Hyperhidrosis is abnormally intense sweating, not usually heat or exercise-related. You will sweat so much that it can soak into your clothing or drip your hands off. This form of intense sweating can cause social anxiety and insecurity and disrupt normal daily activities.
Treatment for hyperhidrosis typically works, beginning with antiperspirants that are high on prescription. When antiperspirants don’t succeed, you may need to try different medications and therapies. In severe cases, your doctor could suggest surgery to either remove the sweat glands or disconnect the nerves that are responsible for sweat overproduction.
The Two Types Of Hyperhidrosis
To help clinicians and patience identify their cause, persistent sweating is divided into two groups. The two types of hyperhidrosis are Focal primary and Generalized Secondary—one of the most critical steps in understanding hyperhidrosis and knowing the difference.

The Primary focal hyperhidrosis
Sweaty palms, sweaty feet, sweaty underarms, and sweaty face or head are the most common focal points. When I mention the focal areas, I included “and” because most people with hyperhidrosis have extreme sweating on more than one area, especially those with sweaty palms. They almost always have sweaty feet as well.
In childhood or adolescence, primary focal hyperhidrosis sometimes starts hyperhidrosis of the hands and feet mainly. Interestingly, while people with primary focal hyperhidrosis do have symptoms of excessive sweating at least once a week, they do not usually experience excessive sweating when they sleep. It has also been shown that primary focal hyperhidrosis can be hereditary, and many members of the same family may suffer from this disorder. If hyperhidrosis tends to “run” within your household, you may be able to help researchers understand better who is developing hyperhidrosis and why.
The secondary generalized hyperhidrosis
Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis is sweating caused by a medical problem or by other drugs as a side effect. It usually begins at adulthood. You could sweat all over your body with this kind, or only in one place. You could sweat while sleeping too.
- Conditions, which can cause this type, include:
- Injuries of the spinal cord
- Lung disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Infectious diseases include tuberculosis and HIV
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Disorders of the adrenal gland
- Stroke
- Hyperthyroidism
- Menopause
What are the Symptoms of Hyperhidrosis
Symptoms of excessive sweating include:
- Sweating that interferes with the day-to-day tasks (such as working)
- Excessive sweating that started when you were younger than 25
- Don’t sweat when sleeping
- Hyperhidrosis in family history
- Excessive sweating that has occurred without an apparent reason for at least six months
- Sweat that happens about the same amount on both sides of the body
- Excessive sweating occurrences, at least once a week
This may mean you have primary focal hyperhidrosis. For a more precise diagnosis, you may need to see your doctor.

How is Hyperhidrosis Diagnosed?
To treat this disorder, the patient is given a physical exam by a dermatologist. This includes closely looking at the areas of the body that sweat too much. A dermatologist asks questions that are precise too. This helps the doctor understand the reason for excessive sweating on the patient.
Medical testing is sometimes necessary. Some patients require a procedure known as the “sweat test.” This includes a powder on each of their skin that turns purple, as the skin gets wet. Further diagnostic examinations could be required to determine an underlying medical condition.
Treatment for Hyperhidrosis
Treatment depends on the type of hyperhidrosis that exists in the body and where the excessive sweating is. Your dermatologist always takes into consideration the physical wellbeing, among other factors. Treatments Dermatologists use to help control hyperhidrosis in their patients include:
Antiperspirants:
This is perhaps the first procedure prescribed by a dermatologist. It is relatively inexpensive. A prescription antiperspirant can be beneficial when used as instructed. Your dermatologist may prescribe an antiperspirant that is regular or of medicinal intensity. Some patients need a stronger antiperspirant and receive one prescription. Uses: Apply to the underarms, hairline hands, feet.
How the antiperspirants do works:
The antiperspirant sits on top of the skin. The antiperspirant gets pulled into your sweat glands as you sweat. This will plug the sweat glands. That will signal your body to stop generating so much sweat after your body detects its plugged sweat glands.
Side effects of antiperspirants: Some people develop where they apply the antiperspirant:
- Irritated skin
- Burning
What are the Natural Home Remedies For Hyperhidrosis?
Cornstarch and Baking Soda
Baking soda and cornstarch help absorb sweat, lower pH, and odor-blocking. Mix baking soda with an equal part of cornstarch and add it to clean, dried underarms to make your own natural deodorant. This all-natural hyperhidrosis remedy is applied several times a day for the best results.
Apple cider
Hyperhidrosis means organic apple cider vinegar will keep your sweaty palms dry by regulating your body’s pH levels. The apple cider vinegar can be used to wipe the hands. Leave it on overnight for a better effect. You might even like to add two tablespoons to your regular diet. It tastes better with water and honey or fruit juice.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is also all-natural deodorant and home remedy for hyperhidrosis, which you might want to try. Apply fresh lemon to your underarms at night to get the best results and then shower in the morning to remove any residual lemony-fresh scent.
Sage Leaves
Sage’s astringent properties eliminate excess skin oils and prevent sweating. This property can also reduce the sweating-induced smell. Add a handful of sage leaves into the water to let it soak, and then put your hands in the mixture for about 20 minutes. Another option is to take sage tea.
Epsom salt
You can take a bath and add in some Epsom bath salts; they serve as a natural remedy for hyperhidrosis treatment. Epsom bath salts specifically act as an astringent and can help reduce body odor. When you shower once or twice a week for 20 minutes, you’ll feel more relaxed and less sweaty.
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