Hyperhidrosis Health Article

Definition

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition in which a person sweats excessively and unpredictably. People with hyperhidrosis may sweat even when the temperature is cool or when they are at rest.

Alternative Names

Sweating - excessive; Perspiration - excessive; Diaphoresis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Sweating 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 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. It seems to run in families.

If the sweating occurs as a result of another medical condition, it is called secondary hyperhidrosis. The sweating may be all over the body, or it may be in one area. Conditions that cause second hyperhidrosis include:

• Acromegaly
• Anxiety conditions
• Cancer
• Carcinoid syndrome
• Certain medications and substances of abuse
• Glucose control disorders
• Heart disease
• Hyperthyroidism
• Lung disease
• Menopause
• Parkinson’s disease
• Pheochromocytoma
• Spinal cord injury
• Stroke
• Tuberculosis or other infections

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:

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, then weighed. The heavier it weight, the more sweat has accumulated.

The patient may be also be asked details about the sweating, such as:

• Location
  • Is it on face, palms, or armpits?
  • Is it all over the body?
• Time pattern
  • Does it occur at night?
  • Did it begin suddenly?
  • How long have you had it?
• Triggers
  • Does it occur in response to reminders of a traumatic event?
  • What other symptoms are present (for example, weight loss, a pounding heartbeat, lack of appetite)?
  • Are the hands cold and clammy?
  • Is there a fever?