Hyperhidrosis Diagnosis

Although excess perspiration is readily visible and makes diagnosis of hyperhidrosis itself simple, a physician will want to investigate any underlying causes.

Primary hyperhidrosis

Primary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating with no underlying disorder and usually begins during adolescence.

Secondary hyperhidrosis

Secondary hyperhidrosis happens later in life and can be the result of thyroid disorders, menopause, or diabetes; treating the cause of hyperhidrosis generally resolves the issue quickly.

How to test?

A patient’s frustration or embarrassment with excessive sweating is sufficient to warrant treatment, but there are diagnostic tests that determine the severity of hyperhidrosis; this helps both doctor and patient decide on the appropriate treatment.

• Applying a powder that changes color when dampened reveals the extent of the affected area and the degree of hyperhidrosis.
• Another test uses moisture-sensitive papers applied to the affected parts of the body for a set period of time; the papers are then weighed to determine the volume of sweat lost.