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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffHyperhidrosis (hi-pur-hi-DRO-sis) is frequent or constant excessive sweating. Sweating is your body's mechanism to cool itself. In most circumstances, it's both natural and healthy. But some people sweat in amounts greater than needed to cool the body, a condition called hyperhidrosis.
Hyperhidrosis usually affects the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and underarms. Besides disrupting normal daily activities, hyperhidrosis can cause social anxiety or embarrassment.
Fortunately, several options are available to treat hyperhidrosis. In severe cases, surgical procedures can be very effective at stopping sweat.
- Hyperhidrosis. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/common_hyperhidrosis.html. Accessed May 10, 2010.
- Smith CC. Idiopathic hyperhidrosis. http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed May 10, 2010.
- Hyperhidrosis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec10/ch118/ch118c.html. Accessed May 10, 2010.
- Hyperhidrosis treatments: Antiperspirants. International Hyperhidrosis Society. http://www.sweathelp.org/English/PFF_Treatment_Antiperspirants.asp. Accessed May 10, 2010.
- Hyperhidrosis treatments: Iontophoresis. http://www.sweathelp.org/English/PFF_Treatment_Iontophoresis.asp. Accessed May 10, 2010.
- Eisenach JH, et al. Hyperhidrosis: Evolving therapies for a well-established phenomenon. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2005;805:657.
- Hyperhidrosis treatments: Everyday solutions. http://www.sweathelp.org/English/PFF_Treatment_Solutions.asp. Accessed May 10, 2010.
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