The root cause of hyperhidrosis is excessive production of sweat by your sweat glands.

The causes due to which hyperhidrosis occurs depend on the type as focal hyperhidrosis frequently is a result from any or all of the following

• Heat
• Some specific foods or odors(Gustatory hyperhidrosis)
• Anxiety
• Spinal cord damage

Secondary hyperhidrosis can be a result from the following conditions

• Menopause
• Some infection like tuberculosis
• Some cancer like Hodgkin’s disease
• Dysautonomia
• Some medicines like anti-depressants or insulin

There are two types of hyperhidrosis namely which are as follows

• Generalized: This type usually arises from the result of other pre-existing medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or Diabetes.
• Alternately this can also be a result from some medicines such as zinc supplement or naproxen.
• This type is more prone to be seen in adults
• Focal: This type is normally a result by some changes occurring in your genes which run in your family.
• This type manifests itself well before you reach your mid 20s.

Vitiligo is present in about 17.7% of the population but the percentage of people who report it to a dermatologist stands at 10.13%.

The severity of the symptoms may differ from patient to patient and can range from minor ones that come and go to severe that disrupt the day to day life.

The released sweat can

• Accumulate below your arms and backs
• Make your clothes wet to the point that change can become a necessity
• Drip down your hands
• Make your socks wet

If in case too much sweating occurs then

• Itching and inflammation can take place where the skin becomes irritated due to sweat
• The moist areas by sweating can promote fungal and bacterial infections
• Results in body odor which occurs because of bacteria mixing with sweat particles
• Paleness and discoloration and even wrinkles or cracks
• Maceration or unusual peeling off the skin on the soles of feet.

There are two tests which are used to diagnose hyperhidrosis which quantifies the amount of sweat produced. These are as follows

• Starch-Iodine Test: This test makes use of application of iodine solution on the affected area followed by sprinkling of starch powder.
• Wherever excessive sweating occurs the color of solution turns dark blue from reddish.
• Paper Test: This test is based on use of a special paper which when placed at the affected area absorbs the sweat.
• The paper is then weighed to find out how much sweating has occurred.

A blood test or urine test can be done to catch the hidden health condition that may be causing your hyperhidrosis

The following body areas are more prone to get affected by hyperhidrosis, these are

• Head, face and scalp(Craniofacial hyperhidrosis)
• Palms of the hands(Palmar hyperhidrosis)
• Armpits(Axillary hyperhidrosis)
• Lower back side
• Genitals
• Bottom of feet or soles(Plantar hyperhidrosis)

The different methods which are used for hyperhidrosis treatment are as follows

• Medications
• Prescription strength anti-perspirants: This includes anti-perspirants which contain aluminum chloride.
• You need to apply this on the affected area before you go to bed in night.
• However you need to wash it off when you wake up and take care it does not get into your eyes.
• You can start from applying it daily in the few initial days and then reduce it to one or two times in a week once to keep the effect.
• Prescription creams and wipes: The creams contain glycopyrrolate which could help in lessening hyperhidrosis affecting the head and face.
• Wipes dipped in glycopyrronium tosylate can help lessen the symptoms of hands, feets and underarms.
• Nerve-blocking medicines: These medicines stop the signals in the nerves which cause trigger of sweating.
• Some side effects include dry mouth, blurred vision as well as bladder problems.
• Anti-depressants: Some medicines can help lower the sweating along with anxiety.
• Botox injections: This medicine stops the nerve signals and paralyzes the muscle temporarily thus sweating does not occur.
• However the area is first made numb by either by applying ice pack or by applying topical anesthesia or by massage.
• Multiple sessions may be required depending on the severity.

Other treatments

• Iontophoresis: This treatment is done by first dipping your hands in water in a special machine followed by which a mild current is passed.
• This current blocks the nerve impulses thus stopping that excessive sweating.
• This machine can be bought under the supervision of your dermatologist
• Treatment can be done twice or thrice in a day for a period ranging from 20 to 30 mins.
• Microwave treatment: In this treatment a device that can be held in hand (Miradry) provides ultrasound energy which causes the sweat glands to get destroyed.
• As a result sweating is halted permanently but some discomfort and change in skin sensation is associated as a possible side effect.
• Sweat gland removal: If sweat glands produce more than necessary sweat then your dermatologist can recommend removal of sweat glands by scraping or by liposuction or by a combination of both above methods.
• Nerve surgery: Your surgeon will excise a very small portion of spinal nerves thus stopping sweating.
• However heavy sweating can occur due to compensatory mechanism which is permanent.

A modification in which the nerves are not removed can help in reducing excessive sweating occurring in the palms of hand

The cost of hyperhidrosis depends on the type of treatment that is required. In case if Botox is utilized then the number of units and the treatment area decides the final cost.

Hyperhidrosis can become a problem in your life if not treated in time.

If you see that your treatments like normal anti-perspirants and creams are not working then you should see a dermatologist.

Your dermatologist can provide treatments that can lessen your symptoms hence improving your quality of life.

Your treatment choice depends on the severity and area where hyperhidrosis is occurring.

• In order to minimize the side effects of cosmetic treatments it is necessary that you choose a Board Certified Cosmetic Dermatologist.
• Dr. Shweta is one of the most renowned names in cosmetic treatment in Mumbai serving thousands & thousands of patients happily, including Bollywood Celebrities and many patients from out of the country.

For more information on Dr Shweta Kindly visit

We at Allure Medspa in India, have world-class facilities in place to cater to your every need when it comes to cosmetic surgery or treatment. Here we have dedicated to the best results and the best medical centre for skincare treatment as well as cosmetic surgery in India.

Q: Is Hyperhidrosis Classified As A Disability?

A: Hyperhidrosis is classified as a social, emotional and occupational disability that is burden on 3% of the population.

Q: How Do People With Hyperhidrosis Live?

A: People who have hyperhidrosis must pay special attention to hygiene and wash areas which have high concentration of bacteria and where they sweat often and keep those areas dry.

Q: Is Hyperhidrosis A Symptom Of Something Else?

A: Excessive sweating can pinpoint to underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or thyroid problems

It occurs in individuals who are obese or overweight.

However over 90% of the cases encountered are normally not harmful.

Q: What Happens If Hyperhidrosis Is Left Untreated? 

A: Untreated hyperhidrosis can lead to skin problems which are not that of a concern.

However it can affect you emotionally,  socially and psychologically.

Q: At What Age Hyperhidrosis Is Most Common?

A: The mean age which hyperhidrosis is found to be common is 25.

However in case of palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis it is usually before you hit 25 years

Q: Which Vitamin Defeciency Can Cause Hyperhidrosis?

A: It is seen that vitamin D was found to be lesser quantities in patients who reported hyperhidrosis first.