Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)

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Hyperhidrosis is a disease characterised by perspiration in excess of the physiologic amount necessary to maintain thermal homeostasis.

Primary or idiopathic hyperhidrosis and secondary hyperhidrosis are the two main categories Patients can have excessive sweating either in a localized area (focal) or over the entire body (generalized). Primary disease is usually focal, affecting the soles, palms, and axillae (armpits) in various combinations and with varying degrees of severity. Secondary hyperhidrosis can be generalized or focal In secondary hyperhidrosis the symptoms are due to one of a large number of medical conditions, including endocrine disorders, neurological problems, use of certain drugs, cancer, chronic infections, dermatologic syndromes, and conditions associated with excess catecholamine discharge. Occasionally hyperhidrosis can be seen on the head and face as a primary disorder or become apparent as gustatory sweating secondary to parotid surgery or diabetes.

Treatment options
Once an underlying cause has been excluded then treatment options can be discussed with you – these include the use of topical treatments, an electrical current (ionotophoresis), injections with BOTOX, oral treatments and if there are no other options surgery.

As an active member of the international hyperhidrosis society (www.sweathelp.org)  and on their faculty we are able to offer the latest treatments for this disabling condition.