Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is the medical condition of abnormally increased perspiration (sweating) in excess of that required for regulation of body temperature. The excessive perspiration can happen regardless of temperature or emotional state.

The most commonly affected parts of the body are the hands, feet and axillae but any part of the body surface may be affected. The incidence of hyperhidrosis is estimated at around 1% of the population.

Hyperhidrosis can be classified according to whether it is generalized or localized and on whether it starts early or late in life. Generalized hyperhidrosis suggests that the cause may be neurological, hormonal or secondary to drug use although other conditions such as lymphoma should also be excluded. Localized hyperhidrosis tends to start in early life and may be due to local excessive numbers of sweat glands, over-reactivity of the sympathetic nervous system in that region or other causes.

Treatment

Hyperhidrosis can usually be treated, but achiving a cure is often difficult. Various topical agents may offer relief but one of the most effective is using aluminum chloride (hexahydrate). Local botulinum (Botox) injections to affected areas may give relief for 6-12 months.

For some severe cases, surgery to cut the sympathetic nerves (sympathectomy) can offer a solution but this option is usually only considered as a last resort. Surgery in the nerves in the neck can reduce or prevent hyperhidrosis of the palms.