Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)  Information for adults

Hyperhidrosis, the medical name for excessive sweating, involves overactive sweat glands, usually of a defined body part, including the palms, soles, forehead, or underarms. Rarely, hyperhidrosis can be generalized, affecting the majority of the skin. This condition can be quite debilitating, depending on the extent and location of the symptoms. Social and business interactions can be affected, for instance, if hyperhidrosis affects the hands and individuals avoid hand shaking due to sweaty palms. Excessive sweating can cause individuals to avoid public speaking engagements for fear of embarrassment of sweating in front of an audience.