CONDITIONS
HYPERHIDROSIS
What is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is defined as excessive sweating. Hyperhidrosis is classified as primary and secondary hyperhidrosis.
Primary hyperhidrosis
Primary hyperhidrosis is the most common type and typically affects the palms, soles, and axillae (armpits). The face may be affected in some cases. Patients with hyperhidrosis usually experience hyperhidrosis during waking hours. Axillary hyperhidrosis begins at or following puberty in generally healthy individuals, while other (palms, soles) hyperhidrosis can occur in childhood. Up to 80% of individuals with hyperhidrosis have a family history of hyperhidrosis.
Secondary hyperhidrosis
Secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by or associated with another underlying medical condition. It may affect certain parts of the body or may be generalized.
What causes hyperhidrosis?
There are many causes of secondary hyperhidrosis and these are but not limited to:
- Infections such as tuberculosis, malaria
- Some cancers like lymphoma
- Endocrine problems such as increased thyroid function, obesity, low blood sugar
- Medications or drugs such as alcoholism
- Vasomotor disorders such as heart failure, connective tissue disorders
- Nervous system disorders like stroke, Parkinson’s disease
What are the related symptoms of hyperhidrosis?
Normally, people sweat when there is too much heat, when they are exercising and when they are nervous, but hyperhidrosis exceeds normal sweating as it may occur anytime and at under normal circumstances. Signs and symptoms of hyperhidrosis may include:
- Wet or clammy palms
- Wet or clammy soles
- Frequent sweating
- Sweating that is noticeable and soaks through your clothes
- Irritating and painful skin problems such as bacterial or fungal infections
What are the possible treatment options?
Treatment for hyperhidrosis depends on whether there is an underlying medical condition present; it is recommended that the condition is treated first. In other cases where there is no medical condition present, Dr Ndongeni may recommend the following:
- Aluminum chloride hexahydrate and other topical solutions are usually the first line treatment (depending upon site and severity). These work by precipitating in the sweat ducts and blocking them.
- Botox injections - these are injections used to treat severe hyperhidrosis. Dr Ndongeni will inject them on the affected area to block nerves that stimulate sweat glands, stopping them from working.
- Anticholinergics are tablets used to decrease sweating in most patients. Side effects of these include dry eyes, dry mouth, insomnia palpitations
The range of treatment options for excessive sweating helps put one at ease, helping them realise, there are a range of options to choose from.
Although it is rarely life-threatening, it can be unpleasant and cause shame and psychological trauma.
Although there is no treatment for hyperhidrosis, there is assistance available.
It takes roughly 40 minutes to finish the surgery.
