Primary hyperhidrosis is the condition characterized by abnormally increased perspiration, in excess of that required for regulation of body temperature. The term symptom (from the Greek meaning chance, mishap or casualty, itself derived from συμπιπτω meaning to fall upon or to happen to) has two similar meanings in the context of physical and mental health: Strictly, a symptom is a sensation or change in health function experienced by a patient. ... In medicine, a sign is a feature of disease as detected by the doctor during physical examination of a patient. ... The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (most commonly known by the abbreviation ICD) provides codes to classify diseases and a wide variety of signs, symptoms, abnormal findings, complaints, social circumstances and external causes of injury or disease. ... The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision (ICD-10) is a coding of diseases and signs, symptoms, abnormal findings, complaints, social circumstances and external causes of injury or diseases, as classified by the World Health Organization (WHO). ... // R00-R99 - Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R09) Symptoms and signs involving the circulatory and respiratory systems (R00) Abnormalities of heart beat (R000) Tachycardia, unspecified (R001) Bradycardia, unspecified (R002) Palpitations (R008) Other and unspecified abnormalities of heart beat (R01) Cardiac murmurs and other... The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (most commonly known by the abbreviation ICD) provides codes to classify diseases and a wide variety of signs, symptoms, abnormal findings, complaints, social circumstances and external causes of injury or disease. ... The following is a list of codes for International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. ... Perspiration (also called sweating or sometimes transpiration) is the production and evaporation of a fluid, consisting primarily of water as well as a smaller amount of sodium chloride (the main constituent of table salt), that is excreted by the sweat glands in the skin of mammals. ... Thermoregulation is the ability of an organism to keep its body temperature within certain boundaries, even when temperature surrounding is very different. ...

There is controversy regarding the definition of hyperhidrosis, because any sweat that drips off of the body is in excess of that required for thermoregulation. Almost all people will drip sweat off of the body during heavy exercise.^{[citation needed]}

Presentation

Hyperhidrosis can either be generalized or localized to specific parts of the body. Hands, feet, axillae, and the groin area are among the most active regions of perspiration due to the relatively high concentration of sweat glands; however, any part of the body may be affected. Primary hyperhidrosis is found to start during adolescence or even before, and interestingly, seems to be inherited as an autosomal dominant genetic trait. For other uses, see Hand (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Foot (disambiguation). ... The armpit (or axilla) is the area on the human body directly under the area where the arm connects to the shoulder. ... An autosome is a non-sex chromosome. ...

Primary hyperhidrosis must be distinguished from secondary hyperhidrosis, which can start at any point in life. For some, it can seem to come on unexpectedly. The latter form may be due to a disorder of the thyroid or pituitary gland, diabetes mellitus, tumors, gout, menopause, certain drugs, or mercury poisoning. Such secondary forms may have more serious consequences than just hyperhidrosis, making medical consultation advisable. It has been suggested that Acrodynia be merged into this article or section. ...

Incidence and prevalence

Primary hyperhidrosis is estimated at around 1% of the population, afflicting men and women equally. That number, however, does not reflect the true number of cases since the condition is not always diagnosed; most patients usually disregard the excessive sweating and it never occurs to them that they might have a medical condition. It commonly has its onset in adolescence.

Cause

It is not known what causes primary hyperhidrosis. One theory is that hyperhidrosis results from an overactive sympathetic nervous system, but this hyperactivity may in turn be caused by abnormal brain function.^{[citation needed]} The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) is a branch of the autonomic nervous system. ...

Some patients afflicted with the condition experience a certain degree of reduction in their quality of life, depending on how severe their condition is. Sufferers feel at a loss of control because perspiration takes place independent of temperature and emotional state. Look up Emotion in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

However, anxiety can exacerbate the situation for many sufferers. A common complaint of patients is that they get nervous because they sweat, then sweat more because they are nervous. Other factors can play a role; certain foods & drinks, nicotine, caffeine, and smells can trigger a response (see also diaphoresis). Anxiety is a physiological state characterized by cognitive, somatic, emotional, and behavioral components (Seligman, Walker & Rosenhan, 2001). ... The word drink is primarily a verb, meaning to ingest liquids. ... This article is about the chemical compound. ... Caffeine is a xanthine alkaloid compound that acts as a stimulant in humans. ... Aroma redirects here. ... Diaphoresis is excessive sweating commonly associated with shock and other medical emergency conditions. ...

