Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
What is Excessive Sweating?
Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating is defined as sweating
beyond the physiological need of the body and is a common disorder
affecting many people. Normal sweating is needed to regulate body
temperature, however, hyperhidrosis causes sweating which exceeds
that need. It is a medical condition that can have severe negative
consequences for the sufferer.
The most common form of hyperhidrosis is palmar hyperhidrosis or
sweaty palms, causing excessive sweating of the hands. Excessive
foot, underarm and facial sweating is also caused by hyperhidrosis.
These are all areas with a relatively high concentration of sweat
glands.
The psychological and emotional impact of excessive sweating can
be huge and can create practical problems in day-to-day life. The
condition causes social, psychological and occupational problems
leading to a negative affect on the sufferer’s quality of life. For
example, changing a top several times a day is not always possible
but may well be necessary due to sweat spots.
What causes it?