Excessive Sweating
Diaphoresis Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition in which a person sweats excessively and unpredictably. People with hyperhidrosis may sweat even in cooler temperatures or when they are at rest.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Sweating is an internal response of the body that 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 and perspiration can lead to significant discomfort, both physical and emotional.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Sweating is an internal response of the body that 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 and perspiration 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. However, it does seem to run in families.
Symptoms:
The primary symptom of hyperhidrosis 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:
Treatments may include:
Symptoms:
The primary symptom of hyperhidrosis 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:
- Starch-iodine test - An iodine solution is applied to the sweaty area. After it dries, starch is sprinkled on the area. The starch-iodine combination turns a dark blue color wherever there is excess sweat.
- Paper test - Special paper is placed on the affected area to absorb the sweat, and then weighed. The heavier it weighs, the more sweat has accumulated.
Treatments may include:
- Antiperspirants - Excessive sweating may be controlled with strong antiperspirants, which plug the sweat ducts. Products containing 10% to 20% aluminum chloride hexahydrate are the first line of treatment for underarm sweating. Some patients may be prescribed a product containing a higher dose of aluminum chloride, which is applied nightly onto the affected areas. Antiperspirants can cause skin irritation, and large doses of aluminum chloride can damage clothing. Note: Deodorants do not prevent sweating, but are helpful in reducing body odor.
- Botox - Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) is FDA approved for the treatment of severe underarm sweating, a condition called primary axillary hyperhidrosis. Small doses of purified botulinum toxin injected into the underarm temporarily block the nerves that stimulate sweating. If you are considering Botox for other areas of excessive sweating talk to your doctor in detail.
