In doctor-speak, sweating is referred to as diaphoresis. Excessive sweating is called hyperhidrosis. When excessive sweating occurs in isolation with no apparent cause it is called primary or essential hyperhidrosis. It is important to distinguish this condition from secondary hyperhidrosis, which can be associated with a variety of different conditions. These include: tuberculosis, thyroid disease, tumors, reaction to medication, and menopause.
Primary hyperhidrosis can be focal (in one specific area) or generalized. The most common areas affected are the palms and soles. This is called palmar-plantar hyperhidrosis. You may also just get sweaty pits, axillary hyperhidrosis, or facial sweating, craniofacial hyperhidrosis. Sweating may even occur excessively after an emotional outburst or eating spicy food, called gustatory hyperhidrosis.
The cause of hyperhidrosis is unclear, though it is present in almost 3 percent of the general population. There are many different treatments available, from antiperspirants to surgery. Some medications can prevent the stimulation of sweat glands and Botox has also been used successfully.
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"Why do some people sweat excessively?" was posted on Friday, January 25th, 2008 at 11:28 pm.