Hyperhidrosis Treatment

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition in which a person sweats excessively and unpredictably. People with hyperhidrosis can sweat even when the temperature is cool, and when they are at rest.

The problem may be limited to a few problem areas or may be all over. The armpits and the palms are the areas most often troublesome. Excess sweating that affects areas other than the armpits and palms may a sign of serious problems. Systemic, neurological and anxiety conditions need to be ruled out; however most cases have no underlying cause.

Causes

The exact cause or causes of hyperhidrosis are unknown. BUt some of possible causes of hyperhidrosis include the following:

• Genetic factors may contribute to the development of hyperhidrosis and, in susceptible individuals, emotional stress appears to be the most common cause. Increased central nervous system (CNS) impulses may provoke excessive release of acetylcholine, producing a heightened sweat response.
• Exercise and a hot climate can cause profuse sweating in these patients.
• Certain drugs, such as antipyretics, emetics, meperidine, and anticholinesterase, can increase sweating.
• In addition, hyperhidrosis may occur as a clinical manifestation of an underlying disorder. Infections and chronic diseases, such as tuberculosis, malaria, and lymphoma, may cause excessive nighttime sweating. Diabetic patients often demonstrate hyperhidrosis during a hypoglycemic crisis.
• Other predisposing conditions include pheochromocytomas; cardiovascular disorders, such as shock and heart failure; CNS disturbances (most often lesions of the hypothalamus); withdrawal from drugs or alcohol; menopause; and Graves' disease.

Signs and symptoms

Axillary hyperhidrosis frequently produces such extreme sweating that patients often ruin their clothes in 1 day and develop contact dermatitis from clothing dyes; similarly, hyperhidrosis of the soles can easily damage a pair of shoes.

Profuse sweating from both the soles and the palms hinders the patient's ability to work and interact socially. Patients with this condition often report increased emotional strain.

Diagnosis

The condition is diagnosed by patient report and a physical examination .

Treatment

The treatment of choice is the application of 20% aluminum chloride in absolute ethanol. (Most antiperspirants contain a 5% solution.) Formaldehyde may also be used but may lead to allergic contact sensitization.

Glutaraldehyde produces less contact sensitivity than formaldehyde but stains the skin; it is used more often on the feet than on the hands as a soak or applied directly several times a week and then weekly as needed. Therapy sometimes includes anticholinergics, except in patients with glaucoma or benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Severe hyperhidrosis unresponsive to conservative therapy may require local axillary removal of sweat glands or, as a last resort, a cervicothoracic or lumbar sympathectomy.

Prevention

Here are some tips to reduce sweating

• Talcum powder and corn starch powder are suitable for mild hyperhidrosis. Apply between the toes, under the breasts and other skin folds.