Treatment Options for Excessive Sweating and Hyperhidrosis.

Zhou Y.

Excessive production of sweat, or hyperhidrosis, affects millions of people worldwide. Until recently, treatment was difficult. However, new advances have revolutionized the management options for many patients suffering from this condition. Sweating is a necessary physiological mechanism, and under certain conditions, such as physical exertion or illness, it can become excessive. However, it is not necessarily hyperhidrosis, which is defined as nonphysiological, excessive sweating that is not caused by physical activity and occurs symmetrically in a localized fashion. In either case, it can have a significant negative impact on a patient’s quality of life, including difficulty with work, school, and social relationships. As a result, patients often shy away from situations that require shaking hands or other forms of close physical contact with other people. Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis is the most common form of hyperhidrosis and it affects about 5% of the general population. It most frequently affects the axillae, hands, and feet; the face and the groins can also be involved. Several forms of treatment are now available for the management of PFHH. The options are slightly different and depend on the condition (excessive sweating vs. hyperhidrosis) and locations involved..

Skin Ther Lett (Family Practice ed) 2007; 3;1: 6-7.

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