Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is an excess sweating condition beyond physiologic need.

Classified as primary and of unknown cause (idiopathic), or secondary due to an underlying condition (usually an infectious, endocrine, or neurologic disorder).

Primary hyperhidrosis may also be described as palmar, plantar, axillary, and craniofacial, each of which has its own clinical characteristics. Patients may have a combination of anatomic areas affected.

Primary hyperhidrosis occurs in both adults and children, commonly starting in early childhood or at puberty.

Treatment options for primary hyperhidrosis include medical and surgical treatments. Medical treatments include topical aluminum chloride, oral anticholinergic agents, iontophoresis, onabotulinumtoxinA (botulinum toxin type A) injections, microwave ablation, and targeted alkali thermolysis. Surgical treatments include direct axillary sweat gland removal and thoracoscopic sympathectomy.

A condition of excess sweating, beyond physiologic need, which is frequently disabling for the patient, professionally and socially. It can be classified as primary and of unknown cause (idiopathic), or secondary due to an underlying condition (usually an infectious, endocrine, or neurologic disorder). Primary hyperhidrosis may also be described as palmar, plantar, axillary, or craniofacial, each of which has its own clinical characteristics. Patients may have a combination of anatomic areas affected.