From the Research
Secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by an underlying medical condition or medication, and its management primarily involves treating the underlying condition rather than just addressing the sweating symptoms. The etiology of secondary hyperhidrosis is multifactorial, and it can be triggered by various medical conditions, including endocrine disorders, infections, neurological conditions, malignancies, and cardiovascular diseases 1. Medications that frequently cause excessive sweating include antidepressants, antipyretics, opioids, insulin, and hormone therapies 2. Substance withdrawal, particularly from alcohol or opioids, can also trigger hyperhidrosis, and menopause-related hot flashes represent another common cause 3.
Some of the key medical conditions that can trigger secondary hyperhidrosis include:
- Endocrine disorders, such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, pheochromocytoma, acromegaly, and hyperpituitarism
- Infections, such as tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV
- Neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injury
- Malignancies, such as lymphoma and myeloproliferative disorders
- Cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure
Identifying the specific cause of secondary hyperhidrosis is crucial for effective treatment, as symptomatic treatments like antiperspirants or anticholinergics may provide only temporary relief while the underlying condition persists 4. For example, controlling hyperthyroidism with methimazole or propylthiouracil, adjusting antidepressant dosages, or treating an underlying infection will typically resolve the excessive sweating 5.
In terms of management, the most recent and highest quality study suggests that treating the underlying condition is the primary approach to managing secondary hyperhidrosis 1. This may involve a range of treatments, including medications, lifestyle modifications, and other interventions, depending on the underlying cause of the condition. Treating the underlying condition is the most effective way to manage secondary hyperhidrosis and improve quality of life.