What condition is characterized by excessive sweating?

Hyperhidrosis is the medical term used to describe a condition characterized by excessive sweating. This condition can affect specific areas of the body such as the palms, soles of the feet, face, or underarms, often causing discomfort and social anxiety for individuals experiencing it. Hyperhidrosis can be caused by various factors including genetics, certain medical conditions, or can even occur without any identifiable reason, termed primary focal hyperhidrosis.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different conditions. Lentigens are flat, brown spots on the skin that typically appear with age or sun exposure. Callous refers to the thickened and hardened area of skin often forming in response to friction or pressure, usually found on the hands or feet. Onychia is an inflammation of the nail unit, which can cause swelling and pain, and usually does not relate to perspiration. Understanding these distinctions highlights why hyperhidrosis is the correct choice for the condition characterized by excessive sweating.