Affected Areas

• Palmar: Excessive sweating of the hands.
• Axillary: Excessive sweating of the armpits.
• Plantar: Excessive sweating of the feet.
• Facial: Excessive sweating of the face. (i.e. not emotional or thermal related blushing)
• General: Overall excessive sweating.

Treatment

Hyperhidrosis can usually be very effectively controlled, but there is no known permanent cure because little is known about the cause behind excessive sweating.

Medications

• Aluminum chloride (hexahydrate) solution: While aluminum chloride is used in regular antiperspirants, hyperhidrosis sufferers need a much higher concentration to effectively treat the symptoms of the condition. A 15% aluminum chloride solution or higher usually takes about a week of nightly use to stop the sweating, with one or two nightly applications per week to maintain the results. An aluminum chloride solution can be very effective; some people, however, cannot tolerate the irritation that it can cause but these constitute a minority of all patients. Also, the solution is usually not effective for palmar (hand) and plantar (foot) hyperhidrosis - for which iontophoresis (see below) may yield better results in some circumstances. For the severe cases of palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis there is a low level of success using conservative measures such as Aluminum chloride antiperspirants.

• Botulinum toxin type A (Botox ^®): Injections of the botulinum toxin are used to disable the sweat glands.^[1] The effects can last from 4-9 months depending on the site of injections. With proper anesthesia the hand and foot injections are almost painless. The procedure when used for underarm sweating has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and now some insurance companies pay partially for the treatments.^{[citation needed]}

• Oral medication: There are several oral drugs available to treat the condition with varying degrees of success.^{[citation needed]}
  • A class of anticholinergic drugs are available that have shown to reduce hyperhidrosis. Ditropan ^® (generic name: oxybutynin) is one that has been the most promising.^[2] For some people, however, the drowsiness and dry-mouth associated with the drug cannot be tolerated. A time release version of the drug is also available, called Ditropan XL ^®, with purportedly reduced effectiveness. Robinul ^® (generic name: glycopyrrolate) is another drug used on an off-label basis. The drug seems to be almost as effective as oxybutynin, with similar side-effects such as a dry mouth or dry throat often leading to pain in these areas. Other less effective anticholinergic agents that have been tried include propantheline bromide (Probanthine ^®) and benztropine (Cogentin ^®).
  • A different class of drugs known as beta-blockers has also been tried, but does not seem to be nearly as effective.
  • Since the disorder is often caused by or exacerbated by high-anxiety, antidepressant drugs can help alleviate symptoms.^{[citation needed]}

Overview Aluminium chloride (AlCl3) is a compound of aluminium and chlorine. ... Deodorants are cosmetic substances applied to the body, most frequently the armpits, to reduce the odor of perspiration. ... Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. ... For other uses of terms redirecting here, see US (disambiguation), USA (disambiguation), and United States (disambiguation) Motto In God We Trust(since 1956) (From Many, One; Latin, traditional) Anthem The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington, D.C. Largest city New York City National language English (de facto)1 Demonym American... “FDA” redirects here. ... An anticholinergic agent is a member of a class of pharmaceutical compounds which serve to reduce the effects mediated by acetylcholine in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. ... Oxybutynin is an anti-cholinergenic pharmaceutical used to relieve urinary and bladder difficulties, including frequent urination and inability to control urination. ... Glycopyrrolate is a medication of the muscarinic anticholinergic group. ... Propantheline bromide is a drug that is used to dry out the mouth. ... Benztropine (Cogentin®) is an anticholinergic drug principally used for the treatment of: Drug-induced parkinsonism, akathisia and acute dystonia; Parkinson disease; and Idiopathic or secondary dystonia. ... Beta blockers or beta-adrenergic blocking agents are a class of drugs used to treat a variety of cardiovascular conditions and some other diseases. ... Prozac, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, Venlafaxine An antidepressant, is a psychiatric medication or other substance (nutrient or herb) used for alleviating depression or dysthymia (milder depression). ...

