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Overview: |
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Sweating is necessary to control body temperature during times of exercise and in warm/hot surroundings. Sweating is regulated by the sympathetic nervous system. In 0.6 to 1.0% of the population, this system is revved-up and works at a very high level, causing sweating to occur at inappropriate times in specific areas of the body. This condition is known as hyperhidrosis |
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Symptoms: |
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Hyperhidrosis can occur in many different areas of the body. Most commonly, hyperhidrosis appears on the palms. In this case it is known as Palmer hyperhidrosis. However the condition isn't just limited to the hands. Hyperhidrosis is also a problem on the facial area, the soles of the feet (Planter hyperhidrosis) and the armpits (axillae).
Regardless of where it is located, hyperhidrosis presents an embarrassing problem to those afflicted with it. Shaking hands becomes uncomfortable, making business and day-to-day life a problem. Patients report that they are even embarrassed to hold the hands of those they love.
Hyperhidrosis is a temporary condition. Many people who suffer from it have suffered for many years, usually from adolescence. Hot or cold, the sweating is constant. |
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Causes: |
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While doctors don't know why hyperhidrosis starts, 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, know as the apocrine and eccrine glands, responsible for perspiration throughout the entire body.
Sometimes people will sweat excessively because of other illnesses such as hyperthyroidism, psychiatric disorders, menopause and obesity. These causes must first be ruled out before Primary Hyperhidrosis can be diagnosed. |
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Treatment: |
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Doctors have long tried to deal with this problem. Until recently, no plan of action has produced any completely satisfactory results.
Solutions in the past have included everything from pyschotherapy to heavy applications of antiperspirants. Psychotherapy usually did not help the medical condition and proved to many, to be a heavy burden. Antiperspirants caused the same hardship. In order to work, they needed to be applied both regularly and liberally, making going through the average day quite a hassle. Drugs, such as psychotropic (sedative) and anticholinergic (atropine, robinul) medicines, looked promising for a while. Unfortunately, these drugs presented risky and unnecessary side effects, such as dry mouth, urinary problems and even increased risk of heat stroke.
Most patients who suffer from Hyperhidrosis of the hands and/or feet now use electrical stimulation (IONTOPHORESIS) which has proven to be most effective.
With the introduction of the i2m Iontophoresis machines, nearly all patients have found that they have achieved a complete cessation of sweating after 4-7 treatments. This absence of sweating varies, but often lasts for about 2 months, the patient then undergoes another course of treatment, which should enable them to be `sweat free' for a further period of time. This treatment can be done as many times as necessary, is safe, cheap and can be practiced at home as patients can now buy their own machines for home us. |
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Iontophoresis is defined as the topical introduction of ionized drugs into the skin using direct current. However, iontophoresis with simple tap water alone is successful in a vast majority of patients.
The exact mechanism for the effects of tap water iontophoresis on hyperhidrosis remains uncertain, however, one school of thought suggests that a parakeratotic plug is formed, blocking the duct without damaging the sweat gland.
Like electrical charges repel. Therefore, application of a positive current will drive positively charge drug molecules away from the electrodes and into the tissues, similarly, a negative current will drive negatively charge ions into the tissues.
Be aware when considering prescription
medication online. The internet provides access to low priced medicine. While you may not have health
insurance
coverage for medication, don't be suckered by the low prices. Look for prescription
drug information online but know the most accurate information comes from
your doctor. |
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