Hyperhidrosis?

Definition of hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition and is not just due to a lack of hygiene or nervousness. Nevertheless, this condition can have a significant impact on quality of life, as sufferers may feel uncomfortable in social settings due to constant sweating. Fortunately, there are several treatment options to control sweating and improve quality of life. Hyperhidrosis can be primary or secondary. The primary form is idiopathic, meaning that there is no clear cause, and it often affects specific areas such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, armpits and/or face. Secondary hyperhidrosis, on the other hand, occurs as a reaction to certain medical conditions such as hormonal disorders, infections, neurological diseases or as a side effect of medication.

Symptoms and consequences of hyperhidrosis:

• Excessive sweat production, especially on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, armpits and/or face. Often so severe that a frequent change of soaked clothing is necessary
• Sudden onset, without a recognizable trigger
• Unpleasant odor (due to bacterial decomposition of sweat)
• Skin irritation and fungal infections due to permanent moisture
• Callus formation on the hands or feet
• Increased risk of skin infections
• Reduced quality of life due to social embarrassment and self-confidence problems

Focal sweating

The primary form is the most common and occurs without an obvious cause. It often affects specific areas such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, armpits and/or face. The remaining areas of the body, on the other hand, sweat normally or to a lesser extent. It is estimated that around 1-3% of the population suffer from primary hyperhidrosis. This type of excessive sweating often begins in childhood or puberty and can last a lifetime.

Generalized sweating

The secondary form of hyperhidrosis, on the other hand, is less common than the primary form and occurs as a result of another underlying condition or as a side effect of medication. Generalized sweating, on the other hand, refers to an even distribution of excessive sweating over the entire body or several large areas. In this form of hyperhidrosis, sweating is not limited to specific areas of the body, but occurs everywhere or over larger areas.