Dermatology

Skin Sweating Disorders

Skin Sweating Disorders | Excessive Sweating | Prickly Heat

Excessive Sweating

What is excessive sweating?

Excessive sweating, also called hyperhidrosis, can affect the entire body, but usually occurs in the palms, soles, armpits, and/or groin area. Excessive sweating is normal when a person is anxious or has a fever. However, when the condition is chronic, it may signal thyroid problems, low blood sugar levels, or a nervous system disorder.

What are the symptoms of excessive sweating?

Areas that produce excessive sweat usually appear pink or white, but in severe cases, may appear cracked, scaly, and soft (especially on the feet). Other symptoms may include a bad odor caused by bacteria and yeast in the wet skin.

Treatment for excessive sweating:
Specific treatment for excessive sweating will be determined by your physician, based on:

your overall health, age, and medical history
severity of the condition
your tolerance of specific medications, procedures, or therapies
your opinion or preference

Treatment may include one, or several, of the following:

methenamine solution applications to the area (to control heavy sweating)

nighttime applications of aluminum chloride solution to the area (to control heavy sweating)

surgical removal of the sweat glands

tap water iontophoresis (applying a weak electrical current to the area)

psychological counseling and/or medication to reduce anxiety

This page was last updated on: May 27, 2009.

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