Treatments for Palmar Hyperhidrosis

Treatment of Palmar Hyperhidrosis or Excessive Sweating of the Hands

Palmar Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating of the body parts such as hands, armpits, feet, head and face. A condition of Hyperhidrosis can be detected when there is more sweating than what is required to regulate the body temperature. In such cases, excessive sweating may occur even when the temperature around a person is cool or even when they are taking rest.

Sweating is a natural function performed by every body in order to keep itself cool. Sweating usually takes place when a person comes in contact with warm temperature, when there is any form of excursion or any other factor that results in a rise in the body temperature. To bring down the temperature, the sweat glands placed under the skin increases the secretion of fluids from the body. When the body fluid comes in contact with the air, they evaporate, thereby cooling the skin.

In some people, this normal body transaction reaches a much higher level, resulting in an excessive sweating condition which is termed as Hyperhidrosis. Primary Hyperhidrosis may affect individuals from adolescence itself. The condition can also be incurred as a genetic trait and can be passed down as hereditary.

Hyperhidrosis may affect an individual at two different stages of life. When affected during a young age, it is known as primary Palmar Hyperhidrosis. If occurred during a later stage in life, the condition is termed as secondary Palmar Hyperhidrosis.

It has been estimated that primary Hyperhidrosis affects around 3% to 4% of the population. In most cases, a definite cause for the condition cannot be determined except that fact that it is passed down through family genes.

On the other hand, secondary Hyperhidrosis is seen to be caused as a result of serious medical conditions.

Primary Hyperhidrosis

 Primary Hyperhidrosis can be categorized into different types.

1. Facial Hyperhidrosis – A condition where patients suffer from excessive sweating from their forehead area.
2. Palmar Hyperhidrosis – A condition where the patients suffer from an excessive sweating in the palms of their hands.
3. Axillary Hyperhidrosis – When the patients suffer from extreme sweating in their armpit areas.
4. Plantar Hyperhidrosis – A condition where the patients suffers from extreme sweating in their feet.

Secondary Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis can affect a person at any point of time in life. Secondary Hyperhidrosis can be caused to due to more serious medical condition such as:

1. Tuberculosis
2. Acromegaly
3. Lung disease
4. Stroke
5. Cancer
6. Parkinson’s disease
7. Spinal cord injury
8. Pheochromocytoma
9. Heart disease
10. Carcinoid syndrome
11. Hyperthyroidism
12. Glucose control disorders
13. Anxiety conditions
14. Menopause

Hyperhidrosis is a condition that can primarily be controlled. But, hardly 30% to 40%of the patients actually visit doctors to look for treatment. Hyperhidrosis condition can be diagnosed with the help of a few simple tests such as:

1. Starch-iodine test
2. Paper test

Hyperhidrosis Symptoms

1. Excessive, prolonged and uncharacterized sweating
2. Sweating followed by chest pressure, shortness of breath or pain
3. Excessive weight loss accompanying sweating
4. Sweating followed by fever and rapid, pounding heartbeat

Hyperhidrosis Treatment

Oral Medication

Hyperhidrosis can be treated to a certain degree with oral medication such as Robinul, Robinul-Forte and Ditropan. All these medications are a class of anti-cholinergic drugs. Though some of these medications have shown considerable promise to treat excessive sweating, most people are not able to deal with the side effects that are associated with the medicines. The most common side effects of anti-cholinergic drugs include visual symptoms, dryness in the mouth, drowsiness and urinary problems.

Antiperspirants

Another popular way adopted to control excessive sweating is through intake of GhostGrip antiperspirant. The main ingredient included in antiperspirants, aluminum chloride, has proved to be effective in blocking the sweat ducts. Antiperspirants which contain around 10% to 15% of aluminum chloride have known to help a number of people deal with their excessive sweating problems. But the solution has been found to be ineffective on those who have skin irritation on use of antiperspirants. This method is also ineffective for those who suffer from extreme sweating in the palm and feet region.

Botulinum Treatments

Hyperhidrosis can be treated for a prolonged period of time with the help of Botulinum injections. Botox is preferred by a large number of people to temporarily block their sweat glands. Purified botulinum toxin, when injected, can block the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands to secrete. The use of botox to treat excessive underarm sweating was approved in 2004 by the FDA. But this form of treatment may induce symptoms like weakness and intense pain in other areas like the palm region. It is always necessary to take professional advice before opting for this treatment.

Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis is a FDA-approved procedure in which a patient suffering from excessive sweating symptoms are treated with electricity. This helps to temporarily shut down the sweat glands. This form of treatment has found to be most effective for treating sweat glands of hands and feet. The process of Iontophoresis includes placing the hands and feet in a container of water. Once immersed, a mild current of electricity is passed through the water. Slowly, the voltage of electricity is increased till the patient can feel a tingling sensation in his hands and feet. The total therapy takes many sessions and each session can take around 10-20 minutes. Patients may suffer from blisters and skin crackling as side affects.  

Surgical Solutions

Hyperhidrosis can also be treated through a number of surgical procedures. Most surgical procedures for this kind of treatment may involve minimum amount of risk. This surgical procedure is usually preformed on patients who suffer from excessive sweating in their palms and feet. This process has enjoyed successful results in a number of patients. Essentially, surgery to treat sweat glands can be categorized as:

1. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy
2. Lumbar Sympathectomy
3. Sweat gland suction
4. Percutaneous Sympathectomy

The surgical procedures include destruction of nerve glands that cause excessive sweating which are removed, cut out or burned. In patients, pain, nerve damage, artery damage and even lowering of heartbeat has been experienced. Around 50% of patients who have opted for surgical procedures have experienced increased sweating. There is also risk of permanent nerve damage with surgical procedures.

Patients willing to try out surgical procedure treatments should ensure that their doctors are very well trained.