Hyperhidrosis is the term used to describe excessive uncontrollable sweating. It is caused by the eccrine sweat glands which are found in large numbers over the palms and soles hence patients tend to present with sweaty hands or feet.
Hyperhidrosis can be localised (affecting the palms, soles, armpits, face or other sites) or generalised (affecting most or all of the body) as well as primary (usually starts in childhood or adolescence, may have a family history, may persist lifelong or improve with age) or secondary (less common, can be due to endocrine, neurological problems or drugs).
Treatment for hyperhidrosis comes in different modalities. These include the use of topical antiperspirants, iontophoresis, oral medications such as oral anti-cholinergics, botulinum toxin injections and a sympathectomy (which is a surgical procedure to separate the spinal nerves that the supply the sweat glands of the face, armpit or hand).
