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Hyperhidrosis - Symptom

Alternative Names

Sweating - excessive; Perspiration - excessive; Diaphoresis

Symptoms:

The primary symptom of hyperhidrosis is wetness.

Signs and tests:

Visible signs of sweating may be noted during a doctor's visit. A number of tests may also be used to diagnose excessive sweating. Tests include:

Tests include:

  • Starch-iodine test. An iodine solution is applied to the sweaty area. After it dries, starch is sprinkled on the area. The starch-iodine combination turns a dark blue color wherever there is excess sweat.
  • Paper test. Special paper is placed on the affected area to absorb the sweat, and then weighed. The heavier it weights, the more sweat has accumulated.

You may be also be asked details about your sweating, such as:

  • Location
    • Does it occur your face, palms, or armpits, or all over the body?
  • Time pattern
    • Does it occur at night?
    • Did it begin suddenly?
  • Triggers
    • Does the sweating occur when you are reminded of something that upset you (such as traumatic event)?
  • What other symptoms do you have, for example:
    • Weight loss
    • Pounding heartbeat
    • Cold or clammy hands
    • Fever
    • Lack of appetite
  • Reviewed last on: 5/13/2011
  • Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Boley TM, Belangee KN, Markwell S, Hazelrigg SR. The Effect of Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy on Quality of Life and Symptom Management of Hyperhidrosis. Journal of the American College of Surgeons. March 2007;204(3).

Reisfeld R, Berliner KI. Evidence-based review of the nonsurgical management of hyperhidrosis. Thorac Surg Clin. 2008 May;18(2):157-66. Review.

Hornberger J, Grimes K et al. Recognition, diagnosis and treatment of primary focal hyperhidrosis. J Am Acad Dermatol 2004; 51: 274-86

Lowe NJ, Glaser DA, Eadie N, et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007 Apr;56(4):604-11. Epub 2007 Feb 15.Botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis: a 52-week multicenter double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of efficacy and safety.

Solish N, Benohanian A, Kowalski JW. Prospective open-label study of botulinum toxin type A in patients with axillary hyperhidrosis: effects on functional impairment and quality of life. Dermatol Surg. 2005 Apr;31(4):405-13.

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