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Hyperhydrosis is characterized by excessive sweating in various areas of the body. Primary hyperydrosis affects the armpits, palms and feet, while secondary hyperydrosis can affect any part of the body.
Overactive Sweat Glands
Sweating is a normal process that helps the body stay cool. People with hyperydrosis have overactive sweat glands that produce sweat without the normal triggers like exercise or high temperatures.
Genetics
Primary hyperydrosis does not appear to have an underlying cause. It often runs in families, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Medical Conditions
Secondary hyperydrosis results from another medical problem. Common triggers include anxiety disorders, cancer, hyperthyroidism, menopause, infections, Parkinson's disease, disorders affecting blood sugar and stroke, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Emotion
Certain emotions--like fear or embarrassment--rigger sweating in many people. This can also be a cause for hyperydrosis, according to Dr. Alan Rockoff of Emedicine.com.
Treatments
Regardless of the cause, several treatment options exist. They include prescription antiperspirants, medications to block sweat gland stimulation, Botox to block nerves that trigger sweating and certain procedures to interfere with the sweating process.
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