Hyperhidrosis

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Hyperhidrosis

Alternative Names:

Sweating - excessive; Perspiration - excessive; Diaphoresis

Symptoms:

The primary symptom of hydrohidrosis is wetness.

Signs and tests:

Visible signs of sweating may be noted during a doctor's visit. A number of tests may also be used to diagnose excessive sweating. Tests include:

Tests include:

Starch-iodine test. An iodine solution is applied to the sweaty area. After it dries, starch is sprinkled on the area. The starch-iodine combination turns a dark blue color wherever there is excess sweat.
Paper test. Special paper is placed on the affected area to absorb the sweat, then weighed. The heavier it weight, the more sweat has accumulated.

The patient may be also be asked details about the sweating, such as:

Location
- Is it on face, palms, or armpits?
- Is it all over the body?
Time pattern
- Does it occur at night?
- Did it begin suddenly?
- How long have you had it?
Triggers
- Does it occur in response to reminders of a traumatic event?
- What other symptoms are present (for example, weight loss, a pounding heartbeat, lack of appetite)?
- Are the hands cold and clammy?
- Is there a fever?

References:

Haider A, Solish N. Focal hyperhidrosis: diagnosis and management. CMAJ. 2005 Jan 4;172(1):69-75.

Hornberger J, Grimes K et al. Recognition, diagnosis and treatment of primary focal hyperhidrosis. J Am Acad Dermatol 2004; 51: 274-86

Fitzgerald E, Feeley TM, Tierney S. Current treatments for axillary hyperhidrosis. Surgeon. 2004 Dec;2(6):311-4, 360.

Solish N, Benohanian A, Kowalski JW. Prospective open-label study of botulinum toxin type A in patients with axillary hyperhidrosis: effects on functional impairment and quality of life. Dermatol Surg. 2005 Apr;31(4):405-13.

Review Date: 5/13/2005
Reviewed By: Aniket R. Sidhaye, M.D., Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.