Hyperhydrosis is something better known as excessive sweating and is a common problem. Sweating is controlled by a portion of our nervous system in the pores of our skin and in approximately 1% of the population there is an excessive control and excessive sweating, Hyperhydrosis, occurs. The locations of Hyperhydrosis include the feet, hands, armpits, main body trunk and the face.

For sweaty hands and feet, the video on our Ionotophoresis page shows you how to make a device that produces the same effect you get when you visit a doctor, minus the cost of treatment (about $30 – $80) each. The Dermatologists also sell devices like this for around $800 – $1,000.

The primary occurrence of Hyperhydrosis starts in childhood or adolescence and continues throughout life. There has been discussion that psychiatric conditions can promote the occurrence of Hyperhydrosis but this is very rare and it is more probable that it is the condition that causes the conditions to be induced in the person. Causes of Hyperhydrosis can include Hyperthyroidism or as part of similar endocrine diseases, Endocrine treatment for prostatic cancer or other types of malignant disease, severe psychiatric disorders, Obesity and Menopause. This is known as secondary Hyperhydrosis.

Many individuals suffer from Hyperhydrosis in many areas of the body. Sweating can appear suddenly or manifest itself more continuously and can be elicited by high outside temperatures or emotional stress, or appears without any obvious reason. Generally, it worsens during the warm season and gets better during winter similar to common sweating amongst people. Arguably the most embarrassing location for Hyperhydrosis is in the palms of the hands which are also very socially disturbing. However problems such has halos of salt in the cloth recently in the armpit region is also extremely embarrassing. Hyperhydrosis in the face can be the most aggravating of the areas subject to Hyperhydrosis as citizens may judge the person to be of a nervous or unstable condition.

Treatment of Hyperhydrosis is varied. The most obvious is the use of antiperspirants which are a common solution to excessive sweat amongst people without the condition of Hyperhydrosis. Iontophoresis can be tried if antiperspirants have not lead to the desired result. This method consists in applying an electric current to the palms or soles immersed in an electrolyte solution. The procedure has to be repeated regularly with several sessions a week then decreasing as treatment continues to one session every 1 or 2 weeks. There are no specific drugs that could be used for the condition of Hyperhydrosis but psychotropic drugs have showed to decrease the effects of Hyperhydrosis. However, this usually takes a long time to occur and the side affects are extensive and occur far before any results can be seen.

Psychological help can only help the person to the live with the condition and merely to aid those who are troubled by the condition. Alternative medicine has almost no effect from experiences such as acupuncture or massages. The use of botulinum however has shown some significant progression in combating the condition of Hyperhydrosis. Initial reports have been published regarding the use of botulinum toxin in Hyperhydrosis. Some drawbacks are the costs of this treatment which has to be repeated at regular intervals and the side-effects but these appear to be negligible.

Hyperhydrosis is a common misspelling for hyperhidrosis