Hyperhidrosis is a condition in which a person experiences heavy sweating without any specific reason. The sweating is mainly from the underarms, palms, and soles. However, it can be from other body parts, including the forehead and back. Heavy sweating from the underarms can start at the age of 13, and the condition can last throughout life if left untreated.

Here are some common symptoms and diagnoses of hyperhidrosis.

1. Symptoms
Symptoms of hyperhidrosis are easy to notice, which are as follows:

• Frequent sweating
  Hyperhidrosis will be marked with frequent and heavy sweating on the underarms and other areas of the body. There is no reason for the sweating, which will occur even when one has not done enough physical exercise or is not hot enough. If you sweat most of the day, it can be considered hyperhidrosis, requiring medical attention.

• Sweating that soaks through clothes
  Hyperhidrosis will produce sweat that will soak clothes. Often, a person with hyperhidrosis will feel the urge to change into fresh clothes now and then. This tends to make the person socially withdrawn and self-conscious.

• Fungal and bacterial infection
  A person with hyperhidrosis may get some painful and irritating skin infection. These may be fungal infections or bacterial infections. The infections are caused due to heavy sweating over different parts of the body. If hyperhidrosis is not treated, the infections will most likely need different treatment.

• Wet hands and feet
  A person with hyperhidrosis will have wet or clammy palms of hands and soles of feet. These will remain wet most of the time, and the person might want to carry an extra handkerchief to soak the sweat.

• Itching and inflammation
  This is another symptom of hyperhidrosis. The sweat can cause excessive itching or inflammation in the affected area, which can cause further discomfort.

2. Diagnosis
The diagnosis of hyperhidrosis is simple, but some tests may be conducted to understand the extent of the condition. Some of the diagnosis techniques are as follows:

• Blood or urine test
  To treat hyperhidrosis, one must rule out other underlying conditions that may be associated with heavy sweating. Thus, urine and blood tests may be conducted.

• Starch-iodine test
  An iodine solution is applied to the area that experiences excessive sweating. Then, starch is sprinkled on the iodine solution. The solution turns dark blue when there is excessive sweating.

• Paper test
  A special paper is placed on the areas on which you indicate there is excessive sweating. The paper will absorb the sweat. Later, the paper is removed and weighed to understand the amount of sweat from the specific area. This will help the doctor understand the particular course of treatment for areas with different levels of sweating.