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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Diaphoresis and Hyperhidrosis?

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Diaphoresis and hyperhidrosis are both medical conditions characterized by excessive sweating, but they differ in their causes and manifestations.

Diaphoresis:

  • Refers to excessive sweating due to an underlying medical condition or a medication.
  • Also known as secondary hyperhidrosis.
  • Common causes include menopause, hyperthyroidism, and various medications.
  • Affects the entire body instead of specific areas.
  • Treatment may involve addressing the underlying medical condition or adjusting medication dosages.

Hyperhidrosis:

  • Refers to excessive sweating beyond what is considered normal for temperature and activity levels.
  • Can be primary (not caused by another condition) or secondary (caused by an underlying medical issue).
  • Affects various parts of the body, such as palms, feet, and armpits.
  • Can be localized or focused on specific areas.
  • Treatment options may include prescription antiperspirants, nerve-blocking medications, antidepressants, botulinum toxin injections, and surgical procedures.

In summary, the main difference between diaphoresis and hyperhidrosis is that diaphoresis is excessive sweating due to an underlying medical condition or medication, while hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating beyond what is considered normal, which can be primary or secondary. Treatment options for both conditions may vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the symptoms.

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  • What is the Difference Between Diaphoresis and Hyperhidrosis?
  • Comparative Table: Diaphoresis vs Hyperhidrosis

    • Comparative Table: Diaphoresis vs Hyperhidrosis

    Here is a table comparing the differences between diaphoresis and hyperhidrosis:

    Feature Diaphoresis Hyperhidrosis
    Definition Diaphoresis is excessive sweating that occurs due to an underlying medical condition or a medication. Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by abnormally increased perspiration, in excess of that required for regulation of body temperature.
    Types Diaphoresis is also referred to as Secondary Generalized Hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis has two types: Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis and Secondary Generalized Hyperhidrosis.
    Sweating Distribution In secondary generalized hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating occurs throughout the body, i.e., generalized sweating. In primary focal hyperhidrosis, sweating occurs only in the specific regions of the body like the chest, hands, armpits, face, or head, i.e., localized sweating.
    Causes Diaphoresis may be caused by medical conditions, life events, or side effects of medications. Hyperhidrosis may be caused by various factors, including thyroid or pituitary gland disorders, diabetes mellitus, tumors, gout, menopause, certain drugs, or mercury poisoning.
    Treatment Treatment of the underlying medical condition will resolve excessive diaphoresis. Treatment options for hyperhidrosis may include medications, prescription antiperspirants, creams, wipes, nerve-blocking medications, antidepressants, botulinum toxin injections, and surgical procedures.

    Diaphoresis is a less common condition compared to hyperhidrosis, which is more common.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.