Pronounced: Hi-per-hi-dro-sis
Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating. It can be an embarrassing and serious problem. It can affect social, professional, and intimate relationships.
The sweating may be in just one area. It is most common in the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and/or armpits. In some cases the sweating can also affect the entire body. Hyperhidrosis is divided into two categories:
Sweat Gland
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Primary hyperhidrosis may be triggered by:
Secondary hyperhidrosis may be caused by conditions such as:
Factors that increase your chance of secondary hyperhidrosis are the conditions that cause it (listed above).
Symptoms include:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. There are no specific tests for this condition.
A starch-iodine test is often used on armpits. It may be used to determine the areas with the most active sweat glands. Tests may be done if your doctor is concerned that you may have a specific medical condition.
Treatment includes:
To help decrease the uncomfortable feeling and odor associated with sweating, try:
A number of treatments can be applied to decrease sweating in a particular area. These include:
These are very rarely used due to their side effects, but may include:
This is the toxin produced by the bacteria that cause botulism. Injections of this toxin can decrease sweating in certain areas. It is often used on the palms of the hands and armpits. The effect of one cycle of injections may last for 6-8 months for most patients.
RESOURCES:
Hyperhidrosis
http://www.hyperhidrosis.ca
International Hyperhidrosis Society
http://www.sweathelp.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Institute for Health Information
http://www.cihi.ca
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca
References:
Baumgartner FJ. Surgical approaches and techniques in the management of severe hyperhidrosis. Thorac Surg Clin. 2008;18(2):167-181.
Braunwald E, Fauci AS, eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 15th ed. McGraw-Hill Professional; 2001.
Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 22nd ed. WB Saunders Company; 2004.
Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 21st ed. WB Saunders Company; 2000.
Commons GW, Lim AF. Treatment of Axillary Hyperhidrosis/Bromidrosis Using VASER Ultrasound. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2009 Jan 3.
Kasper DL, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 16th ed. McGraw-Hill Professional; 2004.
Local injection of botulinum toxin A for palmar hyperhidrosis: usefulness and efficacy in relation to severity. Yamashita N, Shimizu H, Kawada M, Yanagishita T, Watanabe D, Tamada Y, Matsumoto Y. J Dermatol. 2008;35(6):325-329.
Primary Care Medicine. 4th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000.
Saenz JW, Sams RW 2nd, et al. FPIN's clinical inquiries. Treatment of hyperhidrosis. Am Fam Physician. 2011;83(4):465-466.
Solish N, Bertucci V, et al. A comprehensive approach to the recognition, diagnosis, and severity-based treatment of focal hyperhidrosis: recommendations of the Canadian Hyperhidrosis Advisory Committee. Dermatol Surg. 2007;33(8):908–923.
Treatment of hyperhidrosis. Dermatologic Clinics. 1998 Oct.
Last reviewed September 2012 by Brian Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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