skin disorders
Excessive Sweating
Introduction
People with excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) sweat profusely, and some sweat almost constantly. Excessive sweating usually has no clear cause but is sometimes caused by infections, metabolic problems, or cancer. Skin that is always wet can become red and inflamed or pale, wrinkled, and cracked and can develop a foul odor. The diagnosis is made by a doctor's evaluation and sometimes tests. Treatment may includealuminum chlorideantiperspirants,glycopyrroniumtosylate towelettes, anticholinergic drugs,clonidine, tap-water iontophoresis, botulinum toxin, a microwave-based device, and sometimes surgery. Although people with a fever or those exposed to very warm environments sweat, people with excessive sweating tend to sweat even without these circumstances. (See also Introduction to Sweating Disorders .) 