Hyperhidrosis is a disorder marked by excessive
sweating. The disorder may be generalized,
consisting of excessive body sweating, or localized,
with sweating confined to the palms, soles, armpits,
groin, and under the breasts.
Causes
The cause is unknown. Physicians believe that
hyperhidrosis can be linked to a breakdown in
communication between the brain and the mechanisms
that activate sweating.
Treatment
To treat the disorder, doctors usually prescribe
20% aluminum chloride hexahydrate solution (Drysol),
which the patient applies at night to the affected
areas that are then wrapped in a plastic film until
morning. One approach to treatment is to control
stress. Whether or not emotional stress is the
instigator, stress does make the sweating worse. The
only permanent cure for hyperhidrosis of the palms
is a surgical procedure. To treat severe excessive
sweating, a surgeon can remove a portion of the
nerve near the top of the spine that controls palm
sweat.
