The most common form of hyperhidrosis is called primary (essential) hyperhidrosis. In this form your nervous system activates your sweat glands, even though it hasn’t been triggered by physical activity or a rise in temperature. In other cases (secondary hyperhidrosis), this condition is due to other medical conditions (such as diabetes, menopause, thyroid problems, low blood sugar, some types of cancer, heart attack, nervous system disorders and infections).

If an underlying medical condition is contributing to the problem, that condition should be treated first. The excessive sweating is then treated with prescription antiperspirant and botulinum toxin injections.