title: Focal hyperhidrosis: diagnosis and management.
abstract: Hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by excessive sweating, can be generalized or focal. Generalized hyperhidrosis involves the entire body and is usually part of an underlying condition, most often an infectious, endocrine or neurologic disorder. Focal hyperhidrosis is idiopathic, occurring in otherwise healthy people. It affects 1 or more body areas, most often the palms, armpits, soles or face. Almost 3% of the general population, largely people aged between 25 and 64 years, experience hyperhidrosis. The condition carries a substantial psychological and social burden, since it interferes with daily activities. However, patients rarely seek a physician's help because many are unaware that they have a treatable medical disorder. Early detection and management of hyperhidrosis can significantly improve a patient's quality of life. There are various topical, systemic, surgical and nonsurgical treatments available with efficacy rates greater than 90%-95%.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.
authors.forename: Aamir
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Haider
authors.forename: Nowell
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Solish
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000077410:Aluminum Chloride; D017607:Aluminum Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002712:Chlorides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006945:Hyperhidrosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D007478:Iontophoresis; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013562:Sympathectomy
chemical_list: D017607:Aluminum Compounds; D002712:Chlorides; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D000077410:Aluminum Chloride; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A