Sweaty palms and armpits (Hyperhydrosis) - a new treatment
This information is of a general nature only and is for public information and education. Your individual problem needs to be assessed by your family doctor who will advise you on appropriate further steps.
The problem
Excessive sweating of the palms and axillae (armpits) is a not uncommon condition, which causes great distress to the affected. Not only is it inconvenient and embarrassing, but it can also interfere with everyday activities and cause a loss of confidence.
The Cause
Sweat glands are concentrated in the palms, soles and axillary (armpit) areas. Sweat is produced in response to stimuli, such as exertion, heat and excitement. This is a normal response, and is part of the heat regulation mechanism of the body. In hyperhydrosis, the sweat glands are normal in structure, but are unusually responsive, and hence produce excessive amounts of sweat in response to normal stimuli.
Treatment
Traditional methods have depended on oral drugs or surgery, all of which have some impact on the problem, but at the cost of many undesirable side effects.
Current treatment
Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) has had a dramatic impact on the treatment of focal hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating of palms, axillae, soles of feet or facial skin). Injecting Botox into the affected area reduces the effect of nerve stimuli on the sweat glands, with resultant reduction of sweating. The treatment is an outpatient procedure. The effect lasts for six to eight months and can be safely repeated at regular intervals.
