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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffComplications of hyperhidrosis include:
- Fungal nail infections. People who sweat profusely are prone to many types of fungal infections. That's because fungi thrive in warm, moist environments such as sweaty shoes. That's also why you're more likely to get an infection in your toenail than in your fingernail. A nail infection usually begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your nail. As the fungal infection spreads deeper, your nail may discolor, thicken and develop crumbling edges. Sometimes your nail may separate from the nail bed, and the skin around it may become red and swollen. You may even detect a slight odor.
- Bacterial infections and warts. Hyperhidrosis can contribute to bacterial infections, especially around hair follicles or between your toes. It can also lead to warts — skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) — and delayed resolution of warts after treatment.
- Heat rash or prickly heat. This rash occurs when the pores around the sweat glands become blocked. As a result, sweat becomes trapped under your skin, causing fine red spots or bumps — usually on your upper back, chest or arms. It most often occurs in hot, humid weather and generally affects babies and young children.
- Social and emotional consequences. People with hyperhidrosis typically have excessive sweating of the soles and palms, which may produce clammy hands and unpleasant foot odor. As a result, they can experience significant psychological, social, educational and occupational consequences.
