If I Have Excessive Body Sweating, Does That Mean I Have Hyperhidrosis?
The location of your excessive sweating determines the difference between excessive body sweat and hyperhidrosis. Essentially, hyperhidrosis only occurs in three forms: palmar, plantar and axillary. It manifests in the hands, feet, or face.
Total excessive body sweating happens all over the body. Total body excessive perspiration happens during certain ailments such as:
- High fever
- Cancer
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- An excessive function of the thyroid gland
- Brain tumors
- Neurological symptoms
- Aging processes such as menopause
In those cases, the root of the problem is found by uncovering the underlying problem. In many cases, investigations for a cause may not lead to a specific answer.
The unique presentation of essential hyperhidrosis (palmar, plantar and axillary) is manifested in those specific locations. Many patients will go through endless tests in order to find an exact reason, but find nothing.
The medical community is trying to eliminate other causes of primary hyperhidrosis. In the process, unfortunately, a lot of money and time goes into their research without results. It takes a very simple understanding and knowledge of the problem to diagnose it.
After many years we know that excessive stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system within the chest cavity will cause palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis (hand and armpit sweating). Excessive stimulation of sympathetic ganglia in the lumbar region will cause plantar hyperhidrosis (foot sweating).
What Should I Do if I Think I Have Hyperhidrosis?
If you suspect that hyperhidrosis is to blame for your excessive sweating, we can help. Dr. Reisfeld and his staff are experts in this field. Conservative and surgical treatments are viable ways to relieve the symptoms of this condition.
If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments below!