Medical procedures

• Surgery (Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy or ETS): Select sympathetic nerves or nerve ganglia in the chest are either cut or burned (completely destroying their ability to transmit impulses), or clamped (theoretically allowing for the reversal of the procedure). The procedure often causes anhidrosis from the mid-chest upwards, a disturbing condition. Major drawbacks to the procedure include thermo regulatory dysfunction (Goldstien, 2005), lowered fear and alertness^[3] and the overwhelming incidence of compensatory hyperhidrosis. Some people find this sweating to be tolerable while others find the compensatory hyperhidrosis to be worse than the initial condition. It has also been established that there is a low (less than 1%) chance of Horner's syndrome. Other risks common to minimally-invasive chest surgery, though rare, do exist. Patients have also been shown to experience a cardiac sympathetic denervation, which results in a 10% lowered heartbeat during both rest and exercise. ETS was thought to be helpful in treating facial blushing and facial sweating. According to Dr. Reisfeld, the only indication for ETS at present is severe palmar hyperhidrosis (too much hand sweating). Statistics have shown that when treated for facial blushing and/or excessive facial sweating, the failure rate of ETS for those two clinical presentations is higher and patients are more prone to side effects. ^[4]

• Surgery (Sweat gland suction): A new technique adapted and modified from liposuction.^[5] On an out-patient basis with only local anesthesia, the sweat glands are permanently removed in a gentle, non-aggressive manner. The sweat glands and armpits are first softened and anesthetized with a special solution. After a short period, the sweat glands can then be removed in a manner similar to liposuction. Only small incisions above and under the armpits are required to remove the sweat glands through quick suction. The entire minimally invasive operation takes between 60 and 90 minutes. Patients can go home directly after the procedure. Some can even return to work after leaving the practice, although taking the rest of the day off is recommended. Over 95% of patients report considerably less discomfort and permanent dryness.

• Iontophoresis: This method was originally described in the 1950s, and its exact mode of action remains elusive to date.^[6] The affected area is placed in a device that has two pails of water with a conductor in each one. The hand or foot acts like a conductor between the positively- and negatively-charged pails. As the low current passes through the area, the minerals in the water clog the sweat glands, limiting the amount of sweat released. Common brands of tap water iontophoresis devices are the Drionic®, Idrostar and MD-1A (RA Fischer). Some people have seen great results while others see no effect. However, since the device can be painful to some (it is important to note that pain is usually limited to small wounds and that over time the body adjusts to the procedure) and a great deal of time is required, no cessation of sweating in some people may be the result of not using the device as required. The device is usually used for the hands and feet, but there has been a device created for the axillae (armpit) area and for the stump region of amputees.

• Percutaneous Sympathectomy: a minimally invasive procedure in which the nerve is blocked by an injection of phenol.^[7]

• Acupuncture^{[citation needed]}

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is a surgical procedure where certain portions of the sympathetic nerve trunk are burned, severed, removed or clamped. ... Anhidrosis means lack of sweating. ... Compensatory hyperhidrosis is the production of sweat caused by the brain perceiving the body temperature as being too high, the sweating is induced to reduce body heat. ... Horners syndrome is a clinical syndrome caused by damage to the sympathetic nervous system. ... Iontophoresis is a non-invasive method of propelling high concentrations of a charged substance, normally medication or bioactive-agents, transdermally by repulsive electromotive force using a small electrical charge applied to an iontophoretic chamber containing a similarly charged active agent and its vehicle. ... Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS) is a medical procedure where certain sympathetic nerve ganglia are burned, cut or clamped. ... Phenol, also known under an older name of carbolic acid, is a colourless crystalline solid with a typical sweet tarry odor. ... Acupuncture chart from Hua Shou (fl. ...

Other

• Weight loss: Hyperhidrosis can be aggravated by obesity, so weight-loss can help. However, most people with hyperhidrosis do not sweat excessively due to obesity.^{[citation needed]}

• Relaxation and meditation: Relaxation techniques have been tried with limited success.^{[citation needed]}

• Hypnosis: Hypnosis has been used with some success in improving the process of administering injections for the treatment of hyperhidrosis .^[8]

• Talc/Baby Powder: One temporary treatment is talc or baby powder because the powder will absorb the sweat; however, after a while the powder may become a messy white coating on the place of application.

Weight loss, in the context of medicine or health or physical fitness, is a reduction of the total body weight, due to a mean loss of fluid, body fat or adipose tissue and/or lean mass, namely bone mineral deposits, muscle, tendon and other connective tissue. ... For other senses of this word, see Meditation (disambiguation). ... For the novel by Lucas Hyde, see Hypnosis (novel). ...

