TYPES
There are two known types of hyperhidrosis.
- Essential or primary focal hyperhidrosisis the most common one. Even if they haven’t been activated by physical heat or physical exertion, the nerves in a person’s body signal the sweat glands to become overactive. The condition worsens when coupled with nervousness, anxiety and stress. It commonly affects a person’s palms and soles, and at times, it also affects the face. This type of hyperhidrosis has no known medical cause and may have a component that is hereditary since it’s known to run in the family.
- Secondary generalized hyperhidrosisis the second and less common type of hyperhidrosis. It happens when there is excessive sweating due to a patient’s medical condition, and it tends to cause sweating all over a person’s body and not just in selected areas. Conditions that may lead to heavy sweating include:
- Infections
- Thyroid problems
- Nervous system disorders
- Cancer
- Low blood sugar
- Diabetes
- Heart attack
- Menopausal hot flashes
SYMPTOMS
Persons with hyperhidrosis experience sweating that far exceeds the norm and occurs on both sides of a person’s body and typically affects the feet, face, underarms, and hands. It commonly occurs while a person is awake and has at least one episode per week. When excessive sweating is accompanied by nausea, chest pains or feelings of lightheadedness, seek medical attention at once.
- Sweating stops when a person is asleep
- Excess sweating disrupts daily life/activities
- The onset of excessive sweating happened before age 25
- Family history of an extreme or abnormal amount of sweating
- Happens at least once a week
- The onset of abnormal sweating causes social withdrawal, anxiety and emotional distress.