User:Mr. Ibrahem/Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is a condition of increased sweating, in excess of that required for regulation of body temperature. The most commonly affected areas are the armpits, hands, feet, and face. It may result in social embarrassment, the need to change clothing multiple times per day, and a decreased quality of life.

It can either occur due to an unknown reason (primary) or as the result of another health issue (secondary). The primary form often runs in families. The secondary form may occur due to neurologic (brain tumor, stroke, after encephalitis), heart (heart failure, Raynaud syndrome), metabolic (diabetes, high thyroid, pheochromocytoma, obesity), and drugs (alcohol, cocaine, opioid withdrawal, SSRIs). The underlying mechanism involves a dysfunction of eccrine glands. Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms and examination.

The initial treatment of mild primary disease is aluminum chloride applied to the areas in question. More severe disease may be treated with glycopyrronium, formaldehyde, or botox. Other options may include anticholinergic or beta blocker tablets, iontophoresis, microwave therapy, or surgery. Secondary cases involve addressing the underlying cause.

About 3% of people are affected in the United States. More than 90% of cases are primary and less than 10% secondary. The primary form often begins between the age of 10 and 20. Males and females are affected at similar frequency. Despite the availability of effective treatment, two third of people do not seek help.