Hyperhidrosis
Types of Hyperhidrosis, Defined
The types of hyperhidrosis are the categories clinicians use to sort excessive sweating. Two axes do most of the work: primary or secondary, based on the cause, and focal or generalized, based on how widely it spreads. Site labels like axillary, palmar, plantar, and craniofacial name where focal sweating occurs.
This entry defines the vocabulary used to classify excessive sweating rather than the condition itself. When clinicians and articles refer to types of hyperhidrosis, they are naming categories along two questions: what is driving the sweating, and how far across the body it reaches.
Knowing the labels makes the rest of the subject easier to read, because a single case is usually described with more than one at a time, for example primary focal hyperhidrosis of the underarms. Each term below adds one piece of that description.
Primary versus secondary
The first axis is cause. Primary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that is not the result of another medical condition or medication; it tends to be focal, often runs in families, and usually starts earlier in life. It is the sweating itself that is the issue, rather than a sign of something else.
Secondary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating caused by an underlying condition or a medication. It is more likely to affect larger areas or the whole body, can begin at any age, and may appear during sleep. Because it points to another cause, it is the group that most often prompts further checks.
Focal versus generalized
The second axis is spread. Focal hyperhidrosis is concentrated in specific, usually symmetrical areas, such as both underarms, both palms, or both soles. Generalized hyperhidrosis is widespread, affecting large parts of the body at once rather than a few defined spots.
These two axes combine. Primary hyperhidrosis is typically focal, while secondary hyperhidrosis is more often generalized, which is why the pattern of sweating offers a clue to what is behind it.
Labels by body site
Focal hyperhidrosis is further named for where it appears. Axillary refers to the underarms, palmar to the hands, plantar to the soles of the feet, and craniofacial to the head and face. These are descriptions of location, not separate diseases.
A full description often stacks the terms together. Reading something like primary focal palmar hyperhidrosis simply means excessive hand sweating, not caused by another condition, confined to the palms.
Key takeaways
- Types of hyperhidrosis describe the cause and the spread of excessive sweating.
- Primary means no underlying cause; secondary means another condition or medication drives it.
- Focal is confined to specific areas; generalized is widespread across the body.
- Site labels like axillary, palmar, plantar, and craniofacial mark where focal sweating occurs.
Frequently asked questions
Can one person's sweating fit more than one type?
Yes, and it usually does. The categories describe different features, so a single case is labeled along each axis at once, such as primary focal hyperhidrosis affecting the underarms. The terms stack rather than compete.
Which type tends to appear across the whole body?
Generalized hyperhidrosis is the widespread pattern, and it is more often secondary, meaning it is linked to another condition or a medication. Focal types, by contrast, stay confined to defined areas like the hands, feet, or underarms.
Sources & further reading
The reputable organizations our editorial team draws on for the anatomy, definitions, and safety guidance behind this page, and where you can read more on each topic.
General educational information about sweating. Not medical advice, and not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional.