Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)

What is excessive sweating?

Excessive sweating, also called hyperhidrosis, can affect the entire body, but usually occurs in the palms, soles, armpits, and/or groin area. Excessive sweating is normal when a person is anxious or has a fever. However, when the condition is chronic, it may signal thyroid problems, low blood sugar, nervous system disorders, or other medical problems.

What are the symptoms of excessive sweating?

Areas that produce excessive sweat usually appear pink or white, but, in severe cases, may appear cracked, scaly, and soft (especially on the feet). Other symptoms may include a bad odor caused by bacteria and yeast in the wet skin.

The symptoms of excessive sweating may resemble other medical conditions. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

Treatment for excessive sweating

Specific treatment for excessive sweating will be determined by your physician, based on:

Your age, overall health, and medical history
Severity of the condition
Cause of the condition
Your tolerance of specific medications, procedures, or therapies
Expectations for the course of the condition
Your opinion or preference

Treatment may involve topical, oral, surgical, or nonsurgical treatments, including:

Methenamine solution applications to the area (to control heavy sweating)
Nighttime applications of aluminum chloride solution to the area (to control heavy sweating)
Thoracoscopic sympathectomy--a surgical interruption of the sympathetic nerve pathways that lead to the sweat glands
Botulinum toxin A injection (Botox)--botulinum toxin helps to inhibit the release of acetylcholine (a substance that is active in the transmissions of nerve impulses)
Tap water iontophoresis (applying a weak electrical current to the area)
Psychological counseling and/or medication (to reduce anxiety)