Excess Sweating: A cosmetic nuisance Part 3

Diagnosis

There are no tests to make a diagnosis of localized sweating. The diagnosis is made by examining the patient, the major complaint by all individual is that anti perspirants just failed to work.

Generalized excessive sweating (generalized hyperhidrosis)

In generalized sweating, the individual continues to perspire all over the body. This condition is less common than the localized version but it is related to other medical conditions. Anxiety, infections fever, hyperthyroidism, infection of the heart valves, drugs and some cancers can all cause this disorder. In this condition, blood work is required and the physician makes an attempt to find the underlying disorder which is responsible causing the sweating. The treatment depends on the cause of the disorder.

What are the possible complications of focal excess sweating?

Although sweating is not life threatening, it is distressing and causes a lot of social embarrassing. The majority of the individuals with palmar sweating find that anything they hold in their hands gets soaked and they are afraid to shake hands because of the excessive wetness. The condition can be severe enough to lead to social isolation and avoidance of contact with people. The constant wetness can occasionally cause maceration and redness of the skin. Others may develop severe itching around the area.

What are the treatment options for focal excessive sweating?

Therapy can be challenging for both the patient and the physician. Both topical and systemic medications have been used. Other treatment options include Iontophoresis and Botulinum toxin injections.