Hyperhidrosis
(excessive sweating)
Sweating is a physiological and vital process.
A distinction is made between focal and generalized hyperhidrosis.
In the case of focal hyperhidrosis, the armpits, hands or feet are usually affected by excessive sweat production. In <90% the cause is unclear. Some causes can be hormonal, medicinal or functional disorders.
Which therapy is suitable for focal hyperhidrosis?
There are several treatment options for the treatment of focal hyperhidrosis.
Injection with muscle relaxant (purified protein) is the most effective non-surgical treatment for focal hyperhidrosis. The injection reduces the activity of acetylcholine, which influences sweat production and thus significantly reduces it. The duration of effect depends on the amount of sweat produced and the localization and is between 4 and 7 months. The administration of muscle relaxants is both the safest and best tolerated therapy for excessive sweating.
For patients with private insurance, the treatment is covered by the health insurance.
Further therapeutic options include treatment with the following topicals:
- Antiperspirants that contain aluminum salts (commercially available deodorants). These block the sweat gland ducts and reduce the amount of sweat released.
Side effects include skin irritation and burning sensations.
However, the desired effect (reduced sweat production) is only insufficiently achieved.
- Another surgical treatment option for axillary hyperhidrosis is to remove the axillary sweat glands as completely as possible by curettage.
This has success rates of up to 90%, but the procedure is not insignificant.
Complications include wound infection, scarring, skin necrosis and skin discoloration.
Hyperhidrosis treatment
Implementation
Several injections in the armpit area
Duration
50 minutes
Anesthesia
Local anesthetic with cream
Pain
low
Recovery
immediately
Frequency
Individual. Every 4-7 months
What are the causes of generalized hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)?
In generalized hyperhidrosis, the whole body is affected. There are many reasons for this, which may include the following:
- in <85% idiopathic (unclear cause)
- Hormonal disorders (e.g. hyperthyroidism, diabetes)
- Medication
- Infections (flu)
- Diseases of the nervous system
Drug treatments such as anticholinergics are used. The effect is usually not perceived by patients. There are also frequent side effects such as dry mouth, accommodation disorders (visual impairment), urinary retention, constipation and memory disorders. Whether this therapy option is an option for you depends on the findings.
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