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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffAlthough when, where and how much you sweat varies widely, most people sweat when they exercise or exert themselves, are in a hot environment, or are nervous, anxious or under stress. The excessive sweating experienced with hyperhidrosis far exceeds such normal sweating.
Signs and symptoms of hyperhidrosis include:
- Frequent, noticeable, excessive sweating that can soak through clothing
- Abnormally excessive and bothersome perspiration on your feet, underarms, head or face
- Clamminess or dripping of sweat droplets on the palms of the hands or the soles of your feet
Hyperhidrosis is defined as sweating that disrupts your normal activities. Episodes usually occur at least once a week without an obvious reason.
For some people, hyperhidrosis interferes with their social life. People may have trouble working or enjoying recreational activities with constantly wet hands — or become withdrawn due to self-consciousness about shaking hands with others, having stained shirts or potential body odor.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if:
- Sweating disrupts your daily routine
- You suddenly begin to sweat more than usual
- You experience night sweats for no apparent reason
Seek immediate medical attention for a cold sweat, especially if it's accompanied by symptoms of lightheadedness or chest and stomach pains. A cold sweat is usually your body's response to an underlying problem, such as a heart attack, anxiety or trauma.
- 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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