Hyperhidrosis occurs when sweat is excessive and does not depend on the temperature of the environment.
Sweat is a natural mechanism and its main function is to balance the body temperature in relation to the environment in which we are. However, when in excess, in addition to bothering and causing embarrassment, it can be a disorder caused by psychological or organic factors.
What is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis happens when sweat is excessive and independent of the ambient temperature. According to dermatologist Mario Chaves, it can be divided into primary and secondary. “Primary hyperhidrosis, the most common type, is characterized by excessive localized sweating in the palmoplantar and/or underarm regions,” he explains.
Camila Paula Silva, dermatofunctional physiotherapist, adds that primary hyperhidrosis has no known causes, and the effects can start at any stage of life and remain for the rest of the years.
secondary hyperhidrosis
Secondary hyperhidrosis, according to Mario Chaves, can be localized or generalized and “is associated with medical conditions such as genetic syndromes, malignancy or infection”, explains the dermatologist.
The dermatofunctional physiotherapist adds that the problem may “be associated with obesity, menopause, the use of antidepressant drugs, endocrine changes and neurological changes with nervous system dysfunction”.
How to improve hyperhidrosis frames?
Some attitudes and changes in habits in everyday life can significantly improve hyperhidrosis. Plastic surgeon Daniela Zavatini presents some suggestions:
- Wear clothes made of light fabrics (cotton or linen), light and loose. Avoid synthetic fabrics;
- Always have disposable tissues and, if applicable, pieces of clothing to change;
- Avoid very hot places and keep your home ventilated;
- Consume alcoholic and caffeinated beverages in moderation food spicy;
- Choose antiperspirants that contain 10% to 15% aluminum chloride hexahydrate. They can cause skin irritation if you are sensitive, or stain clothing;
- Take steps to combat stress.
How to treat the problem
According to Mario Chaves, for the treatment of hyperhidrosis, “topical medications prescribed by the dermatologist can initially be used, such as botulinum toxin type A and oral medications”.
Solutions for severe cases
In more severe cases of hyperhidrosis, there are other specific treatments that can be adopted to solve the problem. A plastic surgery Daniela Zavatini lists some of them:
Sympathectomy
It consists of sectioning certain points of the sympathetic trunk, located inside the thoracic cavity. With this, the nervous stimulus to the sweat glands ceases and the sweating disappears. After this surgical treatment, there may be increased sweating in other areas, such as the trunk.
Excision of the axillary glands
It consists of removing a segment of skin from the armpit rich in sweat glands. The result varies according to the size of the removed area. May occur scar formation hypertrophic, limiting the movement of the upper limb.
Botulinum toxin application
Indicated in secondary hyperhidrosis, mainly axillary, it has scientifically proven efficacy. Its drawback is the durability of the treatment. New applications must be carried out, on average, every 8 months.
Source: Maxima
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