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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffComplications of hyperhidrosis include:
- Fungal nail infections. People who sweat profusely are prone to many types of fungal infections. That's because fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, such as sweaty shoes. That's also why you're more likely to get an infection in your toenail than in your fingernail. A nail infection usually begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your nail. As the fungal infection spreads deeper, your nail may discolor, thicken and develop crumbling edges. Sometimes your nail may separate from the nail bed, and the skin around it may become red and swollen. You may even detect a slight odor.
- Bacterial infections and warts. Hyperhidrosis can contribute to bacterial infections, especially around hair follicles or between your toes. It's also associated with warts. When you have hyperhidrosis, warts may take a while to go away after treatment and they have a tendency to recur.
- Social and emotional consequences. People with hyperhidrosis typically have excessive sweating of the soles and palms, which may produce clammy hands and unpleasant foot odor. As a result, they can experience significant psychological, social, educational and occupational consequences.
- Other skin conditions. Certain skin conditions, such as eczema and skin rashes, occur more frequently in people with hyperhidrosis. It may be that excessive sweating exacerbates skin inflammation.
References
- 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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