| Palmoplantar hyperhidrosis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Hyperhidrosis seen on the hands. | |
| Specialty | Dermatology |
Palmoplantar hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating localized to the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It is a form offocal hyperhidrosis in that the excessive sweating is limited to a specific region of the body. As with other types offocal hyperhidrosis (e.g. axillary and craniofacial) the sweating tends to worsen during warm weather.[1]
Palmoplantar hyperhidrosis is a frequent disorder when excessive amounts of sweat are inappropriately secreted by theeccrine glands in the palms and soles.[2]
There is little knowledge about the pathogenesis of focal hyperhidrosis.Focal hyperhidrosis may indicate a complicatedautonomic nervous system malfunction involving bothparasympathetic andsympathetic pathways.[3] Given that 30% to 50% of patients have a family history of hyperhidrosis, there may be a genetic susceptibility.[4]
Because the excessive sweating is easily noticeable, palmoplantar hyperhidrosis is a clinical diagnosis.[2]
For palmoplantar hyperhidrosis, 20%aluminum chloride hexahydrate in absolute anhydrousethyl alcohol (Drysol) is the most effective topical treatment.[4] Other topical treatments such aspotassium permanganate,tannic acid (2 to 5 percent solutions),resorcinol,boric acid,formaldehyde,methenamine, andglutaraldehyde have yielded less than desirable results.[2]
Iontophoresis is a well-known treatment forhyperhidrosis that involves applying a direct electrical current to the skin.[5]Iontophoresis has been combined with a variety of substances, such as tap water, salt water, andanticholinergic medications.[6]
Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections are safe, efficient, and frequently enhance the quality of life for those who suffer fromhyperhidrosis.[7] The toxin damages thesweat glands' post-ganglionic sympathetic innervation and preventsacetylcholine from being released at theneuromuscular junction.[8]