Why Does Hyperhidrosis Occur?
Two main types of excessive sweating affect adult men and women: primary and secondary hyperhidrosis. With primary hyperhidrosis, the eccrine sweat glands overact to situations that would normally cause sweating: overheating, movement, emotional triggers, or hormonal changes. It’s unclear what causes primary hyperhidrosis, but some doctors link it to hereditary sources. Secondary hyperhidrosis occurs as the result of other medical conditions, including pregnancy, menopause, low blood sugar or anxiety. Excessive sweating may also occur in adults who are overweight, take certain medications, have certain infections, or those with Parkinson’s disease. For most individuals with secondary hyperhidrosis, sweating takes place all over the body or in a single area, and is more likely to occur during sleep. For those with primary hyperhidrosis, a variety of treatments are available to help reduce the challenges associated with excessive sweating, including prescription strength antiperspirants, medications, Botox injections, microwave energy ablation, or focused ultrasound ablation (Ultherapy).