Causes and risk factors:
The sympathetic nervous system and the sweat glands (eccrine glands) of the body play a major role in production of sweat to regulate the temperature of the body. As the temperature of the body rises above the normal level the sympathetic nervous system of the body stimulates the brain to send signals to the various sweat glands in the body to produce sweat which will help to bring down the raised temperature. As the sweating occurs the body cools down. The sweat glands are present all over the body but they are present in large number at the armpits, soles and palms. Hyperhidrosis can be primary or secondary. Primary hyperhidrosis occurs due to certain abnormal function of the sweat regulating centers of the brain which unnecessarily signals the brain for production of excessive sweat. Excessive sweating can also occur as a result due to certain hormonal changes in the body hence it is commonly seen in women after menopause. An individual suffering from thyroid diseases or high intake of alcohol, drugs and use of certain medications like antidepressants also lead to excessive sweating. Hyperhidrosis can also occur in certain diseases like HIV, leukemia, tuberculosis etc. Emotional stress can also induce excessive sweating.
Clinical presentations:
Excessive sweating can occur anywhere in the body however it is more commonly seen in armpits, palms, and soles and on forehead. Sweating can either be localized (palms and soles or armpits) or generalized (all over the body.)An individual can suffer from complaints of excessive sweating. As a result of this wetness and staining of clothes occurs. Sweating on palms causes difficulty in griping objects while sweating on soles leads to wetness of socks and shoes giving rise to a bad odor. Sweating on palms can also lead to embarrassment for shaking hands. This all can ultimately cause depression and decrease self confidence.
Diagnosis and investigations:
Diagnosis is done on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient. Starch iodine test and Paper test are diagnostic. Certain other investigations which are advised are routine blood test, Blood glucose levels and thyroid levels. Some other sets of investigations can also be advised.
Treatment:
Treatment depends upon the underlying cause. If excessive sweating is caused due to certain diseases then correction of the underlying cause is necessary. The treatment consists of antiperspirants. Medications like botulinum toxin injections will help to reduce the sweat production. Use of “Iontophoresis”( This technique consist of use of machine which passes minute current which temporarily ceases the working of the sweat glands thus reducing the excess of sweat production.) is another technique available for controlling the excessive sweat.
Other modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints.
