Many people suffer from excessive sweating of the palms, hands, and armpits. When there is no other medical problem that is causing excessive perspiration, the condition is known as "primary hyperhidrosis." Primary hyperhidrosis is a common condition affecting a large percentage of Americans. One survey estimated that hyperhidrosis affects 2.8% of people, and many do not receive adequate treatment for their condition.
Medical Treatment for Excessive Sweating
There are many ways to treat excessive sweating from hyperhidrosis. The first step is to ensure that there is not another medical condition that is causing hyperhidrosis, known as "secondary hyperhidrosis." Hyperthyroidism is an example of a medical condition that leads to excessive sweating, and the excessive sweating will be reduced once hyperthyroidism is treated. Most patients suffer from primary hyperhidrosis, where no other cause of excessive sweating is found. For these patients, the first step is to use medications in medical treatment of hyperhydrosis. All patients should first work with their primary care physicians to try to treat excessive sweating with medications. Botox treatment to stop excessive sweating may also be used to control excessive sweating.
Surgical Treatment for Excessive Sweating
Unfortunately, many people try medical treatment but are unable to control the symptoms of excessive sweating. For these patients, surgical treatment of excessive sweating has been shown to be a safe and effective method to treat excessive sweating. The procedure used is known as endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy, where small incisions are made in the chest wall and small instruments are used in combination with a camera to cut the nerves that are responsible for excessive sweating. The procedure is generally well tolerated by patients, although a small number experience side effects from the procedure. The results of surgical treatment for excessive sweating are generally good. In one study of 850 patients, 98% of the patients said that the results of the surgery were satisfactory, (1) while another study of 233 patients showed satisfactory results in 95% of patients (2).
Contact Us for a Consultation
You should speak with your physician to determine which treatment option is the best for you. Newport Beach Hyperhidrosis Clinic works with the cardiothoracic surgeons of Raney Zusman Medical Group to provide surgical treatment for excessive sweating. The surgeons are highly experienced with this type of surgery and have excellent training from top residency programs. If you are interested in a consultation with one of the surgeons, please contact us at (877) 744-4486. You will speak directly with the surgeon's office, and staff can help if you have any additional questions.
References
1. Endoscopic transthoracic sympathectomy: An efficient and safe method for the treatment of hyperhidrosis
2. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis of the upper limbs
Newport Beach Hyperhidrosis Clinic is located in
Newport Beach, CA,
and serves the surrounding
Orange County area.
This site is intented to provide background information about hyperhidrosis and excessive sweating. It is thought to be accurate, but does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Dr.'s Raney, Zusman, or Joyo and is not meant to
replace an informed discussion with our surgeons.
To find out more about surgical treatment for hyperhidrosis, call 877-744-4486 to set up an appointment and discuss your condition with one of our physicians.