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Understanding Hyperhidrosis
There are two types of hyperhidrosis: primary focal and secondary generalized.
Understanding the difference is one of the first steps in understanding hyperhidrosis.
Primary focal hyperhidrosis refers to excessive sweating that is not caused by another
medical condition, nor is it a side effect of medications. The excessive sweating is
the medical condition. This type of sweating always occurs on very specific areas of
the body (described as focal areas) and is usually relatively
"symmetric" meaning that both the left and right sides of the body are affected similarly. The most common
focal areas are the hands, feet, underarms, and head or face.
Primary focal hyperhidrosis often begins in childhood or adolescence, especially
hyperhidrosis of the hands and feet. Interestingly, although people with primary
focal hyperhidrosis have episodes of excessive sweating at least once a week,
they usually do not experience excessive sweating while sleeping. It’s also been
shown that primary focal hyperhidrosis may be inherited and many members of the
same family may suffer from this condition - but sadly many never talk about it
with each other. If hyperhidrosis seems to "run" in your family, you may be able
to help researchers better understand who gets hyperhidrosis and why. Visit our
Clinical and Market Research page
find out more and whether you’re eligible to participate in this important research.
The other main type of hyperhidrosis is referred to as secondary generalized hyperhidrosis.
This type of excessive sweating is caused by another medical condition or is a side effect
of a medication. That’s why it’s called secondary - it’s secondary to something else.
Unlike with primary focal hyperhidrosis, people with secondary hyperhidrosis experience
sweating on larger or other areas of the body (described as generalized areas).
Another key difference between the two types of hyperhidrosis is that people with
secondary generalized hyperhidrosis usually experience their sweating symptoms
while sleeping. Finding a potential treatment for such sweating often involves
first determining what (if any) underlying medical condition or medication may
be the root of the problem.
As with primary focal hyperhidrosis, it is important to talk to a knowledgeable
physician about all-over sweating. A physician, such as a dermatologist, can look
at your medical history, provide an examination, run any necessary tests, consider
any medications you may be taking (remember to tell your doctor about all medications
you're using - including over-the-counter and herbal/natural products) and provide other
professional insights.
If you think you suffer from secondary hyperhidrosis, we've compiled a list of
medications that can cause hyperhidrosis as
a side effect and a list of diseases and conditions that can cause hyperhidrosis.
Of course, not everyone who takes one of these medications or who suffers from
one of these conditions will experience sweating. The lists are provided as a
starting point for a discussion with a physician. Only a knowledgeable physician,
such as a dermatologist, can diagnosis and treat hyperhidrosis.
Drugs/Medications known to cause Hyperhidrosis (Please note that these medications are listed
alphabetically by generic name. The generic name of a medication usually appears
in parentheses on its packaging or small print next to its brand name.)
Diseases & Conditions that may cause Hyperhidrosis
Much of the information on the rest of this site pertains specifically to primary
focal hyperhidrosis. If you feel that you suffer from secondary generalized hyperhidrosis,
we strongly encourage you to print out the lists above (see links) and use them to help
you talk to a doctor about your excessive sweating in order to address its underlying
causes.
Do you have hyperhidrosis? Visit Diagnosing Hyperhidrosis
and take steps towards finding out.
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Find a doctor who treats excessive sweating. |
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