Hyperhidrosis
Eccrine sweat glands—concentrated in the scalp, axillae, inguinal folds, and acral skin—function to maintain normal thermal homeostasis and, to a lesser extent, eliminate toxins and drug metabolites. Hyperhidrosis is a disorder of eccrine sweat glands characterized by excessive production of sweat beyond physiologic levels. Anatomically, hyperhidrosis is either focal (localized) or generalized. Etiologically, the disorder is broadly divided into primary (idiopathic) or secondary (caused by drugs or an underlying metabolic, endocrine, infectious, or neurologic disease) types.[1]
Secondary hyperhidrosis is best managed by treating the underlying disorder or discontinuing the causative medication. In contrast, primary hyperhidrosis seems to be genetically inherited, with normal eccrine glands producing too much sweat in response to aberrant autonomic neuronal stimulation, possibly because of pathology in the sympathetic ganglia of hyperhidrotic individuals.[2] Primary hyperhidrosis often presents during childhood and can be a challenging, lifelong disorder associated with significant social, emotional, and occupational distress. Fortunately, public and professional awareness of hyperhidrosis is growing, along with improved therapeutic choices—both local and systemic.
Here are five important things to know about hyperhidrosis.
1. It's more common than you think. Primary hyperhidrosis affects roughly 4.8% of the US population,[3] making it about as common as psoriasisAmong those with hyperhidrosis, 70% report severe excessive sweating in at least one body area, but only 51% have discussed their condition with a healthcare professional.
