Conditions - Hyperhydrosis / Excessive Sweating

The process of sweating is controlled by the Sympathetic Nervous System. This involuntary nervous system maintains the five million or so sweat glands throughout the body. In fact, about two-thirds of our body's sweat glands are located in the hands alone. The answer to the problem of hyperhydrosis lies within these nerves. Doctors have found that "supercharged" nerves cause excessive sweating.
 

Over the past years, several different approaches have been taken to cure this socially and functionally embarrassing problem. Patients have tried herbal medications, lotions, and oral medications to end excessive sweating. None of those methods have proved to be of any lasting value. The surgical approach to this problem started about 60 years ago but, due to the location of the sympathetic nerve chain in the body, surgical procedures at that time necessitated a very invasive surgery. The operation used to be done either through the neck, chest cavity, or through the back. Those invasive methods made it an unpopular operation for patients and the medical community at large. Since the introduction of minimally invasive surgery about 20 years ago, methods were developed to access the sympathetic nerve chain with minimally invasive surgery.

Causes of Excessive Sweating

While doctors don't know why excessive sweating starts, the most likely cause is a genetic one. They have successfully linked it to over-activity in the sympathetic nervous system. Specifically, it is the Thoracic Sympathetic Ganglion Chain, which runs along the vertebra of the spine inside the chest cavity.

This chain controls the glands responsible for perspiration throughout the entire body. These sweat glands are mainly concentrated in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. In most cases, the hands and feet are affected. To a lesser degree, the face and armpit regions are affected. Another manifestation of the hyperactive sympathetic activity is facial blushing.

It used to be a common thought that excessive hand sweating is caused by over activity of the thyroid gland but over the years it was proven not to be the case. Another thought was that patients who suffered from anxiety problems would have excessive hand sweating. This was also proven to be wrong as patients can have severe palmar Hyperhidrosis (hand sweating) even in the most relaxing moments of their life.

Treating Hyperhydrosis

Simple self-help measures you can take include:

• Choose clothing that will keep you cool. Natural fibers are cool but they absorb sweat and can remain damp; some synthetic fibers are warm but they wick sweat away from the body and feel dry.

• Keep your work environment cool and well aired

• Avoid the food and drinks that trigger sweating; these will be different for everyone and you will probably know what causes problems for you

• Stress, tension and anxiety are common problems for everyone, though people with hyperhidrosis have the extra difficulties of coping with sweating. Think about how you can reduce stress during the day: plan your activities carefully and make time to relax

• Odor can be prevented by attention to personal hygiene (such as frequent showers); although this will not be convenient for people who constantly sweat, it is an effective and simple measure to take.