Hyperhidrosis Glossary (Terminology & Definitions)
The Hyperhidrosis Glossary is a comprehensive collection of terms, words, and numbers specifically curated for individuals seeking to expand their knowledge and understanding of hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by excessive sweating. Each entry in this glossary is accompanied by its own definition, allowing readers to familiarize themselves with the terminology associated with hyperhidrosis and deepen their understanding of the condition.
A
Apocrine glands
Sweat glands found in specific areas of the body, such as the underarms and genitals, responsible for secretion of an oily type of sweat that in some cases cause odour production.
Anxiety
A feeling of unease, often accompanied by increased sweating, that can be triggered or worsened by hyperhidrosis.
Anhidrosis
Anhidrosis refers to the reduced or absence of sweating in response to among other stimuli, heat or exertion. It is the opposite of hyperhidrosis and can result in impaired temperature regulation and potential severe heat-related complications.
Axillary hyperhidrosis
Axillary hyperhidrosis specifically refers to excessive sweating in the armpit or underarm area. It is a form of localized hyperhidrosis where the sweat glands in the axillary region produce an unusually high amount of sweat, often leading to visible sweat stains, discomfort, and social embarrassment.
Axillary evacuation
Surgical method where the sweat glands are removed from the underarm area.
Antihydral
Cream from Germany used by climbers on hands and feet to decrease sweating and improve grip function. Often very effective for hyperhidrosis but can make the skin yellowish and a little thicker.
Aquagenic keratoderma
A medical condition with exaggerated wrinkling of the palms when in contact with water. Can also be associated with pruritus and a burning painful sensation after water contact. Can be treated with iontophoresis.
B
B. toxin injections
It is FDA-approved for treating underarm hyperhidrosis. When injected into the affected areas, such as the armpits, they temporarily block the nerves responsible for sweat production.
Bacterial/fungal skin infections
Infections that can occur in areas of excessive sweating due to the moist environment.
Bromhidrosis
Bromhidrosis is a condition where unpleasant body odour arises from the interaction between sweat and bacteria on the skin often no matter how well someone tends to their personal hygiene.
C
Craniofacial hyperhidrosis
Refers to the condition of excessive sweating specifically affecting the head and face region.
Compensatory sweating
Excessive perspiration that occurs in different body areas following surgery for primary hyperhidrosis, beyond the originally affected regions.
Chromhidrosis
Coloured sweating often caused by a pigment produced called lipofuscin. Other causes may be excessive Bilirubin, infection (chromogenic bacteria) and others.
D
Dermatologist
A medical professional who specialises in diagnosing and treating skin conditions, including hyperhidrosis.
Deodorant
Deodorants are made to eliminate armpit odour but they won’t block the sweat that causes the odour.
E
Eccrine glands
The sweat glands that are most abundant and play a crucial role in maintaining body temperature.
Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS)
A surgical procedure that involves cutting or clamping the sympathetic nerves responsible for sweating.
Emotional sweating
Emotional sweating, also known as stress-induced sweating, refers to excessive sweating that occurs in response to emotional triggers such as anxiety, stress, fear, or excitement. It is mediated by the sympathetic nervous system and can lead to excessive perspiration in various parts of the body.
F
Focal hyperhidrosis
Often the case for primary hyperhidrosis, referring to excessive sweating in specific areas.
Frey's syndrome
Frey's syndrome, also known as gustatory sweating syndrome, involves sweating and flushing of the face, head, and scalp that occurs during or after eating. Unlike gustatory hyperhidrosis, Frey's syndrome is specifically associated with nerve damage or regeneration in the affected area. It is typically a result of surgical interventions or trauma, which can cause abnormal connections between nerve fibers that control sweating and those involved in salivary gland function.
Fish Odour syndrome
Also called Trimethylaminuria. A genetic disorder that causes Trimethylamine (TMA) to build up in the body instead of being broken down to other, not foul smelling molecules. It is then excreted through urine, sweat, breath and other. It is said that the smell resembles rotten fish.
G
Generalised hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating that affects the entire body.
Gustatory Hyperhidrosis
Gustatory hyperhidrosis refers to excessive sweating that occurs on the face, head, and scalp specifically triggered by eating certain foods, particularly those that are spicy or hot. Even thinking of food can cause sweating. The sweating response is related to the stimulation of salivary or taste glands and is not necessarily associated with nerve damage or regeneration. Also called Frey's syndrome.
Glycopyrrolate
An anticholinergic oral medication used to treat hyperhidrosis.
