About Hyperhidrosis

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Hyperhidrosis is a condition in which a person sweats excessively in response to emotional stimuli due to heat that is more than necessary for regulating body temperature. Normally, when body temperature rises, the sweat glands are stimulated and secrete sweat onto the skin, and as this sweat evaporates, body temperature decreases. For people with hyperhidrosis, sweating can cause a great deal of stress in interpersonal relationships and social life, and can also interfere with work activities. Hyperhidrosis is a condition in which excessive sweating occurs in areas such as the hands, feet, armpits, and head, causing inconvenience in interpersonal relationships, work, and social life.

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Hyperhidrosis is divided into focal hyperhidrosis and generalized hyperhidrosis depending on the area where sweating occurs. Generalized hyperhidrosis is a condition in which excessive sweating occurs throughout the body, usually when there is an underlying disease. Most patients visit the hospital for focal hyperhidrosis, in which excessive sweating occurs in specific areas, especially the palms, soles, armpits, or face, without any clear cause.

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In the case of focal hyperhidrosis, there are various treatment options, but because each has its own advantages and disadvantages, it is necessary to study appropriate treatment methods suited to each patient. In particular, if surgical treatment is performed, the possibility of compensatory hyperhidrosis must be fully considered, and the decision should always be made after consultation with a specialist.

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1. Primary Hyperhidrosis

The cause of primary hyperhidrosis is not yet well known. In the case of primary hyperhidrosis, it begins in childhood, worsens at puberty, and then gradually improves with age. Primary hyperhidrosis usually does not cause sweating at night. It can occur in both men and women, and a family history is known to be present in about 25–50% of cases. It is sensitive to heat and emotional stimuli and is regulated by the sympathetic nervous system.

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2. Secondary Hyperhidrosis

Secondary hyperhidrosis refers to hyperhidrosis that occurs when there is another underlying disease. If a person has tuberculosis, they may sweat heavily at night, and excessive sweating can also occur when there are endocrine diseases such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes.

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● Causes of Secondary Hyperhidrosis

· Infectious diseases: tuberculosis, brucellosis

· Endocrine diseases: hyperthyroidism, diabetes, pituitary hyperfunction, menopause

· Neuroendocrine tumors: pheochromocytoma, carcinoid tumor

· Cancers: leukemia, lymphoma, kidney cancer

· Nervous system diseases: Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, cerebrovascular disease

· Toxic diseases, alcoholism, drug abuse

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So far, I have explained the overview and definition of hyperhidrosis.

In the next part, we will look at the causes and diagnosis of hyperhidrosis.

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Source: Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, National Health Information Portal

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