What should you know about hyperhidrosis and diaphoresis?

Hyperhidrosis is used when sweating is excessive for the situation and repeatedly disrupts comfort or function. Diaphoresis is a broader clinical description of sweating, often used when it appears with another event or symptom. A person can have both: an established sweating disorder and episodes triggered by heat or a health problem. Clinicians ask where sweating occurs, whether it happens during sleep, when it began and what accompanies it. Moisture can also lead to friction, heat rash, intertrigo or pigment changes such as tinea versicolor.

Note the timing, body areas, triggers, medicines and associated symptoms of each episode. Keep skin folds dry, change damp clothing and choose breathable fabrics. A clinician may start with a prescription antiperspirant or discuss iontophoresis for suitable areas. Injections or a sweat-gland treatment may be considered for selected problems. If diaphoresis reflects another condition or medicine effect, addressing that cause is central; do not stop prescribed medicine without medical advice.

Seek urgent help for sudden heavy sweating with chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe shortness of breath, one-sided weakness or extreme weakness. Prompt assessment is also needed for repeated night sweats, fever, unexplained weight change, shaking or a racing heartbeat. Make a routine appointment when sweating persists, starts unexpectedly or makes work, sleep, clothing and social contact difficult.

Does my pattern fit hyperhidrosis, diaphoresis from a trigger, or both? Which medicines or health conditions should we review? How can I protect irritated skin? What symptoms mean I should seek urgent help?