Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating. Sweating is one of the most important ways in which the body is able to release heat. However, people with hyperhidrosis produce much more sweat than is necessary to control their body temperature. It affects about 1-2% of the population.
There are two types of hyperhidrosis: focal and generalized. Focal hyperhidrosis affects the feet, palms and armpits, and is the most common form. Botox treatment is indicated in cases of excessive focal sweating when other treatments such as anti-sweating agents have not been effective. In the case of generalized hyperhidrosis, it affects the entire body surface, and is usually caused by the existence of another disease such as infection, diabetes or thyroid disease.
Causes and symptoms of hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is caused by an exaggerated activity of the sweat glands, which are found on almost every surface of the body. There are also certain factors that trigger sweating, such as exercise, cold and heat, alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco, etc., as well as stress or anxiety.
As for the symptoms, an indication is increased sweating in the armpits and on the palms and soles. Excess local humidity favors over-infection by bacteria and fungi, which also favors the appearance of dermatitis or local irritative eczema. This excess sweating affects the quality of life of those affected significantly, causing dysfunctions in personal and work relationships, and in many cases, causing lack of self-esteem and depression.
Treatment of hyperhidrosis
There are several therapeutic options for the treatment of the disease, such as antiperspirants, iontophoresis, surgery or botulinum toxin injections.
Iontophoresis is a non-surgical treatment that uses water to block sweat gland ducts locally. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is a surgical method that interrupts the nerve signal from the spinal column to the sweat glands, thus preventing these glands from producing sweat. Botulinum toxin, on the other hand, acts by blocking the nerve endings that stimulate the sweat glands, and is the most widely used treatment with the most satisfactory results.