BACKGROUND: Up to 1 percent of the population suffers from hyperhidrosis, a disorder characterized by excessive sweating. According to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, this sweating can occur in the hands, armpits or feet. Nobody understands the exact cause of hyperhidrosis, but doctors do know the sympathetic nervous system -- which controls sweating -- plays a role. The sympathetic nervous system is a component of the autonomic nervous system, which is the involuntary part of our nervous system. In addition to sweating, the autonomic nervous system also controls breathing and the heartbeat.

SYMPTOMS: A 2008 survey by the International Hyperhidrosis Society found one-third of U.S. adults are worried that they have too much underarm sweat, yet only 3 percent of the U.S population is diagnosed with hyperhidrosis. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons says symptoms of hyperhidrosis of the hands -- or palmar hyperhidrosis -- is characterized by moist hands that interfere with grasping objects or shaking hands with people. Axillary hyperhidrosis causes a person to sweat profusely from the underarms, enough that their clothes are stained shortly after dressing. Plantar hyperhidrosis causes so much sweating from the feet that socks and shoes are often moist.

TREATMENTS: First-line treatments for hyperhidrosis include special antiperspirants and iontophoresis, a procedure that involves using water to conduct a mild electrical current through the skin. Local injections of Botox have been shown to safely alleviate excessive sweating of the armpits, hands, feet and face. Surgery is recommended by doctors only for certain severe cases of hyperhidrosis. Traditional surgery involves removing the sympathetic chain, a cluster of nerves in the chest that controls sweating. Recently developed techniques allow surgeons to simply cut across the chain using an endoscope and small tools. Surgeons can access the chest cavity through two small incisions underneath the armpit. To work in the chest area, surgeons are required to collapse one of the lungs.

MANAGING SWEAT: The International Hyperhidrosis Society recommends the following ways to manage excessive sweating: • Drink water early and often. Staying hydrated keeps the internal air conditioning system working properly. • Wear loose, lightweight clothing to enable evaporation. • Wear open sandals when possible, or wear sweat-absorbing inserts • Use antiperspirant twice a day -- once in the morning and once before bed. Some people may consider using a prescription antiperspirant formula.