HYPERHIDROSIS

General Information

DEFINITION--Excessive sweating. Sweating is a normal body function that helps maintain even body temperature. Excess sweat serves no purpose and often creates social embarrassment because of odor or stained clothes. In extreme cases, excess sweat can ruin clothes and shoes.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Skin, especially of the underarms, palms and soles.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes and all ages, except young children.

> Heavy perspiration from underarm area, soles and palms--

and to a lesser degree, from other body parts.

• Unpleasant odor, which is caused by bacteria in sweat.

CAUSES

• Genetic factors may contribute to development of hyperhidrosis.
• Stress or chronic anxiety.
• Fever and infection.
• Malignancy, such as lymphoma.
• Hyperthyroidism.
• Heart attack.
• Menopause (hormonal changes).
• Some drugs and medicines, such as narcotics.
• Withdrawal from addicting drugs.
• Obesity.
• Unknown in some cases.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Stress.
• Strenuous activity.
• Hot weather.
• Family history of hyperhidrosis.

HOW TO PREVENT--Avoiding the causes where possible; treatment of any underlying condition contributing to hyperhidrosis.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care.
• Doctor's treatment for underlying conditions, or if self-care is unsuccessful.
• Psychotherapy or counseling, if stress is a major factor.
• Surgery to remove sweat glands or sever nerves to major sweat areas (rare).

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Psychological distress caused by social embarrassment.
• Rashes from deodorants or antiperspirants.
• Dehydration if water intake is insufficient to replace water lost in sweat.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Symptoms can be controlled with treatment.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Bathe frequently.
• Change clothes frequently.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes of natural fibers, such as cotton.
• Use underarm sweat shields.
• Use antiperspirants and deodorants.
• Use drying powders.
• Wear cotton socks.
• Wear leather shoes or sandals. Don't use man-made materials.
• Electrical devices (iontophoresis) temporarily reduce sweating of palms, armpit or feet. Ask your doctor.
• Shave underarm hair.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe special solutions to reduce sweating, such as topical applications of aluminum chloride. Beta-adrenergic blockers may occasionally help.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions.

DIET--

• No special diet. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day--more in hot weather.
• Control your weight. See Weight-Loss Diet in Appendix).
• Don't drink alcohol.

Call Your Doctor If

• Excessive sweating is causing you problems at work or in social situations.
• Excessive sweating is accompanied by other symptoms (unexplained weight loss, cough, bulging eyes, rapid heartbeat).