Hyperhidrosis, in medical terminology, refers to excessive sweating, surpassing the body’s usual requirements for thermal regulation. One subtype of this condition dubbed palmar hyperhidrosis, specifically signifies chronic excessive perspiration of the palms. Palmar hyperhidrosis sufferers often have their day-to-day life significantly impaired; from straightforward physical activities such as writing or holding objects to social and psychological distress.
The human body utilizes four major types of sweat glands, the most prominent being eccrine glands; these are chiefly responsible for thermal regulation and are densely populated in the palms. Hence, in palmar hyperhidrosis, eccrine glands over-function, causing hands to sweat profusely.
Causes of Palmar Hyperhidrosis
The precise cause of this condition remains unknown, though it seems to have a strong genetic component; in the majority of cases, there’s a family history of hyperhidrosis.
Besides heredity, certain triggers may heighten the occurrence of excessive sweating. Stress or excitement often incites excessive hand sweating among sufferers, as does warm weather or heightened temperatures. Despite these triggers being universal sweat initiators, for palmar hyperhidrosis patients, the response is abnormally excessive.
Symptoms
Obvious symptoms encompass persistently wet, slippery palms, extending to times of repose in cool environments. The severity varies, with some patients experiencing slight moistness, while for others, sweat may literally drip from their hands. If untreated, the implications go beyond the physical, compelling individuals to struggle socially and emotionally, dealing with embarrassment or fear of societal judgment.
Conservative Treatment for Excessive Sweating
Despite being an enduring problem for sufferers, it’s important to note that palmar hyperhidrosis is not a perilous condition and, several treatment options exist spanning from conservative to surgical.
Antiperspirants are the first line of conservative treatment for excessive sweating. These contain aluminium salts that function as a ‘plug’ for sweat ducts, culminating in reduced perspiration. For mild cases, over-the-counter solutions might suffice, while severe instances may demand prescription-strength antiperspirants.
Following antiperspirants, iontophoresis is the subsequent conservative method. Involving a device that sends mild electrical currents through water into your palms, this treatment hinders sweat gland activity. Although time-consuming, if performed effectively, it can reduce hand sweating significantly.
Oral medications, primarily anticholinergics, interrupt the message from nerves to sweat glands, thus, restraining sweat production. However, these have potential side effects such as blurred vision, dry mouth or constipation, making them suitable for short-term escalation in symptoms rather than a long-term solution.
Surgical Treatment
When conservative treatments do not bear fruit, surgical intervention comes into play. The most prevalent procedure is endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS), which denervates the nerves initially activating the sweat glands. Notwithstanding its high success rate, it does come with serious potential side effects, including compensatory sweating (increased sweating from other body parts).
Conclusion
Living with palmar hyperhidrosis may feel overwhelming. However, understanding triggers, in conjunction with targeted treatments, can provide significant relief. From conservative methods such as antiperspirants and iontophoresis to surgical interventions, there are plenty of options to explore. It’s essential to have candid discussions with your healthcare provider ensuring you find the optimal solution fitting your specific circumstance.