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In this epoch, self-presentation plays a vital role in our day-to-day life, especially in professional endeavours. It is disheartening to see many adults who are suffering from Hyperhidrosis (a condition in which people sweat excessively on their hands and feet) who struggle in coping with social interaction. Though there are various treatment options available nowadays, the surgical option gives the best outcome. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what causes hyperhidrosis, the impact it can have, and why surgery is a game-changer.
Synopsis
What is Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a non-physiological condition characterised by excessive sweating unrelated to exercise or hot weather. It commonly affects the palms, soles, underarms, and face, often interfering with daily activities and social interactions.
There are two types of hyperhidrosis:
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Primary (idiopathic): It is mainly caused by the over activity of the sympathetic nerve chain, which is responsible for carrying involuntary signals from the brain. It is more common when compared to secondary hyperhidrosis, and adolescents are the most affected demographic group.
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Secondary: This is due to underlying diseases such as thyroid disease, diabetes, etc. It is also classified considering the focal region where increased sweating is present.
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Palmar hyperhidrosis: The most common and excessive sweating over hands
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Plantar hyperhidrosis: Over the foot, especially the sole region
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Palmo- Plantar hyperhidrosis: Both hands and feet
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Facial hyperhidrosis: Over the face
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Chest and back
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Symptoms of Hyperhidrosis
The main symptom of Hyperhidrosis is excessive and uncontrolled sweating of the hands, axilla, and feet. Due to constant wetness in these areas, patients experience discomfort and may need to use tissues and handkerchiefs throughout the day. Patients also suffer in their work life because of constant slippery hands. Due to constant worry about these symptoms, people find difficulty in focusing on their work and even end up developing depression.
What Are the Impacts?
The key impacts include the following:
Personal challenges:
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Individuals with Hyperhidrosis often struggle with social interactions, experiencing hesitation in gestures like handshakes and hugs.
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The constant drenching of clothes, especially in the axillary region, can create an awkward feeling and lead to loss of self-confidence
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Constant worry and fear of excessive sweating may distract one from being focused and attentive at work.
Professional difficulties:
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Due to constantly wet and slippery hands, certain professional workers' jobs may be difficult, and this may compromise their performance.
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Professions such as instrument artists, Gym trainers, badminton players, electricians, soldiers, police officers, and IT employees experienced significant discomfort during work hours.
These challenges have led some individuals to quit their jobs and experience depression as a result.
What Are the Treatment Options Available?
While several treatment options exist for hyperhidrosis, they often fall short in providing a definitive and permanent solution.
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Oral Medications: Tablets such as oxybutynin, steroids, and antidepressants, as well as anticholinergic drugs, come with significant adverse effects, including dryness of the eyes and oral cavity, corneal ulcers, and even addiction.
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Botox Injections: Though it provides immediate results, it offers temporary effects which last for 2 to 3 months. It may also lead to skin gangrene in some cases.
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Iontophoresis: It involves transferring mild electric power over a partially immersed hand, which acts on the nerve endings and causes a temporary effect. However, its effect lasts for a few months and may need more electric energy for the subsequent sessions.
So overall, local therapies, which are mentioned above, are not effective enough as they require multiple sessions, partial relief, and adverse effects.
What’s the Definite and Permanent Solution?
Surgical intervention gives a permanent and definite solution as it addresses the root cause (overactivity of the sympathetic chain). Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) combined with Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS) involves excising a segment of the sympathetic nerve chain, including the ganglion responsible for excessive sweating.
With years of experience in performing ETS surgery, our expert General and Robotic Surgeon, and his team at Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore, have successfully treated numerous patients without any complications.
Are There Any Side Effects?
There are no absolute side effects related to surgery. Though conditions such as compensatory sweating and Horner’s syndrome are mentioned in journals, their occurrence are very rare. The complications such as heart problems, neurological deficits, and sexual dysfunction are baseless misconceptions.
How to Proceed with the Surgical Option?
If you are considering ETS surgery as a solution for your hyperhidrosis, taking the next steps is straightforward.
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Schedule a consultation with an expert surgeon in Bangalore for a complete evaluation and confirmation of diagnosis.
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Following this, you will undergo the necessary blood investigations and a pre-anaesthesia check-up to ensure your readiness for surgery.
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On the scheduled day of the procedure, you will be taken to the operating theatre, where the surgery will be conducted under general anaesthesia, ensuring a pain-free experience.
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After the surgery, you will be carefully monitored in the ward for a day before being discharged the following day.
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The recovery period typically allows patients to resume their normal activities within a week, providing them with a new lease on life – free from sweaty hands.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ETS surgery presents a definitive and permanent cure for individuals suffering from hyperhidrosis. With its ability to address the root cause of excessive sweating, this procedure offers patients a chance to regain their self-confidence and overcome the challenges that previously held them back – it may just be the life-changing breakthrough you have been waiting for.
Explore safe and permanent treatment options for Hyperhidrosis at our General Surgery Department at Manipal Hospitals, Kanakapura Road.
FAQ's
It’s a good question, and one a lot of people wonder about. If your sweating happens even when you're not anxious, hot, or physically active, and especially if it's focused on your palms, soles, or underarms, it could be hyperhidrosis. A consultation with an expert can help confirm the diagnosis with simple tests and an evaluation of your symptoms.
No, the procedure is minimally invasive. ETS surgery is done using a thoracoscopic approach, which involves very small incisions that usually heal well and leave little to no visible scarring. Most patients are surprised by how quick the recovery is and how discreet the surgery marks are.
The surgery is done under full anaesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Afterwards, there might be mild discomfort for a day or two, but nothing that can’t be managed with simple pain medication. Most patients are back to their regular routine within a week.
Some patients may indeed experience mild sweating in other areas like the back or thighs, but it's usually manageable and less distressing than palmar or plantar sweating.
Unlike temporary treatments that just manage the symptoms, ETS surgery treats the root cause by targeting the overactive nerves causing the sweat. It’s a one-time solution that offers permanent relief. So instead of constantly worrying about the next session or side effects, you can finally be free from the problem altogether.
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