The main symptom of hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating. People with hyperhidrosis sweat in different parts of the body and at different times. Sweating may also lead to skin infections and affect mental health. Hyperhidrosis can affect both the body and daily life. Here are five of the most common symptoms and signs.

Types of Hyperhidrosis

There are two types of hyperhidrosis. In primary focal hyperhidrosis (also called primary hyperhidrosis), there’s no underlying cause. This means no other health problem is triggering the sweating. In secondary hyperhidrosis, sweating is caused by another health condition or a medication side effect. People with each type tend to sweat in different ways.

Symptoms of primary hyperhidrosis usually start in childhood or adolescence or by age 25. With secondary hyperhidrosis, symptoms might not start until a little later in life.

Symptoms of Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis has physical, social, and emotional impacts. Below are five ways hyperhidrosis might affect you.

1. Sweating When You Don’t Expect It

Everyone sweats when they feel hot, anxious, or stressed out. People with hyperhidrosis can drip with sweat even when they’re calm or when the temperature is comfortable or cold.

Heat, exercise, or emotional stress can make those with hyperhidrosis sweat more than usual. This is because of overactive nerves that control the sweat glands. Secondary hyperhidrosis is more likely to cause sweating during sleep.

2. Sweating in Specific Areas

People with hyperhidrosis can sweat anywhere on their bodies. Those with primary hyperhidrosis are most likely to sweat from smaller, focused areas. Excessive sweating may happen in the underarms, hands, and feet or on the head and face. It usually affects more than one area.

In primary hyperhidrosis, sweating is usually symmetrical. This means that it affects both sides of the body equally. Both hands, both feet, or both armpits will sweat. People with secondary hyperhidrosis tend to sweat in larger areas of the skin. Sweating affects places like the back, one side of the body, or the entire body.

3. Skin Problems From Excessive Sweating

Having skin that’s often wet can lead to other complications. People with hyperhidrosis are more likely to experience:

• Rash
• Peeling skin
• Cracked skin
• Irritated or inflamed skin
• Facial blushing or flushing (sometimes seen with hyperhidrosis but also caused by other conditions)
• Skin infections
• Foot odor
• Maceration (soft, pale skin that breaks down)

Sweating can also cause slippery, clammy hands and feet. Some people with hyperhidrosis have trouble gripping small objects due to wet, slippery hands.

4. Emotional and Social Impact

Excessive sweating can leave people with hyperhidrosis feeling depressed, anxious, and embarrassed. Sweaty palms can make shaking hands feel awkward. Wet clothing and wet hair can make people feel self-conscious. Sometimes people may avoid socializing and meeting new people as a result.

Hyperhidrosis isn’t well understood, and many people know little about it. As a result, it can be hard to talk about with others and find support.

5. Trouble Sleeping

Sleep problems are common in people with hyperhidrosis, especially if they sweat at night. Sweating at night is more likely to happen if you have secondary hyperhidrosis.

Night sweats are also considered a type of sleep hyperhidrosis. People with night sweats wake up in the middle of the night to find their pajamas and sheets soaked with sweat. Some studies show that around 40 percent of people report having night sweats when they see their doctor. They’re common during menopause. Night sweats are also linked to other medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders (especially hyperthyroidism), infections, and some forms of cancer.

Avoiding alcohol and spicy food before bed can help. Managing stress can also help reduce night sweats. Let your doctor know if you’re sweating more or not sleeping well. Both issues can affect your quality of life and may improve with treatment.

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On MyHyperhidrosisTeam, people share their experiences with hyperhidrosis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

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