What should you know about secondary hyperhidrosis?

Unlike sweating that mainly affects familiar areas such as the palms, soles or underarms without an obvious outside cause, secondary hyperhidrosis may involve larger areas of the body. It can begin suddenly, occur during sleep, or appear alongside other changes in health. The sweating itself is a symptom, not a diagnosis.

Possible contributors include fever or infection, hormonal changes, low blood sugar, neurologic or endocrine disorders, and some prescription or over-the-counter medicines. Alcohol and other substances can also trigger sweating. The pattern, timing and accompanying symptoms help a clinician decide which causes need checking.

Persistent moisture can irritate skin and encourage odour, chafing or infections in skin folds. You can read about related conditions such as [Heat Rash], [Intertrigo] and [Tinea Versicolor].

Arrange a medical assessment if sweating is new, worsening, widespread or interfering with sleep, work or daily activities. Bring a list of medicines and supplements, and note when the sweating happens, which areas are affected, whether it occurs at night, and what other symptoms appear. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without advice.

A clinician may review your history, examine your skin and choose tests based on your symptoms. Treatment is directed at the underlying cause when one is found. Measures for the sweating may include a prescribed antiperspirant; dermatology options can include [Prescription Antiperspirant], [Iontophoresis], [Botox For Sweating] or [Microwave Sweat Gland Treatment], depending on the area, cause and medical assessment.

While waiting for care, wear breathable clothing, change damp garments, keep skin folds gently clean and dry, and identify personal triggers such as heat, spicy foods or alcohol. [Excessive Sweating] provides more general symptom information.

Seek urgent medical help for sudden heavy sweating with chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, confusion, severe weakness or a racing or irregular heartbeat. Prompt assessment is also needed when sweating comes with a high fever, signs of severe infection, or unexplained weight loss and persistent night sweats. These combinations can signal a problem that needs timely treatment.

Ask which causes fit your sweating pattern, whether any medicine or supplement could contribute, and what examination or tests are appropriate. You can also ask how to protect irritated skin, which treatment is suitable for the affected area, and when improvement should be reviewed.