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Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating. Children with hyperhidrosis sweat as much as five times more than other children. The body’s way of cooling itself (sweating) goes into overdrive for children with hyperhidrosis. As a result, the body makes more sweat than is needed to regulate body temperature.

Hyperhidrosis most often causes extra sweating in the palms of the hands, the armpits and the feet.

There are two kinds of hyperhidrosis:

  • Primary focal hyperhidrosis. Primary focal hyperhidrosis refers to at least one episode each week of excessive sweating in an affected area. While the affected area can vary, the sweating is always symmetrical with both sides of the body affected equally. The sweating impacts regular daily activities and stops during sleep. It gets worse in stressful situations and warmer environments. Most children with hyperhidrosis have primary focal hyperhidrosis. Children with primary focal hyperhidrosis often have family members who experience hyperhidrosis.
  • Secondary hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by another condition such as diabetes, obesity or certain medicines. The extra sweating occurs over larger areas of the body and does not stop during sleep. Secondary hyperhidrosis most often appears in adulthood.

Hyperhidrosis can affect a child’s quality of life. It can be embarrassing and uncomfortable and can cause feelings of anxiety. Sweaty palms can make it hard to hold a pencil or complete worksheets at school. Excessive sweating can impact a child’s self-confidence.

Children with hyperhidrosis may worry about their extra sweating and may avoid interacting with others or change clothes often to stay fresh. A pediatric specialist can work with you and your child to manage symptoms and help your child regain his or her quality of life.

Diagnosis of Hyperhidrosis

Pediatric dermatologists at Riley at IU Health may perform the following exams and tests to diagnose hyperhidrosis:

  • Physical exam. A dermatologist will examine your child’s body and check vital signs.
  • Clinical history. The dermatologist will talk with you and your child about when the excessive sweating began, how often it happens and how it affects your child’s daily life. Be sure to describe how the extra sweating creates problems for your child. The doctor will also ask questions about any family history of hyperhidrosis.

Treatments

Treatments for hyperhidrosis include:

  • Antiperspirants. A variety of antiperspirants are available to stop or reduce sweating in the armpits, hands, feet, head and face.
  • Oral medicines. Medicines called anticholinergics work to reduce the body’s overall sweating. These treatments work best for excessive facial sweating and children who do not respond to clinical-strength antiperspirants and other procedures.
  • Iontophoresis. This procedure uses a mild electrical current to stop sweating in the hands and feet.
  • Botox treatments. Botulinum toxin contains a protein that turns off the body’s sweat glands. It is used to treat excessive underarm sweating.
  • miraDry. This treatment uses controlled electromagnetic energy to destroy underarm sweat glands with heat. A special device cools the underarm skin while the electromagnetic energy travels to the sweat glands underneath the skin. Sweat glands typically do not grow back after treatment.
  • Underarm surgeries. Rarely, the sweat glands in the underarms can be removed or destroyed by excision, curettage (scraping) or liposuction.

Key Points to Remember

  • Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating.
  • Children with hyperhidrosis sweat as much as five times more than other children.
  • There are two types of hyperhidrosis. Most children have primary focal hyperhidrosis.
  • Primary focal hyperhidrosis refers to at least one episode each week of excessive sweating in an affected area. While the affected area can vary, the sweating is always symmetrical with both sides of the body affected equally.
  • Treatments for hyperhidrosis include antiperspirants, anticholinergics, iontophoresis, Botox treatments, miraDry and removal of the sweat glands in the underarms.

Support Services & Resources

Visit the trusted website below to learn more about hyperhidrosis.

Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.

Learn More About Riley Support Services

International Hyperhidrosis Society

This group provides extensive information on the forms of hyperhidrosis, treatments and practical advice about living with the condition.

Locations

Locations

In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.

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