Hyperhidrosis Workup

Updated: Mar 23, 2021
  • Author: Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH; Chief Editor: William D James, MD  more...
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Workup

Laboratory Studies

Search for primary causes if generalized hyperhidrosis is noted.

Important laboratory studies in the hyperhidrosis workup may include the following:

  • Thyroid function tests may reveal underlying hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis.

  • Blood glucose levels may reveal diabetes mellitus or hypoglycemia.

  • Urinary catecholamines may reveal a possible pheochromocytoma.

  • Uric acid levels may reveal gout.

  • A purified protein derivative (PPD) test can be performed to screen for tuberculosis.

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Imaging Studies

Chest radiography may be used to rule out tuberculosis or a neoplastic cause of the hyperhidrosis.

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Histologic Findings

Individuals with hyperhidrosis have morphologically and functionally normal eccrine glands. Localized hyperhidrosis may result from an abnormal number and/or distribution of otherwise normal eccrine glands. Examples of such conditions include eccrine nevus and eccrine angiomatous hamartoma.

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