The Facts about Palmar Hyperhidrosis (Sweaty Hands)
We’ve all experienced sweaty hands when we’re nervous, stressed, or in a warm environment. It can be embarrassing and take a serious toll on an individual’s professional life if the sweating is excessive and uncontrollable. A lot of people suffer from palmar hyperhidrosis, so we’ve compiled all of the facts about this frustrating condition.
What Is Palmar Hyperhidrosis?
Excessive hand sweating is a fairly common condition, affecting 1-3% of the global population. This condition is typically noticed during the patient’s teenage years and it continues throughout adulthood. Palmar hyperhidrosis can be genetic or caused by physical or emotional stress.
Hyperhidrosis occurs when the primary nervous system responsible for triggering sweat glands becomes overactive, creating more sweat than is needed. Although the cause of this overactivity is yet to be identified, the problem has been isolated to the nerves over the 2nd and 3rd rib. This means Perth Sweat Clinic can target and destroy the nerves that trigger overactive sweating in the hands.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Due to the variations in hyperhidrosis and our inability to effectively measure sweat levels, diagnoses are often on a case-by-case basis. Whenever sweating causes distress or difficulties in a person’s life, this is considered excessive and should be treated by professionals.
What Are the Effects of Excessive Sweating?
The effects of excessive sweating are mainly psychological as it causes distress, embarrassment, and social anxiety. Leaving hyperhidrosis untreated can have a serious, detrimental impact on the sufferer’s daily life and self-esteem.
Unfortunately, most cases go untreated simply because sufferers do not know treatment is available to them. Overactive sweat glands are often triggered by stress, and hyperhidrosis has a way of rearing its head at the worst possible times, such as in job interviews or first dates.
How Is Palmar Hyperhidrosis Treated?
The treatment of choice for palmar hyperhidrosis is endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) surgery. Our chest surgeon, Dr. Sanjay Sharma, specialises in ETS surgery and can offer instant, permanent relief for people suffering from sweaty hands.
Under general anesthetic, a small incision is made to allow camera access to the chest cavity. The surgeon then divides the specific nerve glands responsible for sweating in the hands. Once the nerve supply to the hands is interrupted, the sweat glands will instantly cease to work. The lung is then inflated, the incision is closed with one suture and the procedure is repeated on the other side.
Book an Assessment with Perth Sweat Clinic
If you’re worried about how much your hands are sweating, you may have palmar hyperhidrosis. Make an appointment with Perth Sweat Clinic so we can assess, diagnose, and treat your condition. Enjoy a happier, more comfortable life by calling 1300 079 328 or contacting us online.