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Overview |
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What is hyperhidrosis? |
| Hyperhidrosis is
a disorder that makes people sweat more than they need
to. When the cause is unknown it's called
primary hyperhidrosis. |
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Hyperhidrosis can also be caused by an
underlying condition (e.g., endocrine disorders, menopause, obesity,
nerve damage) and by some drugs, although this is very uncommon.
This is know as secondary
hyperhidrosis. |
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When sweating occurs over the entire body, it
is known as generalized
hyperhidrosis. When sweating
occurs in certain places only, it is know as
focal hyperhidrosis.
Most often, focal hyperhidrosis affects: |
- Underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis)
- Hands (palmer hyperhidrosis)
- Feet (planter hyperhidrosis
- Face (facial hyperhidrosis)
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How serious is
hyperhidrosis? |
| While not life-threatening, hyperhidrosis has
significant impacts on quality of life and productivity. Excessive
sweating can damage the skin, promote infection and cause unpleasant
odours. These outcomes are undesirable from both a medical and
social point of view. Excessive sweating can also be inconvenient
and costly. |
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The science of hyperhidrosis. |
| Normally, the body produces sweat in orer to keep its temperature
at a healthy level. Sometimes, for reasons scientists don't yet
understand, the nerves controlling the sweat glands become
overactive. The result is hyperhidrosis. |
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How hyperhidrosis is
diagnosed. |
| Hyperhidrosis is diagnosed by your doctor after
conducting a full medical history and a physical exam. Some tests
may be required to help rule out other diseases. |
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