Intended for healthcare professionals
PATIENT INFORMATION

What I tell my patients: hyperhidrosis

What is it?

Sweating is a normal human method of regulating our body temperature. Our bodies are covered in around 4 million sweat glands which secrete a clear fluid that evaporates allowing heat loss. Hyperhidrosis is a condition of excessive sweating surplus to requirements for temperature regulation.

What types of hyperhidrosis are there?

Hyperhidrosis can be divided into two types. The most common type is primary hyperhidrosis. This type is not caused by another medical condition or a medication. It typically affects localised areas of the body; most commonly the armpits, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or the head. It is usually symmetrical. Primary hyperhidrosis does not usually occur at night.

Dermatology in practice 2020; 26(4): 88–91
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