Hyperhidrosis

Also known as: excessive sweating.

What is hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating. While sweating is a necessarily bodily function to help cool your body, those with hyperhidrosis sweat much more than is needed to regulate the body’s temperature.

What causes hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis can be “Primary” where no reason is found and excessive sweating occurs in certain parts of the body like the hands, underarms, face and feet. It may be hereditary and run in families.

“Secondary” hyperhidrosis, or generalized sweating, is caused by an underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure, known as hypertension or increased thyroid function, known as hyperthyroidism. Certain medicines or food can also cause hyperhidrosis.

What are the symptoms of hyperhidrosis?

Primary hyperhidrosis symptoms include constant excessive sweating, most commonly on the hands and/or feet or forehead, regardless of the environmental temperature and only stopping at night. The sweating can also interfere with daily activities and can lead to soft, white, or peeling skin. Embarrassment may lead children to becoming socially isolated, interfere with their daily lives, and develop psychological problems.

What are hyperhidrosis care options?

Treatments depend on severity, and the age of the child. Several treatment options are available. These include; antiperspirants, oral medications, low voltage electrical therapy (iontophoresis), botox injections, other therapies and surgery in children who don't respond.


Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: August 26, 2021 05:02 PM

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