Types of Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis can affect a particular body parts, or the overall body. Palms, feet, underarm, and the groin are most common areas impacted by Hyperhidrosis. For some reason, medical professionals like to call them by more complicated names, and its useful to know the medical terms of your Hyperhidrosis. Following are the key types of hyperhidrosis. Please note that the various types of hyperhidrosis are not mutually exclusive – people can (and often) suffer from hyperhidrosis in multiple body parts.
General Hyperhidrosis
General hyperhidrosis is a condition when the excess sweating occurs throughout the body and is not limited to any particular body part. This type of hyperhidrosis can often be a secondary hyperhidrosis (i.e. caused by an underlying medical condition) – however, that is not always the case.
Palmar Hyperhidrosis
Palmar Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for the hyperhidrosis impacting hands (primarily palms). This is one of the most common types of hyperhidrosis. People suffering from this type of hyperhidrosis sweat on their palms. This is probably the most socially awkward type of excessive sweat affecting social interactions including shaking hands or holding hands. It may also cause more practical issues like holding tools or steering wheel.
Plantar Hyperhidrosis
Palmar Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for the hyperhidrosis impacting feet (primarily soles). People suffering from this type of hyperhidrosis sweat on their feet. While this type of hyperhidrosis is easier to hide under shoes/socks, it is still a difficult condition as it may make the feet slippery.
Axillary Hyperhidrosis
Axillary hyperhidrosis is the medical term for hyperhidrosis concentrated in the underarm area. Underarm are has the highest concentration of sweat glands on the body and most of the people sweat heavily in this area when doing physical activity (e.g. running). People with Axillary Hyperhidrosis sweat from underarm areas even without any trigger. People with Axillar hyperhidrosis usually show a sweat patch on their shirts/t-shirts and may become self-conscious and nervous in social settings because of this.
Facial Hyperhidrosis
Facial hyperhidrosis is, as the name implies, condition causing excessive sweat on head and face. This type of hyperhidrosis can be most embarrassing socially as it is difficult to hide (unlike palmar, plantar or axillary hyperhidrosis). Excessive sweat on face can often be misconstrues as nervousness, exertion or ill-health and can damage person's social lifestyle.
truncal hyperhidrosis
Truncal Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating in the groin, buttock, vagina and/or thigh region. This type of hyperhidrosis, while usually hidden is very uncomfortable and in some cases lead to fungal infection as the area takes longer to dry than other areas affected by hyperhidrosis.
So, what type of hyperhidrosis do you have?
7 Comments
I wonder how we determine if we have hyperhidrosis or not? Some people might sweat more but feel that it doesn’t affect their lives too much, while others who sweat less (but noticeably) could feel that they have hyperhidrosis because their excessive sweat is ruining their everyday life. I think this it would be interesting to have medical experts determine some kind of method of measuring objectively the intensity of excessive sweating.
I have facial hyperhidrosis and I have done everything I know to control it and haven’t found anything that helps… Any suggestions?
I also have facial hyperhidrosis and have been to three different dermatologists in my area and none have any treatment for facial hyperhidrosis. I’m so disappointed and get so embarrassed by the excessive sweating. I guess I have to learn to live with it until someone comes up with something. If you come across anything that helps please let me know. I feel your pain.
Any helpful hints for facial hyperhidrosis?
I recommend for you intophoresis therapy for face. I used Electro Antiperspirant for my uncomfortable facial sweating. Results is really impressive.
Where do you get the iontophoresis therapy for face? Can you buy the Electro Antiperspirant in the drugstore? Do you need a prescription? Thanks.
There is an article on this site about iontophoresis. It’s a machine that uses a tray with water or a pad. A search on this treatment led me to this website. The link below leafs to a machine that was suggested. The model 1000 has a face and a back and chest unit you can order as well the traditional hand, feet and underarm units.
It’s possible insurance would cover the cost of you have a prescription.
https://www.hidrexusa.com/product-category/medical-devices/iontophoresis/?ref=18