Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by excessive sweating. The sweating is neither as a result of heat nor exercise. It occurs in unexpected situations, such as when temperatures are low. Hyperhidrosis can be triggered by an underlying medical condition or it may be hormonal in nature. Medical conditions that may act as triggers for heavy sweating include menopause, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hyperthyroidism.

Although the disorder is not life-threatening, it is uncomfortable and can cause embarrassment and social anxiety. Here are some symptoms of hyperhidrosis:

1. Excessive sweating that soaks clothing
Sweating is normal and healthy, but when you sweat profusely without being engaged physically, it becomes a nuisance. This condition may affect a specific area (i.e., palms and feet) or the entire body. Common areas where the disorder may manifest include palms, soles, head, groin, and underarms. Most of these body parts are normally covered by clothing. Thus, when suffering from hyperhidrosis, you may excessively sweat so much that it soaks through your clothes, or your bedding during sleep. It therefore, becomes a source of discomfort and embarrassment for many people.

2. Frequent skin infections
Skin infections can be caused by several microorganisms, which include bacteria, viruses, and fungus. These microorganisms thrive in moist conditions. Excessive sweating creates a humid environment that is conducive to bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Bacteria and viruses cause skin infections such as warts and rashes. Fungus, on the other hand, leads to fungal infections that include athlete’s foot and jock itch. Athlete’s foot is an infection on the feet that often begins in between the toes. Jock itch affects the folds of the groin. Proper cleaning and thorough drying of affected body areas will help reduce the severity of the infections.

3. Increased foot odor
Sweat, on its own, does not smell bad. It’s the combination of sweat and skin bacteria that produces odor. The frequent use of closed shoes heightens foot odor. Lack of aeration to allow perspiration to evaporate causes this unpleasant smell. It is advisable to keep the feet clean and dry to reduce the foot odor. For severe foot odor cases, make a point of consulting with a medical practitioner.

4. Pale or peeling skin
Maceration is common for heavy sweating conditions. This occurs as a result of skin being chronically moist. The skin may take on a pink or white hue in the affected areas such as the feet, palms, armpits, and groin. Over time, these affected sections may worsen. The pink and white hue may develop into soft, scaly, peeling, or cracked skin.

5. Social withdrawal
Hyperhidrosis can have a mental and emotional impact on patients. The psychological impact may take the form of loss of self-confidence, anxiety, and even depression. This psychological turmoil then translates to withdrawal and may cause the avoidance of social activities and gatherings.

6. Self-conscious to make physical contact with others
Profuse perspiration can be a source of embarrassment to many people. Having moist hands, clothes soaked in sweat, or even foot odor is barely tolerable to most people. Therefore, people with hyperhidrosis may find it challenging to interact with others. Where interactions are inevitable, most people find themselves being anxious of physical contact (i.e., handshakes or hugs) with others.

Hyperhidrosis is treatable to provide relief and reduce disruptions when performing various activities. The symptoms of heavy sweating or hyperhidrosis may not be dire at first. However, these symptoms could result in acute infections over time. Therefore, early identification of these symptoms and seeking professional medical treatment is the best course of action.