Mark Gurarie is a freelance writer, editor, and adjunct lecturer of writing composition at George Washington University.
Leah Ansell, MD, is board-certified in cosmetic and medical dermatology. She is an assistant professor at Columbia University and works in private practice in New York City.
Hyperhidrosis is a common condition that’s characterized by excessive sweating. It most often affects specific parts of the body, such as the armpits, palms, or feet, but in some people, it affects the whole body. This issue can arise on its own (primary hyperhidrosis), or it can be the result of a wide range of other factors, including cancer, medication side effects, as well as heart disease, lung problems, and infections.
Hyperhidrosis causes not only physical discomfort, but it can impact self-esteem and mental health as well. Luckily, medical treatments and therapies can help resolve the problem.
This article discusses the symptoms and causes of hyperhidrosis, as well as how it’s treated. You’ll also learn about the risk factors for this condition, as well as the testing used in diagnosis.
Maskot / Getty Images
Sweat is important because it works to cool the body down, and it’s a normal response to heat or physical exertion. However, the telltale sign of hyperhidrosis is persistent sweating when you don’t need it. Though perspiration can impact the whole body, it most often affects one or more specific areas of the body, especially the palms of the hands, feet, armpits, and head.
The characteristic symptoms of hyperhidrosis include:
Notably, hyperhidrosis isn’t dangerous to your health; however, living with the condition can be difficult and contribute to depression and anxiety.
There are two types of hyperhidrosis, categorized by how each is caused. Primary hyperhidrosis, the rarer type, arises in absence of any other condition or disease; this type is more likely to cause sweating all over the body.
Secondary hyperhidrosis is a symptom of other diseases or health conditions, or it can be the side effect of certain medications (called focal hyperhidrosis).
The exact cause of primary hyperhidrosis isn’t known; however, it’s believed to be related to disorders of the nervous system, which cause sweat glands in the skin to be overactive. Most cases, however, are secondary and are attributed to health conditions and status. Common causes of this type include:
A wide range of chronic diseases and conditions lead to excessive perspiration, especially type 2 diabetes, obesity, Parkinson’s disease, and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland). Cancers, especially lymphomas, are also associated with it.
Hyperhidrosis also often accompanies pregnancy and menopause. These are both characterized by changes in the levels of the sex hormone estrogen.
Additionally, viral and bacterial infections, such as tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), also provoke this symptom. Furthermore, hyperhidrosis can be a sign of stroke (bleeding in the brain) or the result of a head or spine injury.
Excessive sweating can also be a side effect of certain classes of medications. These include drugs for depression, pain (analgesics), and heart and blood pressure problems, among others. Medications associated with hyperhidrosis include:
Hyperhidrosis is often associated with alcohol and drug misuse or overuse. It can arise both as a side effect of consumption or as a symptom of withdrawal due to dependency.
A range of medications and treatment strategies can treat and even reverse hyperhidrosis. The specific approach depends on the location and severity of your case. Here’s a breakdown:
While at-home strategies can’t reverse the causes of hyperhidrosis, they may certainly help you manage the condition. These include:
Several tests help healthcare providers determine what’s causing hyperhidrosis. Typically, diagnosis may involve:
While hyperhidrosis itself isn’t dangerous, it can be a sign of a more serious condition. Call your provider if you experience the following:
Hyperhidrosis is a common condition, characterized by excessive sweating from the underarms, hands, feet, face, or all over the body. This condition may arise on its own or be caused by chronic diseases or health conditions, hormonal shifts, as well as injury, or infection. Medications and medical treatments treat this issue and lifestyle changes can help manage it.
Hyperhidrosis is more than just excessive sweating. Not only can living with the condition be stigmatizing and affect your mental health, but it can be a sign of more serious—and potentially more dangerous—health conditions. This is why it's important to seek out medical help if you’re finding yourself unable to manage your sweating. The sooner you talk to your healthcare provider, the sooner you’ll be on track to reclaiming your life from hyperhidrosis.
Waking up with your sheets soaked in sweat isn’t necessarily a sign of something more serious. Menopause and primary hyperhidrosis, a harmless condition that causes chronic excessive sweating, can be causes, as can blankets that are too warm.
However, night sweats may also be a sign of overactive thyroid, cancer, or side effects of medication. Get help if they occur consistently for two or more weeks, are accompanied by fever, or you’re experiencing rapid weight loss.
While home management of hyperhidrosis won’t reverse the condition, it can help you control excessive sweating. This may entail wearing antiperspirant instead of deodorant, wearing loose-fitting clothing and absorbent socks, as well as leather shoes or sandals. Steer clear of sweat triggers, such as alcohol, coffee, and spicy foods.
In contrast to deodorants, which mask odors, antiperspirants seal off sweat glands in the armpits to prevent sweating. Aluminum is the active ingredient in antiperspirants, and some believe there’s a cancer risk with long-term use of products containing aluminum. However, research provides little evidence of a link between aluminum and cancer. Skin irritation is the most commonly reported side effect of antiperspirant use.
MedlnePlus. Hyperhidrosis.
American Academy of Dermatology Association. Hyperhidrosis: overview.
American Academy of Dermatology. Research suggests connection between excessive sweating and mental health conditions.
International Hyperhidrosis Society. Common drugs/medications known to cause diaphoresis listed by therapeutic class.
McConaghy JR, Fosselman D. Hyperhidrosis: management options. Am Fam Physician. 2018;97(11):729-734.
National Cancer Institute. Antiperspirants/deodorants and cancer risk.
Mark Gurarie is a freelance writer, editor, and adjunct lecturer of writing composition at George Washington University.
Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.
There was an error. Please try again.
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.