What is Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating, significantly more than what is required to regulate body temperature. This issue can affect anyone, irrespective of age or gender, causing great discomfort and embarrassment, and often hindering everyday activities. It predominantly involves areas like the hands, feet, underarms, face, and head – parts of the body with a high concentration of sweat glands.
There are two types of hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary. Primary hyperhidrosis, also known as focal hyperhidrosis, involves excessive, non-stop sweating in specific areas of the body. There is no identified medical cause for this primary type, however, some researchers suggest that it can be hereditary.
On the other hand, secondary hyperhidrosis, or generalized hyperhidrosis, is usually caused by a medical condition or as a side effect of medication. This kind involves excessive sweating that occurs throughout the entire body.
Despite the challenges that come with this condition, there are several potential treatments available when it comes to addressing excessive sweating. This ranges from simple lifestyle changes and non-invasive methods to surgical ones.
Non-surgical options comprise of clinical-strength antiperspirants, oral medications, iontophoresis (a mild electrical current treatment), botox (Botulinum toxin), electromagnetic energy and laser therapy.
Surgical treatments on the other hand, are typically reserved for severe cases wherein non-surgical options are ineffective. This is where the question comes up, “what is a good surgery for excessive sweating?”
When traditional treatments aren’t effective, one potential surgical option is called Thoracic Sympathectomy. This is a procedure where the surgeon interrupts the transmission of nerve signals that cause excessive sweating from the spinal cord to the sweat glands. Being minimally invasive, it involves the insertion of a tiny camera into the chest just beneath the armpit, which allows the surgeon to see and cut the nerves responsible.
Although this operation effectively decreases sweating in the hands, it could however lead to compensatory sweating. This is where another part of the body starts sweating excessively to compensate for the reduction elsewhere. Thus, it’s crucial to weigh the potential outcomes and risks with your medical professional before deciding to go forward with surgery.
Another surgical procedure is Endoscopic Lumbar Sympathectomy which targets excessive sweating in the feet. Similar to thoracic sympathectomy, this method also involves the interruption of nerve signals. More specifically, it targets the lumbar nerves that regulate the sweat glands.
A less invasive surgical procedure to consider for treating hyperhidrosis is known as RF Microneedling (Radio Frequency Microneedling). This procedure uses radio frequency energy to create controlled thermal damage in the deep layers of the skin. This stimulates a wound-healing response, which causes a reduction in sweat and odour.
For armpit excessive sweating, another surgical option is Axillary Shaving wherein the section of the underarm skin that contains the sweat glands is removed. This procedure usually takes about an hour and is performed under local anesthesia. It however carries the risks of scarring, infection, and changes in skin sensation.
Although no one treatment is best for everyone, it’s heartening to know that there are numerous solutions available for mitigating the effects of hyperhidrosis. Since every person is unique, the treatment approach should be tailored to individual needs and preferences.
To sum up, hyperhidrosis can significantly affect the quality of a person’s life, causing both physical inconvenience and emotional distress. Fortunately, we live in a time where there are diverse treatments available, providing victims of hyperhidrosis with the hope of leading normal, sweat-free lives.