Social effects

Excessive sweating impedes the performance of many routine activities. Things like driving, taking tests and simply grasping objects are severely hampered by sweaty hands.^{[citation needed]}

Some hyperhidrosis sufferers feel they have to avoid situations where they will come into physical contact with others. Interviews, a common source of anxiety for many people, are particularly harrowing for hyperhidrosis patients. Most often, it is the handshake before and after the interview that they will be stressing most about. Hiding embarrassing sweat spots under the armpits limits the sufferers arm movements and pose.^{[citation needed]} In severe cases, shirts must be changed several times during the day. Additionally, anxiety caused by self-consciousness to the sweating aggravates the sweating.

Compounding the problem is the cost of many treatments. Many people who suffer from this condition cannot afford procedures such as surgery or botox, therefore are left to deal with this problem with no solution.^{[citation needed]}

Effects on employment

Many careers present challenges for hyperhidrosis sufferers; cooks and chefs, doctors, and people working with computers can be affected by the social aspect of their condition. The risk of de-hydration can limit the ability of sufferers to function in extremely hot conditions without reasonable access to a source of hydration as well as cause a risk of mineral and salt imbalance from excessive sweating.^{[citation needed]}

References

1. ^ Bhidayasiri R, Truong DD (2007). "Evidence for effectiveness of botulinum toxin for hyperhidrosis". doi:10.1007/s00702-007-0812-7. PMID 17885725. 
2. ^ Mijnhout GS, Kloosterman H, Simsek S, Strack van Schijndel RJ, Netelenbos JC (2006). "Oxybutynin: dry days for patients with hyperhidrosis". The Netherlands journal of medicine 64 (9): 326–8. PMID 17057269. 
3. ^ Pohjavaara P, Telaranta T, Väisänen E (2003). "The role of the sympathetic nervous system in anxiety: Is it possible to relieve anxiety with endoscopic sympathetic block?". Nordic journal of psychiatry 57 (1): 55-60. doi:10.1080/08039480310000266. PMID 12745792. 
4. ^ Reisfeld, Rafael. Sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis: should we place the clamps at T2-T3 or T3-T4 - Clinical Autonomic Research, December 2006, Volume 16, Number 6. (PDF). Retrieved on 2007-11-04.
5. ^ Bieniek A, Białynicki-Birula R, Baran W, Kuniewska B, Okulewicz-Gojlik D, Szepietowski JC (2005). "Surgical treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis with liposuction equipment: risks and benefits". Acta dermatovenerologica Croatica : ADC / Hrvatsko dermatolosko drustvo 13 (4): 212–8. PMID 16356393. 
6. ^ Kreyden OP (2004). "Iontophoresis for palmoplantar hyperhidrosis". Journal of cosmetic dermatology 3 (4): 211–4. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00126.x. PMID 17166108. 
7. ^ Wang YC, Wei SH, Sun MH, Lin CW (2001). "A new mode of percutaneous upper thoracic phenol sympathicolysis: report of 50 cases". Neurosurgery 49 (3): 628–34; discussion 634–6. PMID 11523673. 
8. ^ Maillard H, Bara C, Célérier P (2007). "[Efficacy of hypnosis in the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin type A.]" (in French). Annales de dermatologie et de vénéréologie 134 (8): 653–4. PMID 17925688. 

A digital object identifier (or DOI) is a standard for persistently identifying a piece of intellectual property on a digital network and associating it with related data, the metadata, in a structured extensible way. ... A digital object identifier (or DOI) is a standard for persistently identifying a piece of intellectual property on a digital network and associating it with related data, the metadata, in a structured extensible way. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 308th day of the year (309th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... A digital object identifier (or DOI) is a standard for persistently identifying a piece of intellectual property on a digital network and associating it with related data, the metadata, in a structured extensible way. ...

External links

• Sweathelp.org Website of the International Hyperhidrosis Society - the only section 501(c) certified non-profit, independent, global organization dedicated to the entire excessive sweating community.
• ESFB Channel - dedicated to people suffering from Excessive Sweating, Facial Blushing, Rosacea and Social Phobia
• UK Hyperhidrosis Support Group