Sweating, which is a function of the sweat glands, is a system that regulates the body's temperature against hot and cold. There are two types of sweat glands in our body: eccrine and apocrine. While eccrine type sweat glands are widely found in the body, apoeccrine sweat glands are located mostly in the armpit, nape, chest and pubis shadow.
The main function of sweating is to regulate body temperature. The liquid (sweat) secreted from sweat glands that secrete clear sweat evaporates and helps cool the body.
Body temperature is controlled by the temperature regulation center in the hypothalamus region of the brain. This process is done by excreting sweat from sweat glands that secrete clear sweat and regulating the blood flow of the skin. This center is not only sensitive to body temperature. Emotional and physical activities, hormones, and substances that increase internal heat also affect the thermoregulation center.
While the sweat glands in the hands and feet work primarily with emotional stimuli (stress, excitement, anxiety, anger), the armpit sweat glands work both in response to emotional stimulation. They work with both emotional and temperature regulation signals.
Stimulations coming from the temperature regulation center of the brain; It is transmitted to the sweat glands in the skin by the sympathetic nervous system, which is a part of the autonomic (involuntary) nervous system, and sweat is secreted. Both types of sweat glands, which secrete clear and thick sweat, are stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system.
Excessive Sweating
The body sweats 4-5 times a day to cool itself. is considered normal. Excessive sweating that affects daily life is called hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
There is no abnormality in the structure, number and size of sweat glands in people with excessive sweating. There is an increase in the sweat gland's response to normal emotional and physical stimuli and in sweat production.
Excessive sweating can negatively affect a person's personal appearance, relationships with other people, work efficiency, career choice, mental health and quality of life.
Sweat secretion is regulated by the sympathetic system, which is a part of the autonomic (spontaneous) nervous system. Conditions affecting this system cause excessive sweat secretion. The disease occurs without any cause However, it can be a symptom of many different diseases. Excessive sweating that is not due to a cause is usually regional. It occurs in different mixtures and degrees in the feet, hands, armpits and face areas.
Excessive sweating that occurs due to diseases is common conditions that generally affect most of the body. If a disease that causes sweating is detected, this is corrected first. Treatment options; Duration of effect, side effects, severity of sweating and may vary by region.
Treatment Options for Excessive Sweating
Drugs used externally for hyperhidrosis treatment, systemic drugs, Iontophoresis, surgery. It is classified as treatment and botox injection.
Cream and topical drugs
Drugs in the form of cream, lotion or deodorant applied locally to the sweating area in mild sweating are used as antiperspirants. It is the first recommended simple treatment method.
Iontophoresis
It can be used for moderate hand and foot sweating. It is not very effective on armpit sweating. Hands and/or feet are placed in a bathtub containing electrolyte solution or a metal plate. The device delivers low-intensity electric current that does not disturb people. Sweating stops for a while when the ions affected by the electric current block the sweat ducts.
Botox
It is a treatment that can be used for armpit, hand and foot sweating. It causes temporary paralysis in nerve conduction. It prevents sweat production from sweat glands by blocking sympathetic nerve conduction in the area where excessive sweating occurs. Intradermal injections are performed by marking the area where sweating occurs. After treatment, there may be pain at the injection sites that lasts for a few days. The effect of the treatment appears after a few hours or days. After the first application, the second session is done 2-3 weeks later. Since its effect is temporary (6-8 months), the treatment must be repeated. It can also be applied to hand and foot sweating.
Systemic drug treatments
Treatments in the form of oral medication for general body sweating, sweating where other methods cannot be applied, and in cases where short-term effects are expected. applicable. Among the drugs used in systemic treatment: Anticholinergics, Benzodiazepines, Diltiazem, Clonidine and other drugs. Anticholinergic drugs used in systemic treatment are not generally used in the treatment of hyperhidrosis due to their significant side effects such as dry mouth, visual impairment, constipation and heart palpitations, as well as their effects on reducing sweating.
Surgical (sympathectomy)
Surgery (sympathectomy)
strong>It is a method that provides a solution for very severe sweating. It is applied under general anesthesia (full sleep anesthesia).
Read: 0
