what is hyperhidrosis?
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Sweating is a normal and totally natural process through which the body loses heat. However, some people suffer from excessive sweating, which is also known as hyperhidrosis.

Hyperhidrosis is a genetic condition that causes abnormal heat loss, through excessive sweating, mostly from the hands, feet or underarms. Everyone sweats to some extent. This is an important process to help the body to control its temperature and hydrate the skin. Excessive sweating results in moisture lying on the surface of the skin instead of evaporating as it normally would.

• 1 in 100 people suffer from severe hyperhidrosis which usually starts during the teens and twenties. Moderate hyperhidrosis is more common and the majority of people suffer from this at some point in their lives.

• Hyperhidrosis affects men and women, all races and every age group.

• Excessive sweating can occur at any time, while you are in a cold room, while you are calm, restful and without any stress or anxiety.

• Most sufferers do find the problem distressing and this may worsen their condition.

However, many things can trigger normal sweating and this is also true for hyperhidrosis – it is just the amount of sweating that varies.

what triggers hyperhidrosis?
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• Exercise.
• Heat or cold.
• Alcohol, coffee or tea, smoking, hot or spicy food.
• Stress, anxiety or strong emotions.
• Certain times of the day.

problems hyperhidrosis causes
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• The need to wash more frequently.
• Changing wet clothes several times a day.
• Embarrassment at work or social situations.
• Lack of confidence.

types of hyperhidrosis?
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FOCAL (LOCAL) HYPERHIDROSIS
This is the most common form which affects the areas such as the scalp, face, hands, trunk and thigh, feet and in about 30-40% of cases, the armpits (axillary).

GENERALISED HYPERHIDROSIS
This is usually caused by an underlying condition and causes excessive sweating of the entire body. Sweating usually stops when the illness is treated.

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