Term hyperhidrosis (increased perspiration) is derived from Latin words “hyper” meaning the increase and “hidro” translated as water. Increased or excess perspiration is called hyperhidrosis. It refers to the disorder which manifests with excess spontaneous local perspiration in the areas of armpits, soles and palms. Such perspiration exceeds the normal needs of physiological thermoregulation. It reflects the excessive response of sweat glands to normal stimuli.
Everybody has at least once experienced an unpleasant feeling of fright and, thus, suddenly “sweating” hands and armpits. These are normal episodic organism reactions to emotional or other stimuli. The appearance of sweat drops on forehead is possible after heavy physical load, palms can sweat due to intense emotional experiences. Human nervous system reacts to emotions with increased heart beat, rapid breathing and increased muscle tone. During stressful organism situations, the sweat glands also react and start to secrete sweat. Such condition is a part of our everyday life and, thus, is not attributed to any pathology.
Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a pathological condition. Intensive perspiration can occur in case of even inconsiderable excitement and even due to thoughts. Sometimes it takes only a shake of hand and hands as well as armpits start sweating immediately. Secreted sweat causes fear and, thus, stimulates higher increase in perspiration. Faulty circle is formed and cannot be broken by oneself.
Such simple-looking problem can grow into serious psychological problems, such as neurosis, depression, various complexes and as often as not burdens the professional activity – in working with computer keyboard, thin instruments, etc. In addition, with the start of bacterial or fungous disease, the unpleasant odour, skin irritation, dermatitis and other skin diseases occur.
In case of hyperhidrosis, the general increased and local body perspiration conditions are distinguished. The majority of cases of hyperhidrosis are related to idiopathic initial local increased perspiration. The causes of this perspiration are yet unknown, therefore it is called as being of idiopathic origin or essential. Its intensity is conditioned by the amount of acetylcholine in a synaptic gap. Namely this type of perspiration is treated with botulinum toxin injections.
However, there is another secondary intensified general body perspiration, the causes of which can be diverse – of infectious origin due to various endocrine, neurological and systemic disorders. In this case, it is necessary to diagnose the perspiration causing disease and select treatment.
Botulinum toxin A injections for treating increased local perspiration
Hyperhidrosis is effectively treated with botulinum toxin type A injections. Botulinum toxin is a protein secreted by Clostridium botulinum bacterium. It blocks the mediator acetylcholine secretion in effectors and, thus, blocks the transmission of nervous impulse to sweat glands. Therefore, sweat glands stop secreting perspiration.
The procedure is safe and performed under ambulatory conditions. The marked points in the projection of sweat glands are injected with botulinum toxin. The duration of procedure – 15-20 minutes. The effect can be noticed within 1-3 days and the peak is achieved within 1-2 weeks after the injections and lasts for 6 to 12 months.
Contraindications:
Absolute:
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
- Haemophilia
- Local skin infection in the area of injection
- Muscular/nervous system diseases
Relative:
- Usage of antibiotics and anticoagulants
- Chronic diseases
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