General Information About Excessive Sweating
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the excessive, dripping sweating of a person even in cool environments and while resting, as a result of the sympathetic nervous system sending more signals (commands) to the sweat glands than necessary.
Primary: Usually starts in childhood/adolescence, is genetic, has no underlying disease, and is localized, especially in the hands, feet, and armpits.
Secondary: Appears later in life, and is widespread throughout the body as an overactive thyroid (goiter), diabetes, menopause, or a side effect of certain medications.
Although there is no medical danger, the stress it creates is immense. The person may soak papers while using a keyboard or writing. Avoiding shaking hands out of embarrassment about wet hands in social situations (social phobia) frequently develops. Excessive sweating on the feet also paves the way for constant fungal infections.
Detailed blood tests are requested by an Internal Medicine or Dermatology doctor to rule out thyroid diseases (T3, T4, TSH tests), blood sugar imbalances, and infections that cause excessive sweating.
In mild/moderate cases, medical antiperspirant sprays containing aluminum chloride are used. The Gold Standard, especially for Armpit and Hand Sweating, is Botox. The nerve signal going to the sweat glands is temporarily blocked with botox. The procedure takes 10-15 minutes, and the patient experiences complete dryness and comfort for 6 to 9 months. Iontophoresis (mild electrical current) devices are also used for foot sweating.
If hand and armpit sweating affects life very seriously and the patient wants a permanent solution, the Thoracic Surgery department performs closed ETS (Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy) surgery. Entering through a small hole under the armpit, the overactive sympathetic nerves are compressed or cut with a titanium clip. After the surgery, as soon as the patient wakes up, they notice that their hands are bone dry and are permanently cured.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
