Hyperhidrosis
Signs and Symptoms

Hyperhidrosis is characterized by abnormal, profuse sweating that can affect one or a combination of the following:

• Hands, called palmar hyperhidrosis
• Armpits, called axillary hyperhidrosis
• Feet, called plantar hyperhidrosis

The excessive sweating often interferes with daily activities. For example, patients with palmar hyperhidrosis have wet, moist hands that sometimes interfere with grasping objects. Those with axillary hyperhidrosis sweat profusely from their underarms causing them to stain their clothes shortly after they dress. Plantar hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating of the feet, makes ones socks and shoes wet, which leads to increased foot odor.

Symptoms of hyperhidrosis often become noticeable during childhood and adolescence. In many cases sweating can be quite severe, affecting everyday life and causing social embarrassment. It is thought that the excessive sweating may be brought on by stress, emotions or exercise. However, it also can occur spontaneously.