Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating, at times to the point of dripping levels. Sweating can be quite severe, often affecting everyday life and causing social embarrassment.
Hyperhidrosis
There are two types of hyperhidrosis, generalized and focal. Areas affected can feel sweaty and clammy even though the environment is cool. Sweating can happen spontaneously, without a known trigger event or any causes.
With focal hyperhidrosis, sweating mainly occurs in one or more of these areas, your feet, hands or palms, face, head, or underarms. Our expert surgeons offer the best surgical treatments for focal hyperhidrosis in hands – palmar hyperhidrosis, and in feet – plantar hyperhidrosis.
Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis is sweating caused by a medical condition, as a side effect of certain medications, or an unknown cause. It generally starts in adulthood. With this type of hyperhidrosis, you might sweat all over your body, or in areas such as head, neck, and face. Currently, there is not a surgery for the cure of generalized hyperhidrosis. See our alternative treatments page for more information on top treatment options for generalized hyperhidrosis.
Hyperhidrosis Facts
- Hyperhidrosis affects approximately 5% of the world’s population.
- Family genetic history is believed to play a major role in hyperhidrosis. More than 50% of those with hyperhidrosis have reported a family history of hyperhidrosis.
- The most common areas hyperhidrosis affects are the hands, feet, and armpits.
- The condition is the same across all races and genders.
- Higher percentages have been noted in certain geographic regions (Taiwan and the Philippines are two known areas of higher percentages).
- Hyperhidrosis can negatively affect people both socially and functionally.
- The most effective long-term treatments for excessive sweating (in the hands, feet, or armpits) are surgical in nature.
- Historically, doctors have underestimated and or totally misunderstood hyperhidrosis. It is important to learn how skilled and experienced your surgeon is in order to receive proper and successful treatment.
- Continual advancements are being made in both medical technology and techniques. Research is ongoing and we’re excited to see the future unfold in the field of hyperhidrosis.
- Conservative treatments have limited success rates
There are proven treatment options for both palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis
