Background

Condition Lookup

Sub-Category:

Sweat Gland Disorders

Number of Conditions: 3

Hyperhidrosis

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Sweat Gland Disorders

Symptoms:
excessive sweating, localized or generalized; commonly affects palms, soles, and underarms; sweating unrelated to temperature or activity

Root Cause:
Overactive sweat glands due to hyperactive autonomic nervous system signals.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history and physical examination; iodine-starch test for affected areas.

Treatment:
Antiperspirants, botulinum toxin injections, or surgical interventions for severe cases.

Medications:
Topical aluminum chloride hexahydrate. Oral anticholinergics (e.g., glycopyrrolate ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 2–3% of the population.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history; no clear triggers in primary hyperhidrosis.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with treatment; lifelong management may be needed.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Skin infections; Social or psychological impact

Anhidrosis

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Sweat Gland Disorders

Symptoms:
inability to sweat; overheating during physical activity or in hot environments; dry, flaky skin

Root Cause:
Dysfunction of sweat glands caused by nerve damage, skin conditions, or genetic factors.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history; thermoregulatory sweat test.

Treatment:
Manage underlying cause and avoid overheating.

Medications:
Not applicable; focus on symptomatic care.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Skin conditions (e.g., ichthyosis), neuropathy, or genetic disorders.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; depends on the underlying condition.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heat exhaustion; Heatstroke

Miliaria (Heat Rash)

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Sweat Gland Disorders

Symptoms:
small, itchy, red bumps or blisters; occurs in areas of sweat retention (e.g., neck, chest, or back); worsened by heat and humidity

Root Cause:
Blockage of sweat ducts leading to sweat retention and irritation.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed clinically by observing characteristic small red or clear fluid-filled papules or vesicles in areas of skin occlusion or sweating, often triggered by heat or humidity, with no need for laboratory tests.

Treatment:
Cooling the skin, reducing sweating, and topical anti-itch treatments.

Medications:
Calamine lotion – for itching. Topical corticosteroids – for severe inflammation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common, especially in infants and in hot climates.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Heat, humidity, prolonged sweating.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent; resolves with cooling and appropriate care.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Secondary infections