Hyperhidrosis is defined as an excessive and a non physiological amount of sweat secreated by the body. Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by excessive sweating that occurs in up to 1% of the population. Hyperhidrosis can either be generalized or localized to specific parts of the body. Hands, feet, axillae, and the groin area are among the most active areas of perspiration due to the relatively high concentration of sweat glands; however, any part of the body may be affected.

Hyperhidrosis can negatively affect people both socially and functionally in their daily lives. Hyperhidrosis results from an overactive sympathetic nervous system, but this hyperactivity may in turn be caused by abnormal brain function.

Sufferers feel at a loss of control as perspiration takes place independent of temperature and emotional state. Anxiety can enrage the situation for many sufferers. A common complaint of patients is which they get nervous as they sweat, then sweat more because they are nervous. Other factors can play a role; certain foods & drinks, nicotine, caffeine, and smells can trigger a response.

Treatment options for hyperhidrosis may be pharmacologic or nonpharmacologic. Pharmacologic treatments can be topical or systemic. Non-pharmacologic treatments include physical modalities or surgery.Oral medications are not recommended as a long-term solution. Anticholinergics drugs, such as glycopyrrolate (Robinul, Robinul-Forte), help to prevent the stimulation of sweat glands.

Botox used for sweating of the palms can cause mild, but temporary weakness and severe pain. Surgery is a last resort for a minority of Hyperhidrosis sufferers. Iontophoresis has been benefitial in controlling hyperhidrosis. It involves a complex process of ion transport through the skin using galvanic current. Deodorants help control body odor, which is caused by a reaction between bacteria and sweat.

The deodorants work by making the skin more acidic, and hence less attractive to bacteria. Systemic agents used for hyperhidrosis include benzodiazepines, systemic anticholinergics, NSAIDs, calcium channel blockers, clonidine and propoxyphene. Herbal remedies such as sage tea or sage tablets, chamomile, valerian root, and St. John’s wort also reduce sweating.