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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffExcessive daytime sweating of the palms, soles and underarms for no apparent reason is called focal hyperhidrosis. This type of excessive sweating typically stops when you're sleeping and isn't associated with an underlying condition.
Excessive sweating that affects large areas of the body and that occurs while you're awake and asleep is likely a side effect of a drug or a sign of a disease or condition, such as menopause hot flashes, anxiety or overactive thyroid.
Strenuous physical activity and warm temperatures are commonly associated with excessive sweating. You may also sweat excessively as a result of a fever. Medical causes of excessive sweating may also include:
- Endocarditis
- Fever of undetermined cause
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Heart attack
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- Leukemia
- Medications, such as some beta blockers and tricyclic antidepressants
- Menopause
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Stress
- Tuberculosis
Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
- Smith CC. Idiopathic hyperhidrosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 15, 2010.
- Hyperhidrosis. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/common_hyperhidrosis.html. Accessed July 15, 2010.
- Warning signs of heart attack, stroke & cardiac arrest. American Heart Association. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/General/911---Warnings-Signs-of-a-Heart-Attack_UCM_305346_SubHomePage.jsp. Accessed July 15, 2010.
- Hyperhidrosis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec10/ch118/ch118c.html. Accessed July 15, 2010.
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