From the Guidelines
The medical term for excessive sweating is hyperhidrosis. This condition involves abnormally increased sweating that isn't necessarily related to heat or exercise, as seen in individuals with cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome (CFC) who may sweat excessively and develop axillary body odor due to hyperkeratosis 1. Hyperhidrosis can be classified as primary (idiopathic), which typically affects specific areas like the palms, soles, and underarms, or secondary, which is caused by an underlying medical condition or medication.
- Key characteristics of hyperhidrosis include:
- Abnormally increased sweating
- Not necessarily related to heat or exercise
- Can be primary (idiopathic) or secondary (caused by an underlying condition or medication)
- Typically affects specific areas like the palms, soles, and underarms
- Treatment options for hyperhidrosis are varied and depend on the severity of the condition, including:
- Antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride
- Iontophoresis
- Oral medications such as anticholinergics
- Botulinum toxin injections
- Microwave thermolysis
- Surgical procedures like sympathectomy in severe cases The condition can significantly impact quality of life, causing social embarrassment and discomfort, which is why proper diagnosis and treatment are important, especially in individuals with underlying conditions like CFC who may experience heat intolerance and other dermatologic findings 1.
From the Research
Definition of Excessive Sweating in Medical Terms
- Excessive sweating is referred to as hyperhidrosis in medical terms 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Hyperhidrosis is a disorder of excessive sweating beyond what is expected for thermoregulatory needs and environmental conditions 2.
- It is defined as sweat production exceeding thermoregulatory needs, causing significant emotional, physical, or social discomfort 5.
Classification of Hyperhidrosis
- Hyperhidrosis can be classified as primary or secondary based on its etiology 4, 5.
- Primary hyperhidrosis is bilaterally symmetric, focal, excessive sweating of the axillae, palms, soles, or craniofacial region not caused by other underlying conditions 3.
- Secondary hyperhidrosis may be focal or generalized, and is caused by an underlying medical condition or medication use 3, 5.
Prevalence and Impact of Hyperhidrosis
- Primary hyperhidrosis has an estimated prevalence of nearly 3% and is associated with significant medical and psychosocial consequences 2.
- Hyperhidrosis affects patients' quality of life, resulting in social and work impairment and emotional distress 3.
- Existing data imply that this condition may affect at least 4.8% of the US population 5.