What Is Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a debilitating condition that affects nearly one percent of the population. It is characterized by excessive sweating that can be socially embarrassing, career restricting, and, in some cases, may even be disabling.

Patients with hyperhidrosis suffer from excessive sweating that commonly involves one or several parts of the body, including the hands, feet, axillae (underarms), or, less often, the face. It can be triggered by exercise, stress, and/or embarrassment, but most commonly it is completely without obvious triggers. Hyperhidrosis most commonly presents itself as extreme—even dripping—wetness of the hands, rendering the patient too uncomfortable to shake hands, making paperwork and writing difficult, and often leading to uncomfortable skin conditions.

Why choose Stanford?

Stanford surgeons have performed approximately 150 VATS sympathectomies in the past five years, representing a very extensive experience and demonstrating our significant commitment to the care of patients with hyperhidrosis. Drs. Joseph Shrager, Chuong Hoang, and Mark Berry have a particular interest in this condition.