Hyperhidrosis: FAQs

What is hyperhidrosis?

Many people who have hyperhidrosis sweat excessively in one area of their body, such as their palms

Other common areas for hyperhidrosis to occur are both underarms, soles, or your head.

What’s the difference between sweating and hyperhidrosis?

Sweating is necessary. It cools the body when you’re outside on a hot day, exercising, or any time you could overheat. Sweating keeps the body’s temperature stable.

If you have hyperhidrosis, you sweat even when your body doesn’t need cooling, such as on a chilly day or when you’re sitting in a temperature that most people find comfortable. The sweat tends to occur in one or two areas of your body, such as your underarms, palms, soles, or head. It’s also possible to sweat all over your body.

Some people struggle with hyperhidrosis for years because they don’t know they have a medical condition and that something can be done about it.

How do you know if you have hyperhidrosis?

If you’re exercising or outside on a hot day and see sweat on your skin or sweat soaking through your clothes, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have hyperhidrosis.

You may have hyperhidrosis if you also sweat heavily when:

• It’s cool.

• Others find the temperature comfortable, but you’re sweating excessively without doing anything physical.

• You eat certain foods or give a speech.

• You take certain medication or have another medical condition.

Hyperhidrosis often begins during childhood or adolescence. Most people who develop this condition are otherwise healthy.

For children, excessive sweating can be upsetting. If excessive sweating occurs on their palms, other children may not want to hold their hand. Sweaty, wet palms can also mean a child may have trouble holding a pencil or crayon. Some children find these incidents so upsetting that they may want to stay home from school.

Adults who have hyperhidrosis may avoid shaking hands and may need to change their clothes or shoes a few times a day. Some adults feel self-conscious and avoid professional and social situations where they need to interact with others.

Why does hyperhidrosis make people sweat so easily?

The cause of excess sweating varies with the type of hyperhidrosis you have. It may be caused by overactive nerves, another health condition, or a medication you take.

What can stop the excessive sweating?

Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating is a treatable medical condition. If you think you may have hyperhidrosis, seeing a board-certified dermatologist can help.

A dermatologist can tell you whether you have this condition. If you do, your dermatologist will let you know what type of hyperhidrosis you have and develop an individualized treatment plan that can reduce or stop excessive sweating.

Is hyperhidrosis curable?

At this time, there isn’t a cure for hyperhidrosis. However, a dermatologist can customize a treatment plan for you. This plan typically includes a medication, procedure, or both and tips to help you get relief.

Treatment will vary with the type of hyperhidrosis you have, where on your body you sweat excessively, and your symptoms.

To learn more about where hyperhidrosis develops on the body and symptoms, go to Hyperhidrosis: Signs and symptoms.

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Written by:
Paula Ludmann, MS

Reviewed by:
Elizabeth Damstetter, MD, FAAD
Neelam Khan, MD, FAAD
William Warren Kwan, MD, FAAD
Temitayo A. Ogunleye, MD, FAAD
Sanna Ronkainen, MD, FAAD

Last updated: 7/16/24