Definitions:

Excess local sweating (hyperhidrosis) of various local body areas is known as primary focal or localized essential hyperhidrosis. Common areas involved are the underarms, palms, soles, upper forehead and scalp, back and pelvic area.

The cause of primary hyperhidrosis is unknown but often runs in families and can begin at a young age. Axillary (underarm) sweating can stain clothing and produce visible wetness, limit colours worn, and require clothing changes. Palmar sweating often smears ink and curls paper, interferes with computer keyboards and fine tasks and is embarrassing when shaking hands or in other social circumstances. Sweating of the soles can ruin socks, produce sweat marks on shoes, and slipping in sandals and on marble floors. Back and pelvic sweating stain clothes and wet marks are often visible to others. Forehead and scalp sweating can drip, sting the eyes and smear glasses. Embarrassment is common.

Hyperhidrosis Treatment Options:

No single treatment method is ideal for everyone or for each body site. There is considerable medical and non-medical marketing for a number of treatment options and individuals should do their homework thoroughly (and ask their physician many questions) before proceeding with aggressive techniques. Try to begin as slowly and cheaply as possible and only proceed further if hyperhidrosis is significantly affecting your life.

In recent years the introduction of botulinum toxin A (Botox Therapeutic by Allergan) for the treatment of localized hyperhidrosis has been a major development.

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A Summary of Recent Hyperhidrosis Medical Literature Recommendations.

Professional Biography

Dr. Robert N. Richards M.D., F.R.C.P. (C)
Diplomate, American Board of Dermatology

Dr. Richards is in group dermatology practice in Toronto with Dr. Mary Alice McKenzie, Dr. Smita Amin and Dr. Michelle Levy. Throughout the years, 45 dermatologists have worked in their office. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology and a newly elected director of the Canadian Dermatology Association. Dr. Richards has been an examiner for the Medical Council of Canada for 10 years and spent 10 years serving with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. He has published over 50 scientific articles and 3 books. He was president of the Medical Staff Association of North York General Hospital and of the Dermatology section of the Ontario Medical Association.

View the Canadian Dermatology Association's profile of Dr. Richards.