Hyperhidrosis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, And Treatment

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Medical News TodaySubscribeWhat to know about hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)

Medically reviewed by Darragh O'Carroll, MD — Written by Yvette Brazier — Updated on June 12, 2024

What is hyperhidrosis?
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Natural remedies
Complications
Summary

Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by excessive sweating. Signs of hyperhidrosis include visible sweating and sweating that interferes with everyday activities. It may affect one area or the whole body.

Hyperhidrosis is also known as polyhidrosis or sudorrhea. Although not life threatening, it can be uncomfortable and cause embarrassment and psychological trauma.

This article examines the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of hyperhidrosis.

What is hyperhidrosis?

Sweat on the forehead of a person with hyperhidrosis.-2 — Frederick Bass/Getty Images

Hyperhidrosis causes excessive sweating. People may have focal hyperhidrosis, which involves localized sweating. For example, palmoplantar hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating of the palms and soles.

Alternatively, people may have generalized hyperhidrosis, which is sweating that affects the entire body.

Hyperhidrosis is typically the most active in areas with a high concentration of sweat glands, such as the following:

hands
feet
face and head
armpits

Hyperhidrosis may be present from birth or might develop later in life. However, most cases occur in people between the ages of 20 and 60. The condition affects around 3% of people in the United States.

A 2020 review suggests that hyperhidrosis may also currently be underdiagnosed and underreported.

Symptoms of hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is sweating that disrupts normal activities. Episodes of excessive sweating occur for at least six months, last for at least seven days, and affect a person’s social life or daily activities.

Signs and symptoms of hyperhidrosis may include:

clammy or wet palms
clammy or wet soles of the feet
frequent sweating
noticeable sweating that soaks through clothing

People with hyperhidrosis might experience irritation and skin problems linked to excessive sweating, such as fungal or bacterial infections.

They may also experience non-visible symptoms, including:

concern about stained clothing
reluctance to make physical contact
feelings of self-consciousness or embarrassment
social withdrawal
feelings of depression or anxiety
excessive worry about body odor

What causes hyperhidrosis?

Primary idiopathic hyperhidrosis is a type of the condition that has no apparent cause. In contrast, secondary hyperhidrosis occurs due to an underlying health condition.

Causes of primary hyperhidrosis

Researchers do not fully understand what causes primary hyperhidrosis, although they believe genetics may play a role.

A 2023 review highlights that researchers once associated primary hyperhidrosis with a person’s mental and emotional state, believing the condition only affected anxious individuals. However, recent research has disproven this.

The review suggests a strong genetic basis for primary hyperhidrosis because a family history of the condition increases a person’s risk.

Further research is necessary to understand the specific cause of this condition.

Causes of secondary hyperhidrosis

Secondary hyperhidrosis may occur due to the following factors:

medications, such as:
- antibiotics
- antidepressants
- insulin
- certain topical therapies
systemic conditions, such as:
- Parkinson’s disease
- diabetes
- hyperthyroidism
certain medical procedures
pregnancy
menopause
infections
obesity
spinal cord injuries
heart failure
alcohol use disorder

Diagnosing hyperhidrosis

Initially, doctors may ask about a person’s sweating patterns, including which body parts it affects, and how often and when sweating episodes occur.

They may try to rule out any underlying conditions that could cause secondary hyperhidrosis by ordering certain tests, such as blood tests or imaging tests.

A visual assessment is usually enough for a doctor to diagnose a person with excessive sweating. However, in some cases, they may also request a starch-iodine test.

A doctor applies a powder to the skin that is sensitive to moisture. When excessive sweating occurs at room temperature, the powder changes color.

Treating hyperhidrosis

If a person has secondary hyperhidrosis, a doctor may prescribe treatment for the underlying cause as well as treating the symptoms of hyperhidrosis.

Doctors may suggest aluminum chloride hexahydrate 20% for three to four nights, then as-needed, as a first-line treatment.

Other potential treatments include:

Iontophoresis: The person submerges their hands and feet in a bowl of water. A painless electric current passes through the water.
Botulinum toxin (Botox injections): Botox injections block the nerves that trigger the sweat glands. Patients with hyperhidrosis may need several injections for effective results.
Anticholinergic drugs: Anticholinergic medications inhibit the transmission of parasympathetic nerve impulses.
Surgical techniques: Surgical interventions, such as sympathectomy, subcutaneous liposuction, or radiofrequency ablation, may be a last resort treatment if other methods do not work.

Healthcare professionals may also suggest a combination of the above treatments.

Natural remedies for hyperhidrosis

Some alterations in daily activity and lifestyle may also help to improve symptoms:

Try antiperspirants: Deodorants do not stop sweating, but antiperspirants sprays do. Some prescription antiperspirants include aluminum chloride, which plugs the sweat glands.
Wear armpit shields: Armpit shields are pads that people wear in the armpit to protect their clothing from perspiration.
Consider fabric and clothing styles: Certain synthetic fibers, such as nylon, may worsen symptoms. Loose clothing may help.
Consider shoe materials: Synthetic materials may worsen symptoms. Natural materials, such as leather, may help to reduce symptoms.
Try different socks: Similarly some socks are better at absorbing moisture, such as thick, soft ones made of natural fibers.
Avoid triggers: If things such as alcohol or spicy food worsen symptoms, it can help to avoid or limit them.

If these measures are not effective, medical treatment may help.

Learn more tips to reduce sweating.

Complications of hyperhidrosis

A person with untreated hyperhidrosis may experience the following complications:

skin infections, such as athlete’s foot
emotional or psychological distress
dehydration
warts
skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis

Hyperhidrosis symptoms and complications can affect a person’s quality of life. Seeking treatment can help affected people manage their condition.

Summary

Hyperhidrosis is a condition that involves excessive sweating. This may affect a person’s entire body or only one area, such as the palms of the hands.

In some cases, hyperhidrosis may occur due to an underlying health condition. However, there may also be a genetic component.

People can speak with a healthcare professional about treatments for hyperhidrosis. This may include medications, Botox injections, or lifestyle changes.

Dermatology

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Brackenrich J, et al. (2023). Hyperhidrosis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459227/
Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). (2023).https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30589248/
Gorelick J, et al. (2020). Diagnosis and management of primary hyperhidrosis: Practical guidance and current therapy update.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32726555/
Kisielnicka A, et al. (2022). Hyperhidrosis: Disease aetiology, classification and management in the light of modern treatment modalities.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9131949/
Lenefsky M, et al. (2018). Hyperhidrosis and its impact on those living with it.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30589248/
Parashar K, et al. (2023). The impact of hyperhidrosis on quality of life: A review of the literature.https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9838291/
Parveen A, et al. (2023). Primary hyperhidrosis: From a genetics point of view.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10866286/

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Medically reviewed by Darragh O'Carroll, MD — Written by Yvette Brazier — Updated on June 12, 2024

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Tag » Why Does My Nose Sweat

Hyperhidrosis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, And Treatment

What is hyperhidrosis?

Symptoms of hyperhidrosis

What causes hyperhidrosis?

Causes of primary hyperhidrosis

Causes of secondary hyperhidrosis

Diagnosing hyperhidrosis

Treating hyperhidrosis

Natural remedies for hyperhidrosis

Complications of hyperhidrosis

Summary

How we reviewed this article:

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