From the Guidelines
Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by excessive sweating.
Definition and Context
- Hyperhidrosis is not directly defined in the provided evidence, but it can be inferred as a condition involving excessive sweating, as opposed to hypohidrosis, which is characterized by reduced sweating 1.
- The term "hyperhidrosis" is mentioned in the context of social anxiety disorder, where excessive sweating is a common symptom 1.
- Exertional hyperthermia, which can occur when the body is not able to thermoregulate by sweating, is also related to the concept of hyperhidrosis, although it is not directly defined as such 1.
Key Points
- Hyperhidrosis is often associated with social anxiety disorder and can be a symptom of this condition 1.
- The ability to sweat is important for thermoregulation, and excessive sweating can be a problem in certain situations, such as in warm environments or during strenuous exercise 1.
- The provided evidence does not offer a clear definition of hyperhidrosis, but it can be inferred as a condition involving excessive sweating, which can be a symptom of various underlying conditions.
From the Research
Definition of Hyperhidrosis
- Hyperhidrosis (HH) is a dermatologic disorder defined by sweat production exceeding thermoregulatory needs 2, 3, 4
- It is characterized by excessive sweating that often causes significant impairment in social, occupational, and emotional wellbeing 5
- Hyperhidrosis can be classified as primary or secondary based on its etiology 2, 5, 4, 6
Symptoms and Prevalence
- Hyperhidrosis preferentially affects axillary, palms, soles, and face but can affect any part of the body 3
- Approximately 4.8% of the US population may be affected by hyperhidrosis 2
- Primary hyperhidrosis is usually bilateral, symmetric, and focal, while secondary hyperhidrosis is usually caused by an underlying medical condition or medication 2, 5, 6
Etiology and Pathophysiology
- The etiology of hyperhidrosis may stem from a complex autonomic nervous system dysfunction, resulting in neurogenic overactivity of otherwise normal eccrine sweat glands 2
- Mechanisms that cause excessive sweating can be traced to the sympathetic nervous system, part of the autonomic nervous system 4
- The primary abnormality is thought to be central, and that the hypothalamic sweat center that controls the palms, axillae, and soles is distinct in hyperhidrosis individuals 4