What is Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a condition where a person sweats more than normal — even when they’re not hot, anxious, or exercising. It can affect your hands, feet, underarms, or even your face. Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by excessive sweating that goes beyond what the body needs for temperature regulation. People with hyperhidrosis may sweat even when they are at rest, in cool environments, or during moments when sweating wouldn't normally occur. It can feel uncomfortable, embarrassing, or get in the way of everyday life.

Where Does Hyperhidrosis Affect the Body?

Sweat is produced by eccrine glands, which are found all over your body. However, certain areas have a higher concentration of these glands and are more commonly affected by excessive sweating.

Here are the most frequent locations for hyperhidrosis symptoms:

• Armpits (Axillary Hyperhidrosis):
  One of the most common areas where people experience noticeable and bothersome sweating.

• Palms of the Hands (Palmar Hyperhidrosis):
  Often the most common and earliest site of excessive sweating. It can interfere with daily tasks like writing, holding objects, or handshakes.

• Soles of the Feet (Plantar Hyperhidrosis):
  Sweaty feet can lead to discomfort, odor, and issues like blisters or fungal infections.

• Forehead and Cheeks (Craniofacial Hyperhidrosis):
  Involves visible facial sweating, which can be socially distressing.

• Genitals and Groin Area:
  Less commonly discussed but can cause significant discomfort and skin irritation.

• Lower Back:
  Some individuals notice sweating in this area, particularly while sitting for long periods.

Did You Know?

While hyperhidrosis can affect almost any area, the palms of the hands are the most commonly affected location — and often the first area where symptoms begin.

What are the types of Hyperhidrosis?

Primary hyperhidrosis:

• Most common type

• Starts in childhood or teenage years

• Usually affects hands, feet, underarms, or face

• Happens without a clear cause, the exact reason isn’t always known, but it can run in families.

Secondary hyperhidrosis:

• Caused by another medical condition (like thyroid problems, diabetes, infections, or menopause) or certain medications

• Tends to affect larger areas of the body

• May happen even while sleeping

What causes Hyperhidrosis?

Sweating is your body’s natural way of cooling itself — but sometimes, sweat happens too much or without warning. If you experience excessive sweating, here are common triggers, medications, and medical conditions that might be responsible:

• Common Triggers That Cause Sweating

  Your sweat glands may become overactive due to everyday factors like:

  • Emotions: Stress, anxiety, nervousness, or fear

  • Weather: Warm temperatures or high humidity

  • Exercise: Any physical activity or exertion

  • Foods & Drinks:

    • Spicy foods

    • Fatty, salty, or sugary foods

    • High-protein meals

    • Caffeinated beverages (coffee/tea)

    • Alcohol

• Some Medications are there that may Cause Sweating

  Note: Never stop taking prescribed medications without first consulting your healthcare provider.

• Some Medical Conditions Linked to Excessive Sweating

  Note: Never stop taking prescribed medications without first consulting your healthcare provider.

In some cases, excessive sweating is a symptom of an underlying medical issue.

If you notice a sudden increase in sweating, night sweats, or sweating accompanied by weight loss, fever, or fatigue, it’s important to consult a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of Hyperhidrosis?

The primary symptom of hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating, often beyond what’s necessary to cool the body.

A dermatologist can remove them safely using one of these methods:

• A feeling of wetness on your skin

• Damp or soaked clothing

• Visible beads of sweat dripping, especially from the forehead, face, or hands

• You avoid handshakes, wearing certain clothes, or social events because of sweating

• The problem affects your daily life or confidence

Over Time, Other Symptoms May Develop:

• Itching or inflammation, especially if sweat irritates sensitive skin

• Body odor, caused by bacteria mixing with sweat

• Cracked or peeling skin, particularly on the feet due to prolonged moisture exposure

Severity Can Vary

Hyperhidrosis symptoms can range from mild and occasional to persistent and disruptive. For some people, symptoms are merely a nuisance. For others, they can interfere with daily tasks, social interactions, or even emotional well-being.

Is there a cure?

Managing hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) depends on which part of the body is affected, how severe your symptoms are, and how your body responds to different treatments. There’s no single solution that works for everyone, but many effective options are available — from home care to medical procedures.

• At-Home Treatments

  You can often begin managing symptoms with simple lifestyle changes and over-the-counter products:

  • Antiperspirants & Deodorants

    • Antiperspirants block sweat glands, reducing the amount of sweat your body releases.

    • Deodorants help manage odor, but don’t stop sweating.

    • Look for aluminum-based formulas — available in both OTC and prescription-strength.

  • Bathe More Frequently

    Regular showering or bathing helps remove bacteria and sweat buildup, improving symptoms and odor control.

  • Wear Breathable Clothing

    • Choose natural fabrics like cotton or linen.

    • Avoid synthetic blends like polyester, which can trap heat and increase sweating.

• Medications for Hyperhidrosis

  If home remedies aren’t enough, your dermatologist may prescribe medications such as:

  • Anticholinergics: Reduce sweat gland activity

  • Antidepressants: Help manage stress-induced sweating

  • Beta-blockers: Sometimes used to reduce anxiety-related sweating

  • Glycopyrronium wipes: Medicated cloths applied to the skin

  • Aluminum chloride gel: Strong topical antiperspirant for severe cases

    Note: Always discuss potential side effects with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication.

• Advanced Therapies

  If topical treatments and medications aren’t effective, more targeted therapies are available:

  • Iontophoresis

  • Botox Injections

  • Microwave Therapy

• Surgical Options

  Surgery is considered a last resort when other treatments fail:

  • Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS)

  • Sweat Gland Removal: Involves removing sweat glands through:

    • Laser

    • Curettage (scraping)

    • Excision (cutting)

    • Liposuction

    • Most often done for underarm sweating.

Important: Surgical options carry risks and possible side effects. Always discuss with a specialist to see if they’re right for you.

Is hyperhidrosis dangerous?

It’s not life-threatening, but it can really affect your emotional well-being, self-esteem, and quality of life. The good news? It’s treatable — you don’t have to just live with it.

Skin tags show up when extra skin cells grow in the upper layers of your skin. This often happens in places where your skin folds or rubs together a lot.

Final Thought:

If you’re constantly sweating and it’s bothering you — you’re not alone, and it’s not your fault. Talk to a dermatologist. Help is available, and you deserve comfort and confidence.

Disclaimer: This article is only for general patient information and is not intended for self medication. There is no legal liability of IADVL arising out of any adverse consequence to the patient. Subsequent to its use for self treatment of the disease images adjust for the depiction of the condition and is not to be used for any other purpose.