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Hyperhidrosis - Background information
What is it?
- Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, can be classified by location (focal or generalized) and by the presence of an underlying cause (primary or secondary):
- Primary focal hyperhidrosis (sometimes known as primary idiopathic, primary localized, or simply 'focal' hyperhidrosis) may affect the axillae, hands, feet, face, or scalp, and has no underlying cause [Hornberger et al, 2004]. It typically begins during childhood or adolescence, but can occur at any age [Hornberger et al, 2004].
- Secondary focal hyperhidrosis involves specific areas of the body, but is caused by an underlying condition, such as a neuropathy, spinal disease or injury, or compensatory hyperhidrosis [Lowe et al, 2003].
- Generalized hyperhidrosis affects the entire skin surface area and is usually secondary to other medical conditions or induced by drugs [International Hyperhidrosis Society, 2008c].
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