What is the medical term for excessive, abnormal sweating?

The medical term for excessive, abnormal sweating is hyperhidrosis.

The word combines the Greek-derived prefix “hyper,” meaning excessive, with “hidrosis,” referring to sweating. Sweating normally cools the body, but hyperhidrosis causes perspiration that is disproportionate to heat, exercise, or the body’s cooling needs. It may affect the palms, soles, underarms, face, or larger areas.

Primary, or focal, hyperhidrosis often begins in childhood or adolescence and may run in families. Its exact cause is not always known. Secondary hyperhidrosis can begin later and may be linked to conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease, infections, menopause, Parkinson’s disease, or certain medicines.

The condition is not the same as anhidrosis, which means an inability or reduced ability to sweat. Halitosis concerns bad breath, while dermatitis means inflammation of the skin. Doctors may evaluate sweating patterns and sometimes use a sweat test; treatments can include stronger antiperspirants, medicines, injections, or procedures depending on severity and cause.