How is hyperhidrosis of the hands and feet treated?

Written by Zhang Jian Bo
Dermatology
Updated on September 29, 2024
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The patient suffers from palmar-plantar hyperhidrosis, which can be treated using antiperspirants or botulinum toxin injections. Palmar-plantar hyperhidrosis is primarily about controlling sweat secretion and is caused by a disorder in the sympathetic nervous system function. In treatment, antiperspirants used mainly contain aluminum salt compounds, such as 20% aluminum chloride. It should be used according to the doctor's instructions, every three to five days. Typically, dryness and flaking of the skin occur after using the medication, and timely skin care is necessary. Botulinum toxin injections can also be used to treat palmar-plantar hyperhidrosis. Botulinum toxin can inhibit the action of acetylcholine at local nerve endings, which also has a therapeutic effect on local hyperhidrosis. Moreover, the effect lasts relatively long, maintaining about six months.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Excessive sweating is commonly seen in which diseases?

In cases of excessive sweating, it is often seen in individuals with kidney deficiency, physical weakness, or excessive dampness. It may also be due to malnutrition, such as calcium deficiency or lack of trace elements, which can all lead to this symptom. Therefore, it is advisable to manage your diet by including eggs, lean meat, shrimp, as well as fruits like apples, bananas, and grapefruits. These foods help increase the body's calcium and contain trace elements, which can lead to significant improvements. Additionally, ensure adequate sleep, avoid overworking, and do not stay up late.

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Written by Yang Li
Endocrinology
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Is excessive sweating a symptom of diabetes?

Diabetes typically presents with symptoms of polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, and weight loss, commonly known as the "three excesses and one deficiency." However, diabetic patients often have accompanying autonomic dysfunctions or peripheral neuropathy, which can also lead to excessive sweating. Clinically, it is observed that some patients might sweat excessively in specific areas. For instance, some might report excessive forehead sweating or localized sweating on certain body parts, or even unilateral sweating. In such cases, it is necessary to consider whether the symptoms might be a complication of diabetes. To diagnose this, one should firstly conduct diagnostic tests for diabetes, such as the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), to determine if the blood glucose levels meet the diagnostic criteria for diabetes. Additionally, it is important to perform electromyography to check for any neuropathic complications that might affect nerve conduction velocities. This helps in determining whether excessive sweating is a specific symptom of diabetes. However, not all cases of hyperhidrosis are specific to diabetes; other conditions, such as hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis), can also cause excessive sweating and should be considered.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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The difference between hyperhidrosis and bromhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is generally a disease caused by one's own endocrine imbalance or hormonal levels. The most characteristic symptom of this disease is increased sweating, such as excessive sweating from the armpits, groin, or palms, especially after exercise or staying up late, but there is no abnormal odor. Bromhidrosis is a type of hereditary disease, characterized by excessive sweating from both armpits and a strong odor, which can start showing symptoms from puberty. Bromhidrosis cannot be completely eradicated, while hyperhidrosis can be cured through proper medical treatment. The most common treatment for bromhidrosis is surgical removal of the large sweat glands, which can reduce or alleviate the odor, but cannot eradicate it completely.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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The difference between hyperhidrosis and body odor

Hyperhidrosis is generally caused by one's endocrine issues or hormonal imbalances, leading to excessive sweating. The primary symptom is excessive sweating in the hands; sweating tends to increase with physical activity or handwork. Some patients also experience excessive sweating in the armpits and around the upper thighs. Bromhidrosis is a genetically inherited disease characterized by excessive sweating and unpleasant odors in the armpits, demonstrating a familial tendency. These two conditions are distinct and require different treatments. Bromhidrosis is mainly treated surgically to completely remove the sweat glands and reduce the odor, although it cannot be completely cured. In contrast, hyperhidrosis can be managed through self-regulation and using traditional Chinese medicine to adjust the endocrine balance, which can be effective for treatment.

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Written by Xia Min
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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What Chinese medicine is good for excessive sweating?

In clinical settings, hyperhidrosis is often divided into two types: spontaneous sweating and night sweating. Spontaneous sweating is mainly caused by qi deficiency, and commonly treated with Astragalus, Cypress, and Fangfeng to address the excessive sweating due to qi deficiency. On the other hand, night sweating is primarily due to yin deficiency. For yin deficiency-induced hyperhidrosis, medicines that nourish yin such as Rehmannia glutinosa, Cornus officinalis, and Chinese yam are used. Additionally, other yin-nourishing medicines like Asparagus Tuber, Ophiopogon Japonicus, and Dendrobium can also be employed. (Medicines should be taken under the guidance of a physician and based on actual conditions.)