Hyperhidrosis [sweating and body odour]

Hyperhidrosis, which is sweating in excess of that required for normal thermoregulation, is a condition that usually begins in either childhood or adolescence. Although any site on the body can be affected, the sites most commonly affected are the palms, soles, and axillae.

Hyperhidrosis exists in 3 forms:

• emotionally induced (in which it affects the palms, soles, and axillae),
• localized, or
• generalized.

The condition often causes great emotional distress and occupational disability for the patient, regardless of the form.

Essential hyperhidrosis, a disorder of the sweat glands, is associated with sympathetic overactivity.

Hyperhidrosis may be secondary to numerous conditions including the following Neurologic or neoplastic diseases, metabolic disorders or processes (eg, thyrotoxicosis, diabetes mellitus, hypoglycemia, gout, pheochromocytoma, menopause), febrile illnesses, use of medications (eg, propranolol, physostigmine, pilocarpine, tricyclic antidepressants, venlafaxine), chronic alcoholism, Hodgkin disease or tuberculosis (in nocturnal hyperhidrosis).

Important laboratory studies may include the following:

• Thyroid function tests may reveal underlying hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis.
• Blood glucose levels may reveal diabetes mellitus or hypoglycemia.
• Urinary catecholamines may reveal a possible pheochromocytoma.
• Uric acid levels may reveal gout.
• Screen for tuberculosis.
• Chest X-ray may be used to rule out tuberculosis or a neoplastic cause.

Treatment With Botox

Botulinum toxin injections are effective because of their anticholinergic effects at the neuromuscular junction and in the postganglionic sympathetic cholinergic nerves in the sweat glands.

Application of powdered cornstarch to axilla after iodine solution has dried in place

Starch-iodine test performed 1 month after subsequent liposuction in the right axilla reveals absence of sweating on this side as well.

Studies have found that duration of relief of symptom (median 5.97 months, range 3–14 months).

The treatment was safe with very low incidence of complications. More than 90% were highly satisfied, and all these patients felt that they would be happy to recommend this method of treatment to others. Regret rate was very low.

Click Here for More about Botox Botulinum toxin injections