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Symptoms
Classification
and Causes Causes
*
primary = essential = idiopathic (unknown cause)
*
secondary (known cause)
Locations:
* palmar (hands)
*
axillary (armpits)
*
plantar (feet)
*
facial (face)
*
truncal (trunk)
*
general 1. Hyperhidrosis as part of an underlying condition
(secondary hyperhidrosis) Some conditions can promote excessive
sweating, as a rule involving the whole body: Hyperthyroidism
or similar endocrine diseases Endocrine treatment for prostatic
cancer or other types of malignant disease Severe psychiatric
disorders , Obesity and Menopause
2. Hyperhidrosis without known cause (=primary or essential
hyperhidrosis). This is a far more frequent condition than
secondary hyperhidrosis and appears, generally, localized
in one or several locations of the body (most often hands,
feet, armpits or a combination of them). It usually starts
during childhood or adolescence and persists all life. Nervousness
and anxiety can elicit or aggravate sweating, but psychological/psichiatric
disturbances are only rarely the cause of the disorder. Manifestations
of Primary Hyperhidrosis Facial Hyperhidrosis Sweat pouring
down from the forehead in conditions of stress can be very
distressful, inducing the patient to think that others may
consider him/her nervous and insecure. Palmar Hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating of the hands is, generally, by far the
most distressing condition. The hands are much more exposed
in social and professional activities than any other part
of our body. Many individuals with this condition are limited
in their choice of profession, because unable to manipulate
materials sensitive to humidity (paper etc) or reluctant to
shake hands; some patients arrive to the point to avoid social
contact. The degree of sweating varies and may range from
moderate moisture to dripping. Most patients notice that their
hands not only feel moist, but also cold. Axillary Hyperhidrosis
Also hyperhidrosis of the armpits can be embarrassing causing
large wet marks and sometimes a white halo of salt from sweating
on the cloths. Plantar Hyperhidrosis Other locations Less
frequently, it is located only to the trunk and/or the thighs.
Other patient are suffering from copious sweating in the face.
* Many individuals suffer form a combination of the above
cathegories. * Sweating can appear suddenly or manifest itself
more continuously. * It can be elicited by high outside temperatures
or emotional stress, or appears without any obvious reason.
* Generally, it worsens during the warm season and gets better
during winter.
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