What is Hyperhidrosis?

DEAR ASK THE DOCTOR: I ran into one of my old school friends the other day and he is a doctor. I was asking him a few questions about my health and he mentioned something about hyperhidrosis. I'm not sure what he meant by it. Would you be able to explain to me what it is?

DEAR STELLIO: Hyperhidrosis can either be generalized or localized to specific parts of the body. Hands, feet, armpits, and the groin area are among the most active regions of perspiration due to the relatively high concentration of sweat glands; however, any part of the body may be affected.

Hyperhidrosis can also be classified depending on if it is a congenital or acquired trait. Primary hyperhidrosis is found to start during adolescence or even before and seems to be inherited as an autosomal dominant genetic trait. Primary hyperhidrosis must be distinguished from secondary hyperhidrosis, which can start at any point in life. The latter form may be due to a disorder of the thyroid or pituitary gland, diabetes mellitus, tumors, gout, menopause, certain drugs, or mercury poisoning.

The cause of primary hyperhidrosis is unknown, although some surgeons claim that it is caused by sympathetic overactivity. Anxiety can exacerbate the situation for many sufferers. A common complaint of patients is that they get nervous because they sweat, then sweat more because they are nervous. Other factors can play a role; certain foods and drinks, nicotine, caffeine, and smells can trigger a response.