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Hyperhidrosis - Management
How do I diagnose primary focal hyperhidrosis?

  • Diagnose primary focal hyperhidrosis when focal, visible, excessive sweating:
    • Occurs in at least one of the following sites: axillae, palms, soles, or craniofacial region, and
    • Has lasted at least 6 months, and
    • Has no apparent cause, and
    • Has at least two of the following characteristics:
      • Bilateral and relatively symmetrical.
      • Impairs daily activities.
      • Frequency of at least one episode per week.
      • Onset before 25 years of age.
      • Positive family history.
      • Cessation of local sweating during sleep.
  • If symptoms have lasted less than 6 months or onset is at 25 years of age or older, primary focal hyperhidrosis remains a likely diagnosis if other criteria are met, but extra care should be taken to exclude an underlying cause.
  • If the presentation is characteristic of primary focal hyperhidrosis and there is no evidence of an underlying cause, no laboratory tests are needed.

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