Hyperhidrosis and Excessive Sweating

Excessive sweating can be an embarrassing for both social and work life. It commonly occurs in young adults and self resolves in older population. The exact cause is not fully understood. Affected areas can include hands, armpits, face, body and feet. Treatment options include using Aluminium based antiperspirant can provide effective relief.

In severe cases of sweating of hands and feet the nerves that stimulate it can be surgically cut. For the arm this is done through key-hole surgery as a day case. This is called thorascopic sympathectomy. It provides good relief for sweaty hands but not as effective for armpits. Side effects include increased sweating in other parts of the body and drooping of the eyelids.

For severe cases of sweaty feet surgical treatment is called lumbar sympathectomy. This can be done via an injection using CT scan or by surgery. It can also produce excessive swearing elsewhere and in males can cause retrograde ejaculation.

Your vascular surgeon can advise on the treatment options available. It is generally recommended that you trial antiperspirants first either in roll-on or powder forms first. Cessation of smoking is also required as many patients notice a significant improvement.