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- Sweating is a physiological and essential process: it contributes to the maintaining of the body temperature. However, some individuals have a production of sweat in larger quantities than necessary. This is called hyperhidrosis. Distinction is made between primary hyperhidrosis, which develops idiopathically in healthy people, and secondary hyperhidrosis, which is caused by a disease, a drug or another condition. We also differentiate generalized hyperhidrosis, which involves the entire body, and focal hyperhidrosis, which only affects some areas of the body. The most often concerned areas of the body are the axillae, the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. The most common form of hyperhidrosis is the primary focal hyperhidrosis. It is actually estimated to affect around 3% of the population. But this kind of condition can widely disturb affected people in their social relationships, daily life and even in their professional activities. Topical treatments constitute the first intention treatments. However, in case of severe hyperhidrosis they usually appear to be insufficient. Therefore, other treatments can be used such as ionophoresis, botulinum toxin injections, systemic treatments and surgical treatments.