Excessive sweating is known as hyperhidrosis. Many people suffer from hyperhidrosis, and there are different forms. The most common form of hyperhidrosis is Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis (PFHH). This is excessive sweating that is not caused by any kind of physical activity. PFHH most commonly affects the underarms, head, face, hands, and feet. Secondary Hyperhidrosis is a result of long-term illness or chronic infection. This type of hyperhidrosis does not respond very well to surgery.

Eccrine sweat glands are distributed all across the body, especially in the feet, hands, and forehead. They are made up of ducts deep in the skin. Combined, they create the sweat. Apocrine sweat glands also consists of ducts and secretory coils, but they're larger than eccrine glands. They are placed more specifically on the body, including underarms, around the belly button, ear canal, and eyelids.

There are several complications that are attributed to hyperhidrosis.

Athlete's Foot is when sweat and bacteria mix, and a fungal infection forms between your toes. This can make your skin to itch, burn and crack. Athlete's Foot can also make your skin peel on the bottom and sides of your feet.

Fungal infections are common in people who sweat profusely. The most common place to get a fungal infection is under your toenail. Sometimes your nail may split, and it may be red around the skin. You may also detect a slight odor.

Jock Itch is a fungal infection that causes itching or burning around your groin. For many people, this is accompanied by a red rash on their inner thighs and buttocks. Jock itch is contagious, so be careful.

Hyperhidrosis can cause bacterial infections, especially between your toes or around hair follicles. It can also lead to warts, which are skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Oral medications such Robinul are sometimes used for hyperhidrosis. However, these medications haven't seen a lot of success and have side-effects such as dry mouth and blurred vision.

Aldehydes and acids work by breaking down proteins, and temporarily close the sweat gland ducts. They are effective, but are very short lasting. A few examples are Formaldehyde and Glutaraldehyde.

Sometimes, local anesthetics are applied topically as a treatment for excessive sweating. They can block the nerve conduction and reduce sweating, but they are not hugely effective. Also, you can develop hypersensitivity as you continue to use them.

Many people have found relief from their hyperhidrosis by receiving Botox injections. This treatment basically shuts down the sweat glands

Sometimes, if other treatments don't work, surgery is required to remedy hyperhidrosis.

Here are some helpful tips to deal with your hyperhidrosis at home:

People with hyperhidrosis need to bathe or shower often, sometimes 2-3 times a day. After each bath, make sure and dry thoroughly before getting dressed.

If your feet are the source of your sweating, there are several things that you can do to help. Here are some options: Wash and dry your feet daily; Use foot powders and/or sprays; Wear socks made of natural fibers, and change them frequently; Wear shoes made of 100% leather.

The type of clothing you wear can greatly help with excessive sweating. Light and easily breathable clothes will reduce sweating and odor.

If your excessive sweating comes from stress and nervousness, you may find relief through relaxation techniques. These techniques can help with shyness and anxiety.

It is worth remembering that these are temporary measures that will help the symptoms, but not the cause of your hyperhidrosis.