Red flags & when to go in person for Hyperhidrosis

Audience: adult

Hyperhidrosis is a condition where your body sweats more than usual, often without clear reason. It can affect your hands, feet, underarms, or other areas. While it is usually not dangerous, it can cause discomfort and affect daily life. Telemedicine can help you understand your symptoms and discuss treatment options. However, some signs mean you should see a healthcare provider in person. These include sudden heavy sweating with fever, unexplained weight loss, or sweating only on one side of your body. This guide helps you recognize when to seek in-person care, what telemedicine can assist with, and how to prepare for your virtual visit. Remember, telemedicine is for education and support, not for emergency care or diagnosis.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden heavy sweating with fever or chills — seek urgent in-person care.
• Unexplained weight loss combined with excessive sweating — see a healthcare provider promptly.
• Sweating affecting only one side of the body or accompanied by new neurological symptoms — get evaluated in person.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of sweating symptoms and history.
• Discussion of treatment options and lifestyle advice.
• Monitoring symptom changes over time.
• Determining need for in-person evaluation or tests.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination of skin or neurological function.
• Laboratory or imaging tests.
• Emergency treatment for severe or sudden symptoms.
• Procedures like Botox injections or surgery.

What is Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is when your body produces more sweat than needed to cool down. This extra sweating can happen in specific areas like your hands, feet, underarms, or face. It may start in childhood or adulthood and can be caused by various factors. Sometimes, it happens without a clear reason (primary hyperhidrosis). Other times, it is linked to medical conditions or medications (secondary hyperhidrosis).

When to Seek In-Person Care

Some symptoms may signal a more serious problem and need a face-to-face visit. Seek urgent care if you experience:

These could indicate infections, hormonal problems, or other health issues needing physical exams or tests.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows you to talk with a healthcare provider from home. It can help with:

Telemedicine visits are convenient but have limits.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Hyperhidrosis

Telemedicine cannot:

If your condition requires these, you will need to visit a clinic or hospital.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from your virtual visit:

Being ready helps your provider understand your situation better.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your appointment:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down when your sweating started and how often it occurs.
• Note any additional symptoms like fever, weight loss, or night sweats.
• List all current medications and medical conditions.
• Find a quiet, private space with good internet for your visit.
• Prepare questions about your symptoms and treatment options.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan or advice from your provider.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes.
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits as recommended.
• Seek immediate in-person care if red flag symptoms appear.
• Use suggested lifestyle changes to help manage sweating.

FAQs

What causes hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis can be caused by overactive sweat glands without an obvious reason (primary hyperhidrosis) or by other health conditions such as infections, hormonal disorders, or medications (secondary hyperhidrosis).

Can stress cause excessive sweating?

Yes, stress and anxiety can trigger or worsen sweating in some people. Managing stress through relaxation techniques may help reduce symptoms.

Is hyperhidrosis dangerous?

Usually, hyperhidrosis is not dangerous but can affect quality of life. However, sudden or severe sweating with other symptoms may indicate a serious condition requiring prompt medical attention.

What treatments are available?

Treatments include antiperspirants, medications, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, procedures like Botox injections or surgery. Your healthcare provider can help decide the best option for you.

Can telemedicine diagnose hyperhidrosis?

Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms and guide management but cannot replace a physical exam or tests needed for a full diagnosis.

Sources

1. Hyperhidrosis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Hyperhidrosis: Overview and Treatment — National Library of Medicine.
4. Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis) Fact Sheet — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you experience emergency symptoms or worsening health, seek immediate medical attention.