Evaluating the Patient Presenting with Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis affects approximately 2.8% of the population. This condition is often socially and professionally debilitating, leading to significant quality-of-life impairment. Primary focal hyperhidrosis stems from neurogenic overactivity involving normal eccrine glands, while secondary generalized hyperhidrosis is due to any one of a number of causes. The approach to patient evaluation and differential diagnosis are discussed.