;
- Wear leather shoes or sandals. Don’t use man-made materials;
- Shave underarm hair;
- Surgery to remove sweat glands or sever nerves to major sweat areas (rare).
Medications:
- 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.
Activity:
No restrictions.
Diet:
No special diet. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, more in hot weather.
Possible Complications:
- Psychological distress caused by social embarrassment;
- Rashes from deodorants or antiperspirants.
Prognosis
Symptoms can be controlled with treatment.
Other
Nothing specified.
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