What is hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a disorder that makes people sweat more than they need to. When the cause is unknown it’s called primary hyperhidrosis. Hyperhydrosis can also be caused by an underlying condition (e.g., endocrine disorders, menopause, obesity, nerve damage) and by some drugs, although this is very uncommon. This is known as secondary hyperhidrosis. When sweating occurs over the entire body, it is known as generalized hyperhidrosis. When sweating occurs in certain places only, it is known as focal hyperhidrosis.
Most often, focal hyperhidrosis affects:

• Underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis)
• Hands (palmar hyperhidrosis)
• Feet (plantar hyperhidrosis)
• Face (facial hyperhidrosis)

How serious is hyperhidrosis?

While not life-threatening, hyperhidrosis has significant impacts on quality of life and productivity. Excessive sweating can damage the skin, promote infection and cause unpleasant odours. These outcomes are undesirable from both a medical and social point of view. Excessive sweating can also be inconvenient and costly.

The science of hyperhidrosis

Normally, the body produces sweat in order to keep its temperature at a healthy level. Sometimes, for reasons scientists don’t yet understand, the nerves controlling the sweat glands become overactive. The result is hyperhidrosis.