The Effects on Patients' Lives: Physical Discomfort

Patients with hyperhidrosis report physical discomfort with wet clothing and shoes.[9] Skin maceration from constant wetness can lead to bacterial and fungal overgrowth. This overgrowth can then lead to intertrigo in the axillae as well as bromhidrosis (foul-smelling sweat), pitted keratolysis (an infection of the plantar surface characterized by pits or craters), and gram-negative bacterial macerative infection of the feet.[57] Excessive sweat can stain and eventually destroy clothing and shoes.[134] Patients may spend thousands of dollars yearly on dry-cleaning and clothing replacement.[42]