Hyperhidrosis can manifest itself in many forms. The most common form is excessive sweating. The sweating can occur in the armpits (axillary hyperhidrosis), hands (palmar hypherhidrosis), feet (plantar hyperhidrosis) andface. No one really knows what causes hyperhidrosis but it is thought to be endocrine system related. The endocrine system regulates chemicals that the brain produces such as epinephrine, nor-epinephrine and seritonin. These chemicals control anxiety levels, mood and appetite. People either have primary hyperhidrosis, which has no known cause or secondary hyperhidrosis, which can be caused by diet, weight, medications, etc. (the cause here can be traced). While the condition is not harmful physically, the condition can be socially devastating. Most people who suffer hyperhidrosis complain of dripping hands, armpits, face, etc. They avoid shaking hands, public speaking or anything that would draw attention to their condition.

Hyperhidrosis can also include facial blushing as well. Again,the cause is most likely chemically related to the endocrine system. People who have elevated levels of catecholemines or the chemicals mentioned above, tend to have anxiety, bouts of rapid heart beat, stage fright and panic attacks. The blushing occurs because the brain releases chemicals which have receptors in the vessels in the face. When these vessels receive the chemicals, they dilate and the result is more blood rushing through them and a resulting red or flushed face. Facial blushing can be devastating socially. People often develop vast avoidance behavior to deal with the blushing episodes. Medications that can be very helpful for facial blushing include beta blockers such as atenolol. Beta blockers help the heart rate from racing and can reduce anxiety associated with public speaking. Alpha blockers, a class of drugs that help control blood vessel constriction and dilation can be very helpful when used by themselves or combined with beta blockers, to control facial blushing. SSRI's (selective seritonin reuptake inhibitors) such as Paxil, Zoloft and Prozac can be helpful to reduce anxiety that causes the flushing. Valium, Xanax, Lorazepam and other benzodiazapine medications can also be very effective for controlling the anxiety that results in facial blushing.

Disclaimer - do not take prescription drugs without direction from a physician.