Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by excessive sweating, usually mostly on the hands, feet, armpits and face.

Normally, the body produces sweat episodically, meaning that sweat is usually produced in response to something, whether it be stress, anxiety, exercise or a fever, after which it stops.

In patients with hyperhidrosis, this exocrine function doesn’t stop, and they sweat in conditions that don’t warrant it, for example in an air-conditioned space or while simply relaxing. Hyperhidrosis can in some instances be linked to an underlying cause; however, in many cases there is no known medical cause.

Hyperhidrosis can be classified into two groups: primary and secondary hyperhidrosis.

Primary hyperhidrosis

Primary hyperhidrosis can cause heavy sweating, usually on the face, feet, hands and underarms.

Many cases of primary hyperhidrosis are hereditary. Patients with hyperhidrosis sweat from the eccrine glands, which are found in large numbers on the hands, feet, face and underarms. Overstimulation of the eccrine glands is what causes hyperhidrosis, and sometimes all that is needed to trigger excessive sweating is the mere thought of feeling a certain way.

Secondary hyperhidrosis

Secondary hyperhidrosis usually affects larger areas spread all over the body and is caused by heat, underlying medical conditions, or even some types of medication.

Secondary hyperhidrosis is usually caused by an underlying medical condition and causes sweating during sleep. It can be caused by factors such as pregnancy, hyperthyroidism, gout, shingles and menopause, among many others, as well as by certain medications used to treat conditions such as diabetes or depression.

How is it treated?

Treatment options for hyperhidrosis include:

  • Anticholinergics, which act on the nerves so the glands secrete less sweat. This medication comes in pill form or as a cream applied to the skin.
  • Botox injections
  • Anxiety medication
  • Low-intensity electrical current treatments

Surgery is usually the last resort. Doctors perform a thoracic sympathectomy, in which the surgeon removes the nerves and sweat glands in the affected area. This can cause other side effects, including sweating elsewhere, such as on the back, chest and legs.

This article is general information, not advice for your situation. Members can call the office with questions about their own care.