Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is a condition involving excessive sweating beyond what the body needs to regulate its temperature. It can be local (e.g. hands, feet, armpits) or affect the whole body and often causes social or professional stress.

Types

• Primary (idiopathic) hyperhidrosis: mostly affects the armpits, hands, feet or face; often begins in childhood or puberty; caused by overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system; often runs in families.
• Secondary hyperhidrosis: the result of another disease or a medication; can affect the whole body; possible causes include hormonal disorders (e.g. overactive thyroid, menopause), neurological diseases, infections or side effects of medication.

Symptoms

• heavy, often dripping sweat regardless of temperature
• social or professional limitations
• damp hands or feet – problems gripping or walking
• increased risk of skin irritation and fungal infections

Treatment options

• antiperspirants containing aluminium chloride
• iontophoresis (treatment with weak direct current, especially for hands and feet)
• botulinum toxin injections (effective for several months)
• medication (anticholinergics)
• in severe cases surgical procedures

Tips for everyday life with sweaty feet can be found in our guide Sweaty feet.