Hyperhidrosis

Overview

Experienced specialists at Mayo Clinic have been successfully treating hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) for decades. Because of Mayo's experience and multidisciplinary approach, more than 100 patients seek treatment for hyperhidrosis at Mayo Clinic each year.

Mayo Clinic doctors have fine-tuned diagnostic tools to objectively determine the severity of hyperhidrosis and the appropriate treatment to control excessive sweating. Read more about hyperhidrosis diagnosis.

Treatment options for hyperhidrosis range from over-the-counter and prescription antiperspirants to surgery to interrupt the nerve causing excessive sweating. Specialists from Dermatology, Neurology, Neurosurgery and Thoracic Surgery work with you to create an effective treatment plan. Read more about hyperhidrosis treatment.

Mayo Clinic surgeons use minimally invasive surgical approaches — including one developed at Mayo Clinic — to cure severe hyperhidrosis when other treatments haven't been effective. About 30 to 40 patients with severe symptoms opt for surgical treatment each year at Mayo. Mayo's surgical approaches reduce the risk of compensatory sweating, the most common side effect of surgery. Read more about hyperhidrosis surgery.

About Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) most often affects the palms, feet and face, causing embarrassment and interfering with daily activities. Hyperhidrosis has been considered rare, but recent estimates are that 2.8 percent of Americans have excessive sweating. In Asian communities and countries, the incidence is about double that level. It's estimated that less than half of affected Americans have sought treatment — perhaps because they don't know treatment is available.

There are two types of hyperhidrosis:

Primary hyperhidrosis
In primary focal hyperhidrosis, emotional stimuli are believed to trigger excessive sweating. But doctors don't know why this occurs.

• Palmar/plantar hyperhidrosis affects the hands/feet. Sweaty palms is the most troublesome symptom.
• Palmar/axillary hyperhidrosis affects palms/armpits.
• Isolated axillary hyperhidrosis affects only the armpits.
• Craniofacial hyperhidrosis affects the face and head. It's the least common form.

Secondary hyperhidrosis
Secondary hyperhidrosis is associated with an underlying medical condition, such as infection, malignancy, neurologic or endocrine disorders, spinal cord injury, and other conditions. Treatment focuses on resolving the underlying condition.

Read more about hyperhidrosis at www.MayoClinic.com.