This is excessive sweating. With this condition, you sweat a lot even when you aren't active or overheated. You may find that you're constantly trying to control your sweating. This can disrupt your daily life.
Why does it happen? Hyperhidrosis is caused by overactivity in the nerves that signal your sweat glands. When these nerves are overactive, they trigger sweating even when your body doesn't need to cool down. In many people, this condition is linked to genetics. It can run in families. In others, it's linked to a medical condition. It can be caused by things like diabetes and thyroid issues. It can also be caused by some medications.
What are the symptoms? With hyperhidrosis, you sweat even when other people don't. You may start sweating for no apparent reason. You may sweat even more when you're anxious or stressed. You can have drippy hands and feet. Your face may sweat. Your clothing may become soaked. You may have stains in the armpits of your shirts. This is uncomfortable and embarrassing.
How do we treat it? We can control sweating with prescription antiperspirant. Other medications may help, too. You may benefit from injections of botulinum toxin. If these don't help, we can treat or remove your sweat glands. We can also treat the nerves that trigger sweating. Your doctor will create a plan that's right for you.