Focal hyperhidrosis: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Focal hyperhidrosis | |||
| image = [[File:Visual_scale_for_the_quantification_of_hyperidrosis.tif|left|thumb|Visual scale for the quantification of hyperhidrosis]] | |||
| caption = Visual scale for the quantification of hyperhidrosis | |||
| synonyms = Primary hyperhidrosis | |||
| field = [[Dermatology]] | |||
| symptoms = Excessive sweating in specific areas such as the [[hands]], [[feet]], [[armpits]], or [[face]] | |||
| complications = [[Skin infections]], [[social anxiety]], [[emotional distress]] | |||
| onset = Typically begins in [[childhood]] or [[adolescence]] | |||
| duration = Long-term | |||
| causes = Unknown, possibly [[genetic]] | |||
| risks = Family history of hyperhidrosis | |||
| diagnosis = Based on [[clinical presentation]] and [[patient history]] | |||
| differential = [[Secondary hyperhidrosis]], [[thyroid disorders]], [[diabetes]], [[menopause]] | |||
| treatment = [[Topical antiperspirants]], [[iontophoresis]], [[botulinum toxin]] injections, [[surgery]] | |||
| medication = [[Anticholinergics]] | |||
| frequency = Affects approximately 1-3% of the population | |||
}} | |||
'''Focal hyperhidrosis''' is a medical condition characterized by excessive, localized sweating in specific areas of the body, most commonly affecting the palms, soles, underarms, or face. This condition is distinct from generalized hyperhidrosis, which involves widespread sweating over the entire body. Focal hyperhidrosis often begins in childhood or adolescence and can persist throughout life, significantly impacting the quality of life and social interactions of those affected. | '''Focal hyperhidrosis''' is a medical condition characterized by excessive, localized sweating in specific areas of the body, most commonly affecting the palms, soles, underarms, or face. This condition is distinct from generalized hyperhidrosis, which involves widespread sweating over the entire body. Focal hyperhidrosis often begins in childhood or adolescence and can persist throughout life, significantly impacting the quality of life and social interactions of those affected. | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
The exact cause of focal hyperhidrosis is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to overactivity of the [[sympathetic nervous system]], specifically the nerves that control sweating. Genetic factors may also play a role, as the condition often runs in families. Unlike generalized hyperhidrosis, focal hyperhidrosis is not usually associated with an underlying medical condition. | The exact cause of focal hyperhidrosis is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to overactivity of the [[sympathetic nervous system]], specifically the nerves that control sweating. Genetic factors may also play a role, as the condition often runs in families. Unlike generalized hyperhidrosis, focal hyperhidrosis is not usually associated with an underlying medical condition. | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
The primary symptom of focal hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that occurs in localized areas without an apparent cause, such as high temperature or physical activity. The sweating can be so severe that it soaks through clothing or drips off the hands. This can interfere with daily activities, such as writing or handling objects, and can cause social embarrassment or anxiety. | The primary symptom of focal hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that occurs in localized areas without an apparent cause, such as high temperature or physical activity. The sweating can be so severe that it soaks through clothing or drips off the hands. This can interfere with daily activities, such as writing or handling objects, and can cause social embarrassment or anxiety. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of focal hyperhidrosis typically involves a medical history and physical examination. The [[Minor's iodine-starch test]] may be used to visually confirm the presence of excessive sweating. During this test, an iodine solution is applied to the sweaty area, followed by starch powder. Areas of excessive sweating will turn dark blue. In some cases, additional tests may be performed to rule out other conditions that can cause excessive sweating. | Diagnosis of focal hyperhidrosis typically involves a medical history and physical examination. The [[Minor's iodine-starch test]] may be used to visually confirm the presence of excessive sweating. During this test, an iodine solution is applied to the sweaty area, followed by starch powder. Areas of excessive sweating will turn dark blue. In some cases, additional tests may be performed to rule out other conditions that can cause excessive sweating. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment for focal hyperhidrosis aims to reduce sweating and improve quality of life. Options include: | Treatment for focal hyperhidrosis aims to reduce sweating and improve quality of life. Options include: | ||
* '''Antiperspirants:''' Over-the-counter or prescription-strength antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride can be effective for mild cases. | * '''Antiperspirants:''' Over-the-counter or prescription-strength antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride can be effective for mild cases. | ||
* '''Iontophoresis:''' A device that passes a mild electrical current through water and into the skin's surface to temporarily block sweat glands. | * '''Iontophoresis:''' A device that passes a mild electrical current through water and into the skin's surface to temporarily block sweat glands. | ||
| Line 18: | Line 32: | ||
* '''Medications:''' Oral medications, such as anticholinergics, can reduce sweating but may have side effects. | * '''Medications:''' Oral medications, such as anticholinergics, can reduce sweating but may have side effects. | ||
