I hope this helps
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Alternative names
Sweating - excessive; Perspiration - excessive; Diaphoresis
Definition
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.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Sweating helps the body stay cool. In most cases, it is perfectly natural. People sweat more in warm temperatures, when they exercise, or in response to situations that make them nervous, angry, embarrassed, or afraid.
However, excessive sweating occurs without such triggers. Those with hyperhidrosis appear to have overactive sweat glands. The uncontrollable sweating can lead to significant discomfort, both physical and emotional.
When excessive sweating affects the hands, feet, and armpits, it's called primary or focal hyperhidrosis. Primary hyperhidrosis affects 2%-3% of the population, yet less than 40% of patients with this condition seek medical advice. In the majority of primary hyperhidrosis cases, no cause can be found. It seems to run in families.
If the sweating occurs as a result of another medical condition, it is called secondary hyperhidrosis. The sweating may be all over the body, or it may be localized to one area. Conditions that cause second hyperhidrosis include:
acromegaly
hyperthyroidism
glucose control disorders
pheochromocytoma
carcinoid syndrome
cancer
tuberculosis or other infections
menopause
spinal cord injury
stroke
Parkinson’s disease
heart or lung disease
certain medications and substances of abuse
anxiety conditions
Symptoms
The primary symptom of hydrohidrosis is wetness.
Signs and tests
Visible signs of sweating may be noted during a doctor's visit. A number of tests may also be used to diagnose excessive sweating. Tests include:
Tests include:
Starch-iodine test. An iodine solution is applied to the sweaty area. After it dries, starch is sprinkled on the area. The starch-iodine combination turns a dark blue color wherever there is excess sweat.
Paper test. Special paper is placed on the affected area to absorb the sweat, then weighed. The heavier it weight, the more sweat has accumulated.
The patient may be also be asked details about the sweating, such as:
Location
Is it on face, palms, or armpits?
Is it all over the body?
Time pattern
Does it occur at night?
Did it begin suddenly?
How long have you had it?
Triggers
Does it occur in response to reminders of a traumatic event?
What other symptoms are present (for example, weight loss, a pounding heartbeat, lack of appetite)?
Are the hands cold and clammy?
Is there a fever?
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options available for patients with hyperhidrosis, including:
Antiperspirants. Excessive sweating may be controlled with strong anti-perspirants, which plug the sweat ducts. Products containing 10% to 15% aluminum chloride hexahydrate are the first line of treatment for underarm sweating. Some patients may be be prescribed a product containing a higher dose of aluminum chloride, which is applied nightly onto the affected areas. Antiperspirants can cause skin irritation, and strong doses of aluminum chloride can damage clothing. Note: Deodorants do not prevent sweating, but are helpful in reducing body odor.
Medication. Anticholinergics drugs, such as glycopyrrolate (Robinul, Robinul-Forte), help to prevent the stimulation of sweat glands. Although effective for some patients, these drugs have not been studied as well as other treatments. Side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, and problems with urination.
Iontophoresis. This FDA-approved procedure uses electricity to temporarily turn off the sweat gland. It is most effective for sweating of the hands and feet. The hands or feet are placed into water, and then a gentle current of electricity is passed through it. The electricity is gradually increased until the patient feels a light tingling sensation. The therapy lasts about 10-20 minutes and requires several sessions. Side effects include skin cracking and blisters, although rare.
Botox. Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) was approved by the FDA in 2004 for the treatment of severe underarm sweating, a condition called primary axillary hyperhidrosis. Small doses of purified botulinum toxin injected into the underarm temporarily block the nerves that stimulate sweating. Side effects include injection-site pain and flu-like symptoms. If you are considering Botox for other areas of excessive sweating talk to your doctor in detail. Botox used for sweating of the palms can cause mild, but temporary weakness and intense pain.
Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS). In severe cases, a minimally-invasive surgical procedure called sympathectomy may be recommended. This surgery turns off the signal which tells the body to sweat excessively. ETS surgery is done while the patient is asleep under general anesthesia. The doctor makes two or three tiny cuts under the arm. The patient's lung is collapsed so the surgeon has more room to work. A tiny camera, called an endoscope, is inserted to guide the surgeon to the appropriate nerve. After the nerve associated with the overactive gland is identified, it is removed or destroyed. The lung is restored to normal, and the wound closed with stitches. The identical procedure is done on the other side of the body. The surgery takes about a half hour. Patients usually go home the next day, but may experience pain for about a week. ETS requires special training. Before having this surgery, make sure your doctor is properly trained. The procedure is usually performed on patients with excessively sweaty palms. It is not as effective on those with excessive armpit sweating. Risks include artery damage, nerve damage, and increased sweating. New sweating occurs in about 50% of patients.
Support Groups
International Hyperhidrosis Society, www.sweathelp.org
Expectations (prognosis)
Aluminum Chloride: Initially a patient may need to use it three to seven times a week. After sweating becomes normal, the person may need to use it only once every one to three weeks. If skin irritation is a problem, a doctor may temporarily prescribe 1% hydrocortisone cream.
Botox: Swelling goes away in a few weeks. The effect of a single injection can last up to a few months. Some patients need additional injections.
Iontophoresis: Sweating may be reduced after six to 10 sessions. After that, the person may need treatment once every one to four weeks.
Complications
Some of the causes of hyperhidrosis can be serious. Always consult a doctor if you have excessive sweating.
Calling your health care provider
There is prolonged, excessive, and unexplained sweating.
Sweating is accompanied or followed by chest pain or pressure.
Sweating is accompanied by weight loss or most often occurs during sleep.
If sweating is accompanied by fever, weight loss, chest pain, shortness of breath, or a rapid, pounding heartbeat. These symptoms may indicate an underlying problem, such as hyperthyroidism
2006-11-10 05:03:35
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answer #1
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answered by shelby94rock 2
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If Excessive sweating is your problem you'll find here vert good tips: http://bitly.com/CureYourExcessiveSweating
About 2% to 3% of the general population experience excessive sweating a condition called hyperhidrosis which can occur with or without a trigger. The most common type is called primary (or focal) hyperhidrosis and it has no known cause, although it seems to run in families. You may have a different type of excessive sweating called secondary (or generalized) hyperhidrosis.
This means that your symptoms may be due to an underlying medical condition or disease (e.g., nerve damage or a hormone disorder), or due to a side effect of a medication you are taking. Talk to your doctor.
Source(s):
http://bitly.com/CureYourExcessiveSweating
2014-10-24 17:47:26
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answer #3
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answered by Camila 3
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