As with many conditions there is a variety in the degree of symptoms displayed. Many people have a milder form where they do have excessive sweat when compared to the 'norm' but other individuals experience the condition in it's severest form with excessive sweating on the hands, feet, face and especially the armpits.

Are there any causes?

There seems to be two types of Hyperhidrosis. There is what is accepted as the 'genetic' or hereditary condition which seems to become active in early adolescence and is known as Primary Hyperhidrosis and then there is Secondary Hyperhidrosis which can develop at any age.

Primary Hyperhidrosis whilst generally being accepted as being 'genetic' has no specific or known cause. Secondary Hyperhydrosis usually occurs as a result of malfunctions of the thyroid and pituitary glands and also has other causes such as diabetes and tumours.

What are the side effects?

There are both physical and psychological effects of the condition. The most common attributable physical side effect is sweaty armpits. However because the condition has to do with sweat glands in the skin it is not just limited to the armpits, hands and face but can cover the whole body. The reason that it is less noticeable on other parts of the body is because more sweat glands are located in the armpits and because they are less 'exposed' to the air to evaporate the moisture tends to accumulate with the famous 'tell tale' sweat stains forming around the armpits.

Because of the sweating, especially abundant sweating, there is often have a tendency to 'smell'. This is natural as the sweat is broken down by yeast and bacteria which leave toxins on the skin which results in a bad smelling odor. This condition is known as Bromhidrosis. This smell is what people will often refer to as 'body odor'

Since the skin at the super abundant sweat areas is constantly being soaked and dried the skin is very susceptible to inflammation and cracking which can be very painful.

The psychological symptoms are often dependent on the degree of severity and the amount of time that the sufferer has had the condition. In other words whether the condition is primary or secondary Hyperhidrosis.

A person for example who has had a milder case of the primary type will generally have had time to cope and get used to the condition. However a person who has developed a serious case of secondary Hyperhidrosis is going to suffer to a greater extent. The psychological effects often include a loss of self esteem borne out of the inability to 'socialise' for example in an office environment or where there is close contact with people.

There is often a constant need and desire to be 'clean' with some sufferers ta

Primary Hyperhidrosis whilst generally being accepted as being 'genetic' has no specific or known cause. Secondary Hyperhydrosis usually occurs as a result of malfunctions of the thyroid and pituitary glands and also has other causes such as diabetes and tumours.

What are the side effects?

There are both physical and psychological effects of the condition. The most common attributable physical side effect is sweaty armpits. However because the condition has to do with sweat glands in the skin it is not just limited to the armpits, hands and face but can cover the whole body. The reason that it is less noticeable on other parts of the body is because more sweat glands are located in the armpits and because they are less 'exposed' to the air to evaporate the moisture tends to accumulate with the famous 'tell tale' sweat stains forming around the armpits.

Because of the sweating, especially abundant sweating, there is often have a tendency to 'smell'. This is natural as the sweat is broken down by yeast and bacteria which leave toxins on the skin which results in a bad smelling odor. This condition is known as Bromhidrosis. This smell is what people will often refer to as 'body odor'

Since the skin at the super abundant sweat areas is constantly being soaked and dried the skin is very susceptible to inflammation and cracking which can be very painful.

The psychological symptoms are often dependent on the degree of severity and the amount of time that the sufferer has had the condition. In other words whether the condition is primary or secondary Hyperhidrosis.

A person for example who has had a milder case of the primary type will generally have had time to cope and get used to the condition. However a person who has developed a serious case of secondary Hyperhidrosis is going to suffer to a greater extent. The psychological effects often include a loss of self esteem borne out of the inability to 'socialise' for example in an office environment or where there is close contact with people.

There is often a constant need and desire to be 'clean' with some sufferers ta

Because of the sweating, especially abundant sweating, there is often have a tendency to 'smell'. This is natural as the sweat is broken down by yeast and bacteria which leave toxins on the skin which results in a bad smelling odor. This condition is known as Bromhidrosis. This smell is what people will often refer to as 'body odor'

Since the skin at the super abundant sweat areas is constantly being soaked and dried the skin is very susceptible to inflammation and cracking which can be very painful.

The psychological symptoms are often dependent on the degree of severity and the amount of time that the sufferer has had the condition. In other words whether the condition is primary or secondary Hyperhidrosis.

A person for example who has had a milder case of the primary type will generally have had time to cope and get used to the condition. However a person who has developed a serious case of secondary Hyperhidrosis is going to suffer to a greater extent. The psychological effects often include a loss of self esteem borne out of the inability to 'socialise' for example in an office environment or where there is close contact with people.

There is often a constant need and desire to be 'clean' with some sufferers ta

The psychological symptoms are often dependent on the degree of severity and the amount of time that the sufferer has had the condition. In other words whether the condition is primary or secondary Hyperhidrosis.

A person for example who has had a milder case of the primary type will generally have had time to cope and get used to the condition. However a person who has developed a serious case of secondary Hyperhidrosis is going to suffer to a greater extent. The psychological effects often include a loss of self esteem borne out of the inability to 'socialise' for example in an office environment or where there is close contact with people.

There is often a constant need and desire to be 'clean' with some sufferers taking a shower six maybe seven times a day.

Is there a Cure?

There are several methods which will limit even almost eradicate the symptoms and these treatments include surgery, chemical(including drugs) and natural.

Surgery involves, in quite severe cases, the removal of nerves that lead to the sweat glands and carries it's own risk. Skin needs sweat. It needs it so as it doesn't crack, to stay supple and to provide cooling. Severing nerves whilst stopping the excessive sweat can cause other problems later.

Shaving. By keeping sweat prone areas clear of hair will reduce the sweat decomposing over a period of time through yeast and bacterial action but won't be a cure by itself – it will possibly reduce the incidence of bromhidrosis but not the excessive sweat problem.

Deoderants. The first line of defence for many individuals – especially antiperspirant deodorants. Whilst good for sweaty armpits they are less effective for exposed areas such as the face or hands.

Chemical Treatments are varied but can be quite effective. For the palms, groin and genital areas a popular and often effective treatment is the use of an aluminium chloride solution which is applied via a plastic film. Sometimes the plastic film causes irritation and if this occurs its best to use the solution. This is usually applied once daily but this can often be up to twice depending on the severity of the condition. On using this method sufferers have reported substantial relief within a week. Another solution based treatment is the use of methanamine. This is usually applied as a solution only.

Drug treatment is often one of the most preferred options. It's easier to ingest a few pills than to use patches and chemicals. Two of the most common drugs used are phenoxybenzamine and propanthaline. As with all medications especially drugs the advice of a physician should always be sought before undergoing treatment, especially for drugs as some can have bad side effects!

Natural treatments. Sufferers from this condition often believe that chemical and physical treatments are often the first method of attack to solve Hyperhidrosis and its affiliated symptoms such as the sweaty armpits. Often the large chemical companies are very effective in marketing their drugs – yes these are very successful treatments but there are more natural treatments that can be as equally effective.