Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is caused by overactive sweat glands that create more sweat than your body
needs to cool itself. This condition, while common in anyone from teens to older adults, can
cause discomfort, or even embarrassment.

Types of Hyperhidrosis:

1. Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis: This is the most common type of hyperhidrosis, and it usually
   involves one or two areas of the body, such as the underarms, hands, and/or feet. It is usually
   hereditary.
2. Secondary Generalized Hyperhidrosis: This involves full body sweating, and can be caused
   by an underlying medical condition or side effect of a medication.

Diagnosing Hyperhidrosis:

Your medical provider will ask you questions when you come for your appointment, including:

1. How is the excessive sweating affecting your life?
2. How often in the week are you excessively sweating?
3. What medications are you taking?
4. Where are you excessively sweating?
5. Does anyone in your family have hyperhidrosis?
6. How old were you when it started?
7. Do you experience any other symptoms along with sweating, such as heart palpitations,
   dizziness, or flushing?

Your medical provider may send you for lab testing to find the root cause of the excessive
sweating.

Treating Hyperhidrosis:

There are many treatments for hyperhidrosis. For mild, localized cases, topical antiperspirants
and medications may be effective. Botox injections can be used to reduce sweating in cases in
which topical medications are not working. In addition, there are oral medications that can
reduce the amount of sweat produced when localized treatment does not work, or in cases
where multiple body areas sweat excessively.