Most people get sweaty palms when they have an interview, or see a police car behind them with its siren on. But when the sweat starts to interfere with activities, such as being able to hold onto objects or shake hands without embarrassment, this may be a symptom of hyperhydrosis. Hyperhydrosis is characterized by excessive sweating, more than can be accounted for by simple temperature regulation processes. The condition affects about three percent of the population, and can be a trigger of social phobia; and even though effective treatments exist, over a third of sufferers never consult a physician.

Hyperhydrosis can be classified as either generalized or focal. While generalized hyperhydrosis affects the entire body, and may signal an underlying disorder, focal hyperhydrosis is contained to specific part of the body, and is usually containable. Focal hyperhydrosis is frequently localized to the armpits, palms, feet, and groin. There is no known cause of the focal type, but genetics does seem to play a role, as the condition often runs in families. A UCLA study performed in 2002 reported that 65 percent of sufferers responding to a family history survey had family members with symptoms of the condition. The head researcher, Dr. Samuel S. Ahn, even recommended DNA testing to find and treat more people at risk for the disorder. (1)

Typically, a sufferer will first be given a strong antiperspirant consisting of high concentration of aluminium chloride. The concentration shown to help control hyperhydrosis is about twelve times that of regular antiperspirant, and is often effective within three weeks. A frequent side effect is skin irritation due to the strength of the aluminium chloride. Additionally, if treatment is stopped, excessive sweating will return. Botox (Botulinum toxin type A) has also been shown to be effective temporarily. The medication is injected into the sweat gland to keep it from functioning. (2)

If prescription drugs fail to control excessive sweating, a doctor may recommend surgery. The most common procedure, called endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS), involves destroying some of the nerves running through the upper chest. The surgery works particularly well for symptoms involving the armpits and palms. In the 1990s, minimally invasive techniques were developed, and now the procedure is normally performed on an outpatient basis. The major drawback with ETS is that once sweating has been reduced in the target area, compensatory sweating may occur in untreated parts of the body. This can result in patients being drenched as the body tries to regulate temperature. To reduce some of these effects, surgeons are trying different treatment locations, such as lower on the thorax, and alternative methods of destroying the nerve chain, like clamps instead of cutting.

By consulting with a physician once excessive sweating is having a continuing negative effect, those experiencing hyperhydrosis may be able to lead lives free from discomfort and embarrassment.

(1) University Of California – Los Angeles (2002, March 6). UCLA Study Finds Evidence That “Sweaty Palms” Syndrome Is Genetic And Underreported. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 8, 2010, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2002/03/020301071230.htm

(2) Haider, A; Solish N, Canadian Medical Association Journal, (January 2005). “Focal hyperhidrosis: diagnosis and management”. Retrieved February 8, 2010, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC543948/?tool=pubmed