SWEATING
Sweating is a normal
process of our body. But sometimes, it can be bothersome and causes embarrassment in one way or
another. Let's get down to the bottom of sweating.
Sweat Glands
Our body has about two to four million sweat glands. These sweat glands appear
like coiled tubes and are found in the dermis as well as the lower layer of our skin. They are
responsible for the secretion of watery substance we call sweat or perspiration. The sweating process
has a thermoregulation function. During sweating, moisture on the body evaporates
and providing a cooling effect for the body.
There are 2 known types: (a) eccrine and
(b) apocrine sweat glands. Both types of glands are controlled by the sympathetic nervous system of our
body, which has control over our involuntary actions such as breathing, heartbeat and sweating.
Thermoregulation Function
Sweating is the body’s
natural way of cooling us down and therefore has a thermoregulation function. . Although it may feel as if
the perspiration is making us hotter, especially during warm days, without sweat, we could not tolerate
the heat that our bodies would produce.
Sweat Elements
There are differences in the chemical elements of perspiration. Perspiration secreted by the
apocrine glands (located in the armpits) contains fatty acids and proteins, thus making it somewhat
thicker and yellowish in color. Combined with deodorant, it can turn garments yellow.
Smell of Sweat
Perspiration is actually odorless, but
when it starts to decompose and is attacked by bacteria, bad odor is produced. We perspire even during
cold days. It may not be noticeable but sweat is secreted in small amount even when we are not active.
Bathing is necessary to remove traces of sweat and prevent build up of bacteria.
Water
Our body is 2/3 water in composition and a great amount
of this fluid is lost through perspiration. For this reason, we must drink approximately 2 liters
of water everyday so that the fluids lost can be replenished.
Hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating is referred to as Hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis can
either be generalized or localized to specific parts of the body. Hands, feet, armpits, and the groin
area are among the most active regions of perspiration due to the relatively high concentration of
sweat glands; however, any part of the body may be affected.
Hyperhidrosis is classified
according its congenital or acquired trait. Primary hyperhidrosis starts during adolescence or even
before and seems to be inherited as an autosomal dominant genetic trait. Secondary hyperhidrosis,
on the other hand, start at any point in life. The latter form may be due to underlying disease
or disorder such as thyroid or pituitary gland disorder, diabetes mellitus, tumors, gout,
menopause, certain drugs, or mercury poisoning.
The cause of primary hyperhidrosis is unknown,
although some surgeons claim that it is caused by overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system. Anxiety
can exacerbate the situation for many sufferers. A common complaint of patients is that they get nervous
because they sweat, then sweat more because they are nervous. Other factors can play a role; certain
foods & drinks, nicotine, caffeine, and smells can trigger a response.
TREATMENT
Medication
* Aluminum chloride is used in most antiperspirants. However, excessive sweating sufferers need solutions with higher concentration for effective treatment. On the negative side, it can cause irritation. Aluminum chloride is usually not effective for hyperhidrosis located in the hands and feet. Palmar hydrosis is the term used for hand excessive sweating. For the feet, it's called Plantar hyperhidrosis.
* Botulinum Toxin (botox) Basically it is injected to disable the sweat glands. Effects can last from 4-9 months. This is an FDA approved sweat control treatment. (watch video)
* Anticholinergic drugs. These drugs somehow reduces hyperhidrosis. Oxybutynin (Ditropan) is an example of this but with several side effects like drowsiness, visual symptoms and dryness in the mouth and other mucus membranes. Propantheline bromide (Probanthine) and benzatropin (Cogentin) are other anticholinergic agents.
* Antidepressants and anxiolytics
Surgical Procedures
* Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) (watch video)
* Lumbar sympathectomy
* Sweat Gland Suction - approximately 30% of sweat glands are removed. Proportionate reduction in sweat. (watch video)
* Percutaneous Sympathectomy - this is a minimal invasive procedure whee the nerve is blocked by an injection called phenol.
Other Control Measures
* Iontophoresis. A conductor device is used. The device is usually used for the hands and feet, but there has been a device created for the axillae (armpit) area and for the stump region of amputees.
* Hypnosis
* Talc. Baby powder is used to absorb the sweat. It is a temporary measure to keep the problematic area dry.
* Meditation and other Relaxation Therapies
* Natural Sweat Control
 |
