Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Does a sudden onset of excessive sweating always mean hyperhidrosis?

A. No, sudden perspiration due to a readily apparent cause is called diaphoresis. Caffeine or nicotine can cause diaphoresis, as can a plate of spicy food. People recovering from fever frequently experience diaphoresis.

Q. Why does hyperhidrosis happen?

A. If there are no underlying medical conditions, it’s hard to pinpoint the cause. About fifty percent of hyperhidrosis sufferers have at least one other affected family member, suggesting a genetic predisposition to the disorder.

Q. What kind of specialist treats hyperhidrosis?

A. Most people affected with hyperhidrosis seek help first from a dermatologist. Endocrinologists can also check for underlying medical conditions such as thyroid disorders.

Q. Does excessive sweating mean excessive smell?

A. Hyperhidrosis affects the eccrine sweat glands that produce odorless sweat, not apocrine or sebaceous glands that produce malodorous sweat. Because these more specialized sweat glands aren’t involved, hyperhidrosis causes no odor or oiliness.

Q. What are some non-prescription treatments for hyperhidrosis?

A. People with mild hyperhidrosis may find relief simply by switching to a stronger antiperspirant or by applying it to other affected parts of the body. Powders and shoe liners help with some cases of plantar hyperhidrosis. Avoiding known causes of excessive sweating such as spicy food or warm temperatures is enough for very mild cases.