Isn't sweating normal?

Sweating is a natural process necessary for the regulation of our body's temperature. The secretion of sweat is mediated by a portion of the sympathetic nervous system. In some people (about 1% of the population), this system is working at a very high activity level, far higher than needed to keep a constant body temperature.

What is it?

Primary Hyperhydrosis(excessive sweating) This condition can occur in various parts of the body, the main areas being underarms (axillary hyperhydrosis), hands (palmer hyperhydrois), and feet ( plantar hyperhydrosis)

It is a not uncommon condition, and men and women are equally afflicted. The condition usually starts in adolescence and is life long.

What is the cause?

It is not known what specific defect occurs that results in excessive sweating. Whether it is the over activity of the sympathic nervous chain, or the sweat glands themselves is uncertain. However, the axillae, hands, feet, and groin area are among the most active regions of perspiration due to the high concentration of sweat glands.

What are the symptoms?

People with hyperhydrosis have excessive sweating that hampers their daily activities. It is sometimes brought on by stress, emotion, or exercise, but can occur sponataneously. Suffering from axillary hyperhydrosis can be embarrassing due to unsightly wet clothes, which can also be stained by the sweat. People with palmar hyperhydrosis have wet, moist hands making grasping objects difficult, and also causing problems when shaking hands. Plantar hyperhydrosis can lead to moist socks and shoies as well as increased foot odour.

What is the treatment?

A specific prescription injectable medication is injected into areas of the skin producing the excess sweating, effectively reduces sweat production for 4 to 7 months.
These injections are also an effective remedy for palmar hyperhidrosis and relief can last many months. However, the pain involved in the administration to the hands along and feet with occasional problems related to muscle weakness can make this a less desirable form of therapy for treating palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis.

Are there any other treatments available?

Usually hyperhydrosis sufferers have tried the traditional treatments such as anti-perspirants, ointments, medication, or even electrical stimulation with usually very limited success.

Surgical intervention in the form of a procedure called a sympathectomy, which involves destroying or removing a specific portion of the main sympathetic nerve, may be at the cost of many undesirable side effects.

Is the injectable treatment for axillary hyperhydrosis painful?

The treatment involves a series of injections into each armpit. A very small needle is used, and is injected quite superficially into the skin. There is minimal discomfort.

How long does the procedure take to perform?

The appointment is usually about 30 minutes.

What is the cost?