Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that causes severe excessive sweating in certain areas of the body. Two of the more common locations are the palms, called palmar hyperhidrosis, and under the arms, called axillary hyperhidrosis.
Excessive sweating of the hands or armpits can be very upsetting. Many individuals with these conditions are limited in their job choices. They may be unable to operate a computer keyboard or manipulate papers. Most are reluctant to shake hands, and many even avoid social contact. The degree of sweating varies and may range from moderate moisture to dripping. Most patients notice that their hands not only feel moist, but are also cold.Hyperhidrosis
is not a temporary condition, and most people have suffered with it since
childhood. The exact cause is unknown; however, 4 out of 10 patients also
have relatives with the problem. The reason patients experience symptoms
relates to increased activity of certain nerves and stressful situations
such as job interviews, special occasions, or test taking can aggravate
the sweating.
Nerves
The human body has two different sets of nerves: the voluntary (somatic) nervous system and the involuntary (autonomic) system.
The voluntary nervous system contains nerves that give us sensation (pain, heat, and touch) as well as muscle control. Many of our bodily functions occur without thinking such as breathing, the beating of our heart, and sweating.
The
involuntary nervous system is made up of two components: the sympathetic
and the parasympathetic systems. It is the sympathetic nervous system
that controls the sweating throughout our bodies. Some people have
over-active sympathetic nerves that cause the sweat glands to produce
too much sweat inappropriately so that the person with this condition
may be embarrassed by having sweaty hands and armpits in certain situations.
This condition is called hyperhidrosis. Although the specific cause may
be unknown, there are several treatments available to stop the excessive
sweating.