H
Hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating beyond what is necessary for thermoregulation.
Hematohidrosis
A rare condition where capillary blood vessels connected with sweat glands burst and the secreted sweat is mixed with blood.
I
Iontophoresis
A treatment method for hyperhidrosis that involves passing a weak electrical current through the skin to reduce sweating.
J
Junctional hyperhidrosis
Junctional hyperhidrosis refers to excessive sweating that occurs at the junctions or borders of the body, such as where the skin folds or overlaps. It is commonly associated with areas like the groin, armpits, and under the breasts.
K
Keratolytics
While not directly related to hyperhidrosis, keratolytics are a class of topical medications that can sometimes be used in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. These agents help to soften and exfoliate the outer layer of the skin, potentially reducing sweat blockage and improving the effectiveness of other hyperhidrosis treatments.
L
Localised hyperhidrosis
Localised hyperhidrosis is a condition where certain body areas, like underarms, palms, or soles of the feet, experience excessive sweating beyond normal thermoregulation needs. Also called focal hyperhidrosis.
Lumbar sympathectomy
Lumbar sympathectomy is a surgical treatment for severe hyperhidrosis. It targets the sympathetic nerves in the lower back, aiming to interrupt the nerve signals responsible for excessive sweating of the feet. By blocking these signals, the procedure aims to reduce or eliminate sweating in specific areas. Advances in non-surgical treatments, such as topical medications, oral medications, botulinum toxin injections, and other minimally invasive procedures, have become more common and effective in managing hyperhidrosis.
M
Miliaria
Miliaria occurs when sweat ducts become blocked, leading to the formation of small red bumps or blisters on the skin. This blockage can be caused by various factors, including excessive sweating, high humidity, and friction from clothing. When sweat is trapped beneath the skin's surface, it can cause inflammation and the characteristic rash.
Miradry
Medical device that delivers energy to the skin in the armpits, causing decomposition of the sweat glands.
N
Night sweats
Night sweats, also known as nocturnal hyperhidrosis, are episodes of excessive sweating that happen during sleep. These episodes can vary in intensity, ranging from mild to severe sweating that may require changing bedding due to being soaked.
O
Oral medications
Medications taken orally or intravenously to help control excessive sweating.
Oxybutynin
An anticholinergic oral medication used to treat hyperhidrosis. Common dose is usually 5mg 1-3 times per day.
P
Palmar hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating of the palms or hands.
Primary hyperhidrosis
A condition characterised by excessive sweating without an underlying medical cause.
Plantar hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating of the soles of the feet.
Q
Qbrexa
FDA-approved wet wipes that contain an anticholinergic drug. Approved for treatment of axillary sweating.
R
Raynaud's disease
A condition where the small blood vessels in the fingers and toes spasm in response to cold temperatures or emotional stress, causing them to turn white or blue and feel numb or painful.
S
Secondary hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating caused by an underlying medical condition or as a side effect of medication.
Sweating
The release of moisture from the sweat glands located in the skin.
Sweat glands
Sweat glands refer to the tiny glands present in the skin that are responsible for the production of sweat.
Stress management techniques
The sympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomic nervous system and its primary function is to regulate the body's response to stress. It elicits various physiological changes, one of which is increased activity in sweat glands, leading to sweating.
T
Topical antiperspirants
Over-the-counter or prescription products applied to the skin to reduce sweating.
Thermoregulation
The body's process of maintaining a stable internal temperature through mechanisms like sweating to cool down when it's hot and retain heat when it's cold.
Thermoregulatory sweating
The production of sweat by the body in response to increased body temperature as a mechanism to cool down and regulate its internal temperature.
U
Unilateral hyperhidrosis
Unilateral hyperhidrosis refers to excessive sweating that occurs on one side of the body. It is a less common form of hyperhidrosis compared to bilateral (both sides) sweating. The affected side can vary and may involve the underarms, palms, or other areas where excessive sweating occurs.
V
Vasodilation
Phenomena often associated with hyperhidrosis where blood vessels dilate, leading not only to sweating but also swelling and redness of the affected body part.
W
Wicking fabrics
Wicking fabrics are materials designed to pull moisture away from the body and quickly evaporate sweat. They are commonly used in clothing, including sportswear and undergarments, to help manage excessive sweating by keeping the skin dry and reducing discomfort caused by wetness. Wicking fabrics are often preferred by individuals with hyperhidrosis to enhance comfort and regulate body temperature.
