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Hyperhidrosis: Signs and symptoms


Where does hyperhidrosis develop on the body?

Also called excessive sweating, this medical condition causes the body to produce more sweat than the body needs to cool itself.

The most common type of hyperhidrosis is called primary (focal) hyperhidrosis. It causes excessive sweating that usually develops in one or two of these areas:

  • Underarms

  • Palms

  • Soles

  • Scalp and face

Occasionally, primary hyperhidrosis causes excessive sweating in other areas of the body.

Secondary hyperhidrosis is another type of hyperhidrosis. It usually causes heavy sweating over most of the body.

What are the signs and symptoms of hyperhidrosis?

For most people, signs and symptoms begin in childhood or adolescence. Here’s what you may notice:

Sweat heavily, usually from one or two areas

It’s common to sweat so heavily that you see beads of perspiration on your skin or wet areas on your clothing. Most people sweat from one or two areas, usually their underarms, hands, feet, head, or face. This is a sign of primary hyperhidrosis.

Young woman with hyperhidrosis, looking at the wet underarm area of her shirt

Sweat heavily on most of your body

While less common, some people sweat from most of their body. This develops in people who have secondary hyperhidrosis. Excessive sweating can happen even when it’s cool and you’re sitting at rest.

Man sitting at his desk, soaked in sweat, and holding a towel to his forehead

Sweating interferes with everyday activities

The excessive sweating makes many people feel uncomfortable shaking hands or raising an arm. You may feel uncomfortable giving a presentation or sitting next to others. If your hands sweat heavily, you may find it difficult to write legibly, use a computer, or turn a doorknob.

Man with hyperhidrosis wearing a suit, standing away from his coworkers, and holding a towel to his face

Triggers often lead to excessive sweating

You may find that you sweat excessively when something triggers it. Triggers vary from person to person, and you may have more than one. Common triggers include hot weather, high humidity, feeling anxious or nervous, physical activity, and caffeine.

Man pouring coffee into a cup to find out if it triggers his hyperhidrosis

Sweating stops while you sleep

Although you tend to sweat excessively while at school or work, most people wake up dry. If you have secondary hyperhidrosis, which develops when you take certain medication or have another medical condition, you may sweat in your sleep.

Young woman with primary hyperhidrosis sleeps peacefully

Sweating may lessen with age

Most people develop hyperhidrosis when they are a child or teenager. Although excess sweating can be lifelong, sweating tends to lessen with age.

Smiling woman talking with her dermatologist about hyperhidrosis

Body odor

If the area(s) from which you sweat is frequently wet, you can develop an unpleasant body odor. This odor occurs when sweat mixes with bacteria and yeasts on your skin. Treatment can help control sweating and body odor.

Young man with hyperhidrosis lifting his arm to smell his underarm

Soft skin that may peel

Skin that’s often wet can become macerated. This makes the skin wrinkly. The often-wet skin can feel soft and spongy. You may see swelling or peeling in the area.

Man with hyperhidrosis holding out his hands, sees that his palms are wrinkly and swollen.

Chafing or frequent skin infections

Frequently wet skin can rub and chafe. Some people develop frequent skin infections where they sweat excessively. Signs of a skin infection include pus or fluid leaking from the area, discoloration, swelling, and pain.

Young woman with hyperhidrosis pulls at the underarm area of her shirt and notices a bad odor

Emotional stress

Sweating excessively can affect many areas of everyday life. It may be difficult to grip the handlebars of a bicycle, control a computer mouse, and use a video game controller. Some patients tell their dermatologist that they feel embarrassed, frustrated, or insecure. These feelings can cause people to become unhappy, depressed, or anxious.

Teen girl with hyperhidrosis looks sad while lying on her bed

Many people who have hyperhidrosis want to know what causes them to sweat so much. Find out what researchers have discovered at Hyperhidrosis: Causes.


Images
Getty Images

References
American Academy of Dermatology. “Research suggests hyperhidrosis is widespread, but patients are not seeking treatment.” News release issued July 25, 2019. Last accessed June 21, 2024.

Kirsch B, Smith S, et al. “Efficacy and safety of topical sofpironium bromide gel for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis: A phase II, randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020 Jun;82(6):1321-7.

Lima SO, Neto JM, et al. “Evaluation of quality of life (QOL) of young patients with primary hyperhidrosis (PH) before and after endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS).” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2023 May;88(5):e197-e201.

Nawrocki S, Cha J.

  • “Botulinum toxin: Pharmacology and injectable administration for the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020 Apr;82(4):969-79.

  • “The etiology, diagnosis, and management of hyperhidrosis: A comprehensive review: Etiology and clinical work-up.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019 Sep;81(3):657-66.


Written by:
Paula Ludmann, MS

Reviewed by:
Elizabeth Damstetter, MD, FAAD
Neelam Khan, MD, FAAD
William Warren Kwan, MD, FAAD
Temitayo A. Ogunleye, MD, FAAD
Sanna Ronkainen, MD, FAAD

Last updated: 7/16/24

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