Understanding Hyperhidrosis: A Glossary for Women

Living with hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by excessive sweating, can be challenging and often misunderstood. To help women navigate this journey with greater clarity and confidence, we’ve compiled a comprehensive glossary for women with hyperhidrosis.

This resource aims to demystify the terminology surrounding this condition, from its various forms and affected areas to common treatments and their potential impacts.

Why? Because knowledge is power, sweaty ladies!

The more you understand about hyperhidrosis, the more you can advocate for yourself and make informed decision.

Comprehensive Hyperhidrosis Glossary

Aluminum Chloride Hexahydrate: A potent active ingredient often found in prescription-strength antiperspirants (e.g., Drysol, Xerac AC).
Anxiety/Stress: Common factors that can trigger or worsen sweating episodes, though not the underlying cause of primary hyperhidrosis.
Anticholinergic Medications: Oral medications that block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates sweat glands, thus reducing sweating. Can have side effects (e.g., Oxybutynin, Glycopyrrolate).
Antiperspirant: A topical product containing aluminum salts that block sweat ducts, reducing the amount of sweat released. Often the first line of treatment.
Apocrine Glands: A type of sweat gland primarily found in the armpits and groin, producing a thicker, more odorous sweat. Less directly involved in primary hyperhidrosis.
Axillary Hyperhidrosis: Excessive sweating specifically in the armpits (axillae).
Bacterial Infections: Increased susceptibility to bacterial skin infections due to moist conditions.
Body Odor (Bromhidrosis): Unpleasant body odor caused by the bacterial breakdown of sweat, particularly apocrine sweat. Often a concern for those with hyperhidrosis, especially axillary.
Botulinum Toxin (Botox): An injectable treatment that temporarily blocks the nerve signals to sweat glands, reducing sweat production. Commonly used for axillary hyperhidrosis (Botox is a well-known brand name for OnabotulinumtoxinA).
Chafing: Skin irritation caused by friction, often exacerbated by excessive moisture from sweating, particularly in skin folds.
Compensatory Sweating (Reflex Sweating): A common side effect of ETS surgery, where sweating increases in other areas of the body (e.g., back, abdomen, legs) to compensate for the reduced sweating in the treated area.
Craniofacial Hyperhidrosis: Excessive sweating of the face and scalp.
Deodorant: A product designed to mask or neutralize body odor, but does not prevent sweating.
Dermatologist: A physician specializing in skin conditions, often the first point of contact for hyperhidrosis diagnosis and treatment.
Drysol: A common brand name for a prescription-strength antiperspirant containing aluminum chloride hexahydrate.
Eccrine Glands: The most common type of sweat gland, found almost all over the body, responsible for producing watery sweat to cool the body. Primarily involved in hyperhidrosis.
Embarrassment: A common emotional consequence of hyperhidrosis, leading to social avoidance and decreased quality of life.
Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS): A surgical procedure that involves cutting or clamping nerves in the chest that control sweating. Typically reserved for severe palmar hyperhidrosis, with potential for compensatory sweating.
Fungal Infections: Increased risk of fungal infections (e.g., athlete’s foot, jock itch) due to moist environments created by excessive sweating.
Generalized Hyperhidrosis: Excessive sweating occurring over most or all of the body.
Glycopyrrolate: An anticholinergic medication often used for hyperhidrosis, available in oral (e.g., Robinul, Cuvposa) and topical forms.
Hyperhidrosis: A medical condition characterized by excessive sweating beyond what is necessary for thermoregulation.
Inguinal Hyperhidrosis: Excessive sweating in the groin area.
Iontophoresis: A treatment involving passing a mild electrical current through water and into the skin, typically used for palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis. One brand is Dermadry.
Local Excision: Surgical removal of sweat glands in a localized area, typically the armpits.
Liposuction (Suction Curettage): A surgical technique used to remove or disrupt sweat glands in the underarms by suctioning them out.
Mammary Hyperhidrosis: Excessive sweating under or between the breasts.
Menopause: Hormonal changes during menopause can sometimes trigger or worsen hot flashes and sweating episodes, which can be challenging for women with hyperhidrosis.
Microwave Energy Device: A non-invasive procedure that uses microwave energy to destroy sweat glands in the underarms. One common device is MiraDry.
MiraDry: A brand name for a non-invasive procedure that uses microwave energy to destroy sweat glands in the underarms.
Neurologist: A physician specializing in nervous system disorders, sometimes consulted in cases of secondary hyperhidrosis.
Oral Anticholinergic Medications: Pills that reduce sweating by blocking certain nerve signals throughout the body, though they can have side effects. (See also Glycopyrrolate, Oxybutynin).
Oxybutynin: A common anticholinergic medication used off-label for hyperhidrosis (e.g., Ditropan XL).
Pads/Liners: Absorbent pads or liners designed to be placed in clothing to absorb sweat and prevent visible wetness.
Palmar Hyperhidrosis: Excessive sweating of the palms of the hands.
Plantar Hyperhidrosis: Excessive sweating of the soles of the feet.
Pregnancy: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can also affect sweating, potentially exacerbating hyperhidrosis symptoms in some women.
Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis: The most common form of hyperhidrosis, where excessive sweating occurs in specific areas (e.g., armpits, palms, soles) without an underlying medical cause.
Psychological Impact: The mental and emotional burden of living with hyperhidrosis, including stress, depression, and low self-esteem.
Qbrexza (Glycopyrronium Cloth): A disposable medicated cloth containing glycopyrronium, used topically for axillary hyperhidrosis.
Quality of Life (QoL): A measure of an individual’s overall well-being and satisfaction with their life, often significantly impacted by hyperhidrosis.
Secondary Generalized Hyperhidrosis: Excessive sweating that affects large areas of the body and is caused by an underlying medical condition, medication, or neurological disorder.
Social Anxiety: The fear of social situations, often heightened in individuals with hyperhidrosis due to visible sweating.
Support Groups: Communities, online or in-person, where individuals with hyperhidrosis can share experiences, stories, and coping strategies.
Sweat Glands: Small, coiled tubular structures in the skin that produce sweat.
Sweat-Wicking Fabrics: Clothing materials designed to draw moisture away from the skin, helping to keep individuals drier.
Sympathetic Nervous System: The part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions, including sweating. Overactivity in this system is linked to primary hyperhidrosis.
Thoracic Surgeon: A surgeon specializing in procedures of the chest, who performs ETS.
Topical Glycopyrrolate: A newer topical formulation for facial hyperhidrosis, applied directly to the skin (e.g., the active ingredient in Qbrexza).
Trigger Foods/Drinks: Certain foods or beverages (e.g., spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol) that can sometimes temporarily increase sweating in some individuals.
Xerac AC: A common brand name for a prescription-strength antiperspirant containing aluminum chloride hexahydrate.