Excessive sweating is a medical condition called hyperhidrosis, which affects approximately 3 percent of people throughout the world, according to the International Hyperhidrosis Society. People who experience persistent, unusual or excessive sweating symptoms should consult a physician for further evaluation and care. Treatment options are available that can help control uncomfortable or unpleasant sweating symptoms in affected people.
Moist Hands, Underarms, Face or Feet
People with hyperhidrosis experience profuse sweating from the hands, underarms, face or feet. Though mild sweating is healthy and normal, especially during periods of physical activity, stress or nervousness, people who sweat excessively may sweat through several pieces of clothing throughout the day. People with this condition may persistently have beads of sweat that drip off their face or hands. Sweating of the hands can significantly interfere with a person's ability to perform normal everyday tasks, such as driving, picking up objects or writing, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains. These symptoms can be embarrassing and may cause certain people to avoid social activities such as dancing or athletics.
Body Odor
A warm, moist environment is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which give off a foul odor as they consume nutrients in a person's sweat. People who sweat excessively can develop a strong, unpleasant odor that emanates from the body or feet, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons reports. Increased body or foot odor may cause affected people to shower several times a day to help control and reduce odor.
Facial Flushing
Excessive sweating may cause facial flushing in certain people, according to The Center for Hyperhidrosis at Columbia University Medical Center. The skin across the face, neck or chest can appear unusually red and may be warm to the touch. Certain circumstances, such as increased stress, may instigate facial flushing.
References
- International Hyperhidrosis Society: About Hyperhidrosis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Thoracic Surgery Division - About Hyperhidrosis
- The Society of Thoracic Surgeons: Hyperhidrosis - What are the Symptoms?
- Columbia University Medical Center: ETS Procedure - Facial Blushing
- MayoClinic.com: Sweating and Body Odor - Causes
