Hyperhidrosis is a condition which causes the sweat glands in the body to function abnormally.  Just one part of the body can be affected or it can actually affect the whole body at once.  There are two main types of hyperhidrosis – primary hyperhidrosis and secondary hyperhidrosis.  Primary hyperhidrosis does not usually have an obvious cause but there is usually an underlying condition which is causing secondary hyperhidrosis.  Around 3 percent of the population in England suffer from hyperhydrosis making it a fairly common condition.

You may find that one of the symptoms you will experience with this condition will be excessive facial sweating.  Various parts of the face such as the nose, forehead or lips will experience an excessive amount of sweating if the person is suffering from hyperhidrosis of the face.  The neck and scalp can also suffer from excessive sweating if you have facial hyperhidrosis.  Excessive sweating is the term which would describe continuous dripping sweat in any one area which needs to be wiped constantly. 

Although it used to be the assumption that primary hyperhidrosis was a condition that was psychological this has now been discredited.  Research has shown that those suffering from hyperhydrosis will not be any more likely to suffer from stress or anxiety as someone who doesn’t have the condition.  And in fact research has also shown that this condition could be a genetic condition. 

In contrast, secondary hyperhidrosis can be caused by a number of underlying health conditions including heart failure, pregnancy,  respiratory failure, hyperthyroidism, anxiety, alcohol and substance abuse gout and obesity.  Other things which can cause secondary hyperhidrosis are some medications, certain kinds of cancers, certain infections and some neurological disorders. 

You may be wondering how to stop sweating and it is important to note that lifestyle changes are not a cure for primary hyperhidrosis.  However there are treatments that can improve the symptoms.  Treating secondary hyperhidrosis will obviously depend on the underlying cause.

Disclaimer: Nothing contained in this article is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it beused for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional’s advice.