What should you know about hyperhidrosis all over body?

Generalised sweating can affect the scalp, trunk, arms, legs, hands, feet or skin folds. It may be longstanding, or it may begin after a medicine, hormonal change, infection or another health problem. Moisture and friction can soften the skin and contribute to heat rash, intertrigo or changes such as tinea versicolor. The distribution, timing, sleep pattern and associated symptoms help a clinician decide whether this is hyperhidrosis or sweating that needs a broader medical evaluation.

Wear loose, breathable clothing and change damp garments promptly. Pat skin folds dry, use gentle cleanser and avoid heavy occlusive products where moisture collects. Keep a diary of medicines, foods, heat, exertion and emotional triggers. Depending on the pattern, a clinician may consider prescription antiperspirant, iontophoresis for selected areas, injections or a sweat-gland treatment. Widespread symptoms may need treatment of an underlying cause rather than a skin-only procedure.

Arrange an assessment if sweating is new, occurs at night, is accompanied by weight change, fever, tremor, palpitations or marked fatigue, or is affecting hydration and daily activities. Get urgent help for sweating with confusion, fainting, chest pain, breathing difficulty or severe weakness, especially after heat exposure. Painful cracked skin, spreading redness or discharge from folds also needs timely review.

Does the distribution suggest hyperhidrosis or another cause? Could any of my medicines contribute? How can I protect skin folds? Which treatment can cover the areas that trouble me most, and what monitoring will I need?