Perspiration released by our pores has a purpose to regulate body temperature when we warm up. So then hyperhidrosis appears this “cooling mechanism” has, in some way, been disrupted.
Hyerhidrosis is a condition affecting both sexes similarly and concerns 1-1, 5% of the population. It appears symmetrically on the face, arm pits, hands, feet and torso.
Only the ones who suffer from it can realize the social, professional, emotional and as a result, psychological implications of this ailment.
Primary hyperhidrosis usually originates during childhood-adolescence and may be hereditary (50%). It is focal and due to a malfunction of the sympathetic nervous system.
Secondary hyperhidrosis is due to other malfunctions (endocrine problems, menopause, medication, etc)
Diagnosis of hyperhidrosis is based on obtaining a detailed medical record of the patient and the ailment. Clinical examination as well as supplementary laboratory tests help in pinpointing the cause of the ailment.
The ailment is aggravated not only by the increase in temperature but also by intense movement-work-out, alcohol, coffee, spices, medicine, etc consumption and of course by stress.
The quality of life of the patient is dramatically decreased. This has an impact in his/her social life. Although hyperhidrosis does not necessarily mean odour, the patients are stigmatized by the stain of perspiration on their clothes.
The ways of dealing with the ailment in the past are now recorded as older methods of low effectiveness and more than often of inappropriate results (pharmaceutical treatments, iontophoresis, local treatments, removal of perspiratory glands).
Currently, injection of botulinum toxin (e.g. Botox- Vistabel) is considered as the most important modern method of rectifying hyperhidrosis. It is an absolutely safe and rapid treatment. The patient devotes 15 minutes of his/her time to the experienced dermatologist for the application to be carried out and can see the difference in the course of the following days and is rid of pestering hyperhidrosis for about 6-8 months.
