What Complications Can Arise From Hyperhidrosis?

Complications of Hyperhidrosis

The issues people face due to hyperhidrosis aren't just about sweating. There are mainly two types of complications: skin problems like irritation, and emotional effects.

Skin Irritations and Issues

Because of excessive sweating, the affected skin areas are almost always wet. This makes your skin puffy and way more sensitive to things like rubbing and germs.

This sensitivity means even normal stuff, like your skin rubbing together or your clothes rubbing on your skin, can cause irritation and even scrapes.

Puffy skin is also a perfect place for bacteria and fungi to hang out. If you have scrapes too, it's even worse. Places like under your breasts, between your fingers and toes, can get eczema easily because the skin doesn't dry properly and there's lots of rubbing. Eczema can be itchy, oozy, and painful.

It's pretty common to get fungal infections in places like your armpits or between your fingers and toes because it's warm and moist there. Fungal infections can also make you itchy, oozy, and smellier.

Armpits are especially prone to infections because they have a special type of sweat gland that makes sweat with a low pH. Some infections are hard to see, so a dermatologist can help.

It can be a tricky cycle: creams and lotions for infections might get washed away by sweat, but deodorants or antiperspirants can sting, itch, and make things worse on damaged skin. That's why you need special antiperspirants for sensitive skin.

Emotional and Social Effects

Hyperhidrosis can make you want to avoid people.

Hyperhidrosis can really mess with your emotions. Especially if your hands sweat a lot, it can make everyday life tough. Papers get soggy, and electronics can short out.

But any type of hyperhidrosis can make you feel really embarrassed. You might feel like everyone's staring or judging you. You might wear clothes to hide sweat marks, avoid shaking hands, and skip sports. You just don't feel good in your own skin anymore, especially if you have skin problems or body odor.

Even small things can trigger more sweating, so you might start avoiding everything. This makes your life really limited and keeps you stressed out. Every meal, move, and interaction feels like it could cause a sweat attack.

Eventually, you might just want to avoid people altogether. This can lead to feeling really alone and even cause social anxiety. Feeling bad about yourself can also lead to depression. In fact, studies show people with hyperhidrosis are more likely to have depression and anxiety. It can also mess with your love life and career.

Erstmals publiziert am: 12.05.2011

Aktualisiert: 27.05.2025