What is hyperhidrosis?

We may all sweat throughout the day; our bodies naturally perspire in order to regulate heat. When the production of perspiration exceeds beyond what is necessary to cool the body it is called as Hyperhidrosis.

Hyperhidrosis:

Hyperhidrosis is a condition Characterized by excessive sweating. This Excessive sweating is more common in the region of

1. Hands (Palmar hyperhidrosis) 2. Armpits (Axillary hyperhidrosis) 3. Feet (Plantar hyperhidrosis) 4. Face (Facial Blushing).

Under stressful conditions, this condition worsens resulting in unwanted smells and staining of clothes and can be embarrassing and interfere with person's ability to work in high -stress situations. Nearly about 6% of population suffers from Hyperhidrosis.

Cause of hyperhidrosis:

The exact cause of hyperhidrosis is unknown. The most likely cause is expected to be a genetic one, may be due to over-activity in the sympathetic nervous system. Specifically, it is the Thoracic Sympathetic Ganglion Chain, which runs along the vertebra of the spine inside the chest cavity. This chain controls the glands, known as the apocrine and eccrine glands, responsible for perspiration throughout the entire body. The eccrine sweat glands are mainly concentrated in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. In most cases, the hands and feet are affected. To a lesser degree, the face and armpit (axillae) regions are affected. This is another manifestation of the hyperactive sympathetic nervous system.

Symptoms of Hyperhidrosis:

Excessive sweating hampers the activities of daily life. It is sometimes brought on by stress, emotion, or exercise, but can also occur spontaneously. Patients with palmar hyperhidrosis have wet, moist hands that sometimes interfere with grasping objects. Most patients with palmar hyperhidrosis also consider it a difficult social problem since every time they shake hands, they leave the other person's palm very moist, a sensation most people find unpleasant. Those who suffer from axillary hyperhidrosis sweat profusely from their underarms causing them to stain their clothes shortly after they dress. Once again, this proves to be very unsightly and a social disadvantage. Plantar hyperhidrosis is the excessive sweating of th

e feet and leads to moist sock and shoes that increases foot odor. For some there is profuse sweating of the face, especially when eating spicy food this is the manifestation of facial hyperhidrosis or facial blushing.

Treatment for Hyperhidrosis: Initially, the treatment for hyperhidrosis is medical not involving any surgery, if hyperhidrosis is secondary to any other conditions, then clearly, those need to be treated first. If there is no apparent cause, symptomatic measures are usually taken.

Aluminum Chloride: The most potent and effective agents used for sweating of the hands and armpits are aluminum chloride solution (Drysol, Xerac). It's controversial how exactly it works, but it's thought to block sweat gland pores. After two- three treatments per week, most patients experience decreased sweating. These medications best work in the evening, when sweat glands activity is at a minimum.

Iontophoresis: It is a procedure where electrical current is applied to block the sweat glands. Palms and soles that are sweaty are placed in an electrolyte solution and are soaked up to twenty minutes. One drawback is that it requires multiple treatments before it can be effective, but can last for up to a month once established.

Botulinum Toxin: (BOTOX) Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxic substance that has been found to be successful in treating hyperhidrosis, with the procedure lasting up to 12 months of dryness. Drawbacks include its expensive cost and the number of treatments needed for its success.

Surgery

For severe hyperhidrosis, surgery may be the only option. Removal of armpit sweat glands can significantly decrease the amount of sweating. Sympathectomy or upper thoracic ganglionectomy are surgeries that can help severe palmar hyperhidrosis, but this procedure often has high complication rates.

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