What is Hyperhydrosis?
Hyperhydrosis occurs when there is excessive sweating that leads to sweaty palms, sweaty hands, sweaty feet, and increased facial sweating. Hyperhydrosis is present in around 2.8% of the population (reference). The most common areas where hyperhydrosis occurs are the hands, face, feet, and axilla (armpit). The condition often begins in adolescence. The cause of hyperhydrosis is unknown, but there seems to be a genetic tendency. In one study, 49 of 58 patients receiving surgery for hyperhidrosis had a family member who also suffered from the disorder.
Hyperhydrosis may impair quality of life, causing numerous psychological, educational, and occupational problems. Fortunately, there are effective surgical and non-surgical treatments for hyperhydrosis. Non-surgical treatments include medications, botox, anti-persperants, and iontophoresis. There is also effective surgical treatment for excessive sweating. This is known as a sympathectomy, where the sympathetic chain is cut or tied off during surgery.
