Hyperhidrosis is a genetic condition that causes severe sweating and abnormal heat loss of the hands, feet or underarms. Those with hyperhidrosis experience such severe sweating that their hands, feet or underarms are constantly moist or clammy or even dripping wet. Hyperhidrosis is an advanced form of diaphoresis, which is the medical term for sweating.
Hyperhidrosis is caused by a hyperactive sympathetic nervous system, which controls the function of sweating. The cause for the disorder is unknown. Affected body areas involve the face, underarms, hands and feet. Severe sweating from hyperhidrosis can occur all day long or occur intermittently.
Hyperhidrosis is not due to severe anxiety, extreme shyness or emotional distress, despite this common, yet erroneous belief. Sufferers sweat profusely even when calm, alone or resting. The condition can be aggravated by anxiety, but it has its own trigger causing excessive sweating to occur at any time.
Nearly all patients with severe hyperhidrosis can be affected by anxiety. Anxiety is not a cause, but it can aggravate the condition. In fact, hyperhidrosis and anxiety create a vicious cycle. The sufferer anticipates and becomes anxious about sweating, which in turn causes more sweating.
Weight, hormonal imbalance or psychological disturbances also do not relate to the cause or cure of hyperhidrosis. Persons of all sizes, physical conditions and mental well-being suffer from hyperhidrosis.
While emotional wellness is not a direct cause, the excessive sweating that occurs can take a toll on one’s self confidence and relationships. Coping with hyperhidrosis is difficult and many persons with the condition find themselves either hiding their sweating from their closest of friends or partners or avoiding social contact.
Secondary hyperhidrosis is generalized excessive body sweating. It can
be caused by chronic infections, hyperthyroidism, autoimmune disorders,
malignancy or other factors. A thyroid test is often recommended to verify
that the hyperhidrosis is not due to hyperthyroidism.