* '''Surgery:''' In severe cases, surgical options such as [[sympathectomy]] may be considered. This procedure involves cutting or destroying the sympathetic nerves responsible for excessive sweating. | * '''Surgery:''' In severe cases, surgical options such as [[sympathectomy]] may be considered. This procedure involves cutting or destroying the sympathetic nerves responsible for excessive sweating. | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
While focal hyperhidrosis is a chronic condition, the symptoms can be effectively managed with treatment. Many individuals experience significant improvements in their symptoms and quality of life with appropriate therapy. | While focal hyperhidrosis is a chronic condition, the symptoms can be effectively managed with treatment. Many individuals experience significant improvements in their symptoms and quality of life with appropriate therapy. | ||
==Epidemiology== | ==Epidemiology== | ||
Focal hyperhidrosis is relatively common, affecting both males and females. It is estimated that about 2-3% of the population suffers from this condition, though many cases may go undiagnosed or unreported due to embarrassment or lack of awareness. | Focal hyperhidrosis is relatively common, affecting both males and females. It is estimated that about 2-3% of the population suffers from this condition, though many cases may go undiagnosed or unreported due to embarrassment or lack of awareness. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Hyperhidrosis]] | * [[Hyperhidrosis]] | ||
| Line 30: | Line 41: | ||
* [[Botulinum toxin]] | * [[Botulinum toxin]] | ||
* [[Sympathectomy]] | * [[Sympathectomy]] | ||
[[Category:Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue]] | [[Category:Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue]] | ||
[[Category:Symptoms and signs: Skin and subcutaneous tissue]] | [[Category:Symptoms and signs: Skin and subcutaneous tissue]] | ||
{{Medicine-stub}} | {{Medicine-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 18:38, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics
| Focal hyperhidrosis | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Primary hyperhidrosis |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Excessive sweating in specific areas such as the hands, feet, armpits, or face |
| Complications | Skin infections, social anxiety, emotional distress |
| Onset | Typically begins in childhood or adolescence |
| Duration | Long-term |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Unknown, possibly genetic |
| Risks | Family history of hyperhidrosis |
| Diagnosis | Based on clinical presentation and patient history |
| Differential diagnosis | Secondary hyperhidrosis, thyroid disorders, diabetes, menopause |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Topical antiperspirants, iontophoresis, botulinum toxin injections, surgery |
| Medication | Anticholinergics |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Affects approximately 1-3% of the population |
| Deaths | N/A |
Focal hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive, localized sweating in specific areas of the body, most commonly affecting the palms, soles, underarms, or face. This condition is distinct from generalized hyperhidrosis, which involves widespread sweating over the entire body. Focal hyperhidrosis often begins in childhood or adolescence and can persist throughout life, significantly impacting the quality of life and social interactions of those affected.
Causes[edit]
The exact cause of focal hyperhidrosis is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, specifically the nerves that control sweating. Genetic factors may also play a role, as the condition often runs in families. Unlike generalized hyperhidrosis, focal hyperhidrosis is not usually associated with an underlying medical condition.
Symptoms[edit]
The primary symptom of focal hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that occurs in localized areas without an apparent cause, such as high temperature or physical activity. The sweating can be so severe that it soaks through clothing or drips off the hands. This can interfere with daily activities, such as writing or handling objects, and can cause social embarrassment or anxiety.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of focal hyperhidrosis typically involves a medical history and physical examination. The Minor's iodine-starch test may be used to visually confirm the presence of excessive sweating. During this test, an iodine solution is applied to the sweaty area, followed by starch powder. Areas of excessive sweating will turn dark blue. In some cases, additional tests may be performed to rule out other conditions that can cause excessive sweating.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for focal hyperhidrosis aims to reduce sweating and improve quality of life. Options include:
- Antiperspirants: Over-the-counter or prescription-strength antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride can be effective for mild cases.
- Iontophoresis: A device that passes a mild electrical current through water and into the skin's surface to temporarily block sweat glands.
- Botox injections: Botulinum toxin injections can temporarily block the nerves that trigger sweating. This treatment is effective for underarm, hand, and facial sweating.
- Medications: Oral medications, such as anticholinergics, can reduce sweating but may have side effects.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgical options such as sympathectomy may be considered. This procedure involves cutting or destroying the sympathetic nerves responsible for excessive sweating.
Prognosis[edit]
While focal hyperhidrosis is a chronic condition, the symptoms can be effectively managed with treatment. Many individuals experience significant improvements in their symptoms and quality of life with appropriate therapy.
Epidemiology[edit]
Focal hyperhidrosis is relatively common, affecting both males and females. It is estimated that about 2-3% of the population suffers from this condition, though many cases may go undiagnosed or unreported due to embarrassment or lack of awareness.
See also[edit]
