Excessive sweating is a medical condition characterized by a surplus production of sweat that goes beyond the body's cooling needs. The word "excessive" is pronounced /ɪkˈsɛsɪv/ (ik-ses-iv) in IPA phonetic transcription. The "x" sound in the beginning is represented by the symbol /ks/ (ks) because it is a combination of the two consonant sounds /k/ (k) and /s/ (s). The word "sweating" is pronounced /ˈswɛtɪŋ/ (swet-ing), with a stressed syllable on the first and the "ing" sound at the end denoting continuous action.
Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, is a condition characterized by an abnormal and involuntary production of sweat from the body's sweat glands. It refers to a state in which an individual perspires more than what is necessary to regulate body temperature or in response to physical exertion, emotional stress, or nervousness. This condition leads to an overwhelming amount of sweat being produced, often causing noticeable and bothersome wetness on the skin, regardless of the temperature or activity level.
Excessive sweating can affect various parts of the body, including the underarms, palms of hands, soles of feet, face, scalp, and groin area. It can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life, causing embarrassment, anxiety, and social isolation. People with this condition often need to change clothes frequently, avoid certain fabrics or colors, and constantly manage perspiration-related concerns.
There are two main types of hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary. Primary hyperhidrosis refers to excessive sweating without an underlying medical condition, while secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by an underlying health issue, such as hormonal imbalances, infections, medications, or certain medical conditions.
Management of excessive sweating may involve various treatment options, including antiperspirants, prescription medications, iontophoresis, Botox injections, and in severe cases, surgical procedures. It is recommended to seek medical advice to properly diagnose the cause of excessive sweating and determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
Hyperhidrosis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "excessive sweating" is a phrase composed of two words: "excessive" and "sweating".
1. "Excessive" is derived from the Latin word "excessivus", which means "going beyond bounds" or "too much". It is formed from the prefix "ex-" (meaning "out" or "beyond") and the verb "cedere" (meaning "to go").
2. "Sweating" comes from the Old English word "swaetan", which means "to sweat". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "swait-" and the Proto-Indo-European root "sweyd-", both related to sweating or perspiration.
So, the term "excessive sweating" describes the condition of sweating beyond normal or healthy levels.