| Excessive Sweating | HYPERHYDROSIS
There are two types of hyperhidrosis: primary hyperhidrosis, which is its own medical condition, and secondary hyperhidrosis, which is a symptom of an underlying medical condition.
While the exact cause of primary hyperhidrosis is unknown, it may be related to over-activity of the central nervous system. It usually affects at least one of the following areas: underarms, hands, feet, face.
This type of hyperhidrosis, which appears to have a genetic component, usually develops during childhood or adolescence and continues through adulthood. Emotions (stress, fear, etc.) and heat may worsen symptoms. Sweating caused by heat (face, chest and back) can occur at any time, but emotionally-induced sweating (hands, feet and underarms) usually does not occur while sleeping.
Secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by another underlying medical condition such as menopause, endocrine disorders, obesity, nerve damage, or certain types of drugs. Unlike with primary hyperhidrosis, those with secondary hyperhidrosis experience generalized sweating, meaning it is not limited to certain areas of the body, and symptoms can occur while sleeping. Lastly, in those with secondary hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating usually starts in adulthood.