Hyperhidrosis Overview
Hyperhidrosis, also called over-perspiration, occurs when the sweat glands in the face, hands, and underarms produce excessive sweat secretions.
People with hyperhidrosis sweat excessively — above and beyond their physiologic needs. The excessive sweating can occur without warning — even when resting or under cool temperature conditions.
Hyperhidrosis affects a small, but statistically significant, portion of young people globally. It affects their lives and social activities considerably, causing debilitating physical and emotional symptoms.
People living with the disorder suffer social embarrassment at school or work due to excessive sweating. Even simple activities — shaking hands, reading a book, or wearing certain fabrics (i.e. silks and linens) — can cause intense shame.
Experts believe over-stimulation of the sympathetic nerves that trigger the sweat glands of the face, hands, and underarms cause the excessive sweating.
Types of hyperhidrosis
Doctors divide hyperhidrosis into two categories: primary and secondary.
Researchers do not understand what causes primary hyperhidrosis. They do believe that lesions on the central nervous system or the presence of other systemic diseases may cause secondary hyperhidrosis.
Primary hyperhidrosis
- Involves excessive sweating of the hands, feet, face, or armpits (axillae).
- Affects about 3 percent of the population globally; yet, less than 40 percent seek help for their condition.
- Seems to run in families, indicating a genetic component, but experts have not identified a cause.
Secondary hyperhidrosis
- Involves sweating in either one area of the body or all over.
- Occurs as a result of an underlying medical condition, such as:
- Anxiety
- Stroke
- Menopause
- Tuberculosis
- Acromegaly
- Cancer
- Carcinoid syndrome
- Medications and substance abuse
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Lung disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Parkinson’s disease
- Pheochromocytoma
- Other infections
Contact Us
Contact the UPMC Esophageal and Lung Surgery Institute with questions or for more information.
Or, call the Thoracic and Foregut Surgery Division at 412-647-7555.
