Hyperhidrosis

Question 1

What is Hyperhidrosis?

Answer 1

sweating in excess of that required for regulation of body temperature

Question 2

What are the two types of Hyperhidrosis?

Answer 2

primary- no cause but usually localised to hands, armpits, scalp or feet, improves as patient gets older
Secondary- medications of systemic conditions

Question 3

What re the causes of secondary Hyperhidrosis?

Answer 3

pregnancy, menopause, anxiety, infections, malignancy such as lymphomas, endocrine disorders (hyperthyroidism etc) medications like anticholinesterases, antidepressants and propranolol

Question 4

What are the clinical features of primary hyperhidrosis?

Answer 4

focal sweating, bilateral, symmetrical at least once a week, present for more than 6 months

Question 5

What are the clinical features of secondary hyperhidrosis?

Answer 5

generalised sweating usually at night, pyrexia, palpitations or unexplained weightloss may also be present

Question 6

What are the investigations for hyperhidrosis?

Answer 6

history and examination but may do FBC, U and E, CRP, TFT, glucose and CXR as routine

Question 7

What is the management for Hyperhidrosis?

Answer 7

reduce stress, anxiety, spicy food, loose fitting close anti-perspirants, aluminium chlorine, propantheline

Question 8

What surgical interventions can be done for Hyperhidrosis?

Answer 8

weak electric currents through the area through water soaked sponged, botulinum toxin, endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy