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E
xcessive
sweating (Hyperhydrosis), bad body odour (Bromhydrosis) and colouring of
sweat (chromhydrosis) are common
sweat gland related problems. Hyperhydrosis can be generalized or localized
to palms, soles and axillae.
Generalised Hyperhydrosis:
There is a marked physiologic variation in the amount of sweating from person to person. Commonly, generalised hyperhydrosis is
seen during attacks of fever; this can persist for a few days to
months and subsides as the fever subsides. Other causes for
generalised hyperhydrosis are:
- Emotional
- Obesity
- Menopause
- Diabetic
autonomic neuropathy
- Hypoglycemia
-
Hyperthyroidism
-
Hyperpituitarism
-
Phaeochromocytoma
- Lymphoma
- Idiopathic
Localised Hyperhydrosis:
It occurs especially on the palms, soles and the axillae and to a
lesser extent over the groins and face. It is usually related to
emotional factors. The sweating of palms and soles could be
continuous or phasic. When continuous, it is worse in the summer
and not so clearly precipitated by emotional factors. The phasic
type is usually precipitated by minor emotional or mental activity
and is not markedly different in summer and winter. Excessive
sweating of palms and soles predisposes to a type of eczema called
as pompholyx, contact dermatitis and infections.
Treatment:
Generalised hyperhydrosis:
- Treatment of
the underlying disease
- Systemic
anticholinergic agents
- Reassurance
Localised hyperhydrosis:
Bromhydrosis:
Secretions are odourless by themselves, but bacterial action on the
secretions results in formation of bad odour (commonly in the axilla,
groins, feet). Treatment includes topical
antibiotic creams, deodorant antiperspirant preparations containing acidic
aluminium or zinc salts, 10-20% aluminium chloride (Drysol) for nights. |
