Hyperhidrosis is a condition that consists of excessive sweating in a certain area of the body. It can start both in childhood, such as puberty and sometimes in adulthood. On this occasion, Dr. Juan Velásquez, a thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon at Clinica Ricardo Palma, will give us more information on the subject.

Causes

The medical cause for hyperhidrosis is still unknown. However, it is related to an alteration of the sweat glands, which cause hyperstimulation of some centers involved in the body’s thermoregulation. On the other hand, it is possible that in some cases there is a hereditary factor.

Symptoms

The predominant symptom is sweating in one or several regions of the body, such as hands, feet, armpits and face, which can start as minimal sweating until it becomes excessive, affecting the daily life of the person who suffers from it. Sweating can also be accompanied by cold feet and hands.

Treatment

To treat hyperhidrosis, it is possible to choose a medical or surgical treatment, depending on the patient’s clinical condition.

• Medical treatment: It consists of a palliative treatment and includes aluminum salts, Iontophoresis (use of electric current in the hands) and application of botulinum toxin.
• Surgical treatment: It is definitive and consists of blocking one or several nerves that cause excessive sweating. It is performed through a minimally invasive operation on an outpatient basis.

Complications

In cases of primary hyperhidrosis, intense, partially severe sweating crises appear that may be accompanied by erythema, edema, pain, and cyanosis.

On the other hand, facial flushing, palpitations, muscle tremor, headache and dry mouth may also occur.

Dr. Juan Velásquez
Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon at Clinica Ricardo Palma