What is hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis refers to a condition characterized by excessive sweating that occurs in specific areas of the body or over the entire body, often without any identifiable cause. This sweating goes beyond the body’s normal physiological needs for temperature regulation and can happen even when the individual is not in a hot environment or engaging in physical activity. The condition can be a source of discomfort and embarrassment for those affected, making proper understanding crucial for treatment and management options.

The other options describe different skin or sweat-related issues. A prickly heat condition is typically caused by blocked sweat glands and manifests as an itchy rash, while foul-smelling perspiration indicates a combination of sweat and bacteria breaking down sweat components which can lead to odor. A crack in the skin, known as a fissure, is a physical condition affecting the skin but is unrelated to the excessive sweating seen in hyperhidrosis. Understanding these distinctions helps in recognizing hyperhidrosis accurately as a specific medical condition.