JAKARTA - Sweat is a natural mechanism of the body to keep the temperature stable. However, in some people, sweat comes out excessively even though the body does not need cooling. This condition is called hyperhydrosis. Although not harmful, hyperhydrosis can interfere with daily activities, reduce quality of life, and even erode the sufferer's self-confidence.
Toraks, Kardiak, and Vascalar Surgeon Specialist Eka Hospital Cibubur, dr. Stella Aprilia, explained that hyperhydrosis is a medical condition when a person sweats excessively without being triggered by physical activity or hot temperatures.
"Usually excessive sweat appears in certain areas such as palms, feet, armpits, and faces," said dr Stella in Bogor, Tuesday, September 16.
According to him, hyperhydrosis is divided into two types. First, primary hyperhydrosis, which generally appears from childhood or youth. The exact cause is not yet known, although genetic factors are suspected to play a role.
Second, secondary hyperhidrosis triggered by other diseases such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, infection, and side effects of drugs. In this type, excessive sweat usually appears throughout the body.
In primary hyperhidrosis, the main cause is excessive activity of the nervous system controlling the sweat glands. Stress can also be a trigger. While secondary hyperhydrosis is a symptom of a particular disease, so an accurate diagnosis is very important for proper treatment.
Dr Stella emphasized that excessive sweat on people with hyperhydrosis is not a sign of heart disease. Many patients are worried that excessive sweat is a symptom of a heart attack. In fact, hyperhydrosis is different from the emergency medical condition.
"Excess memory in hyperhydrosis is not caused by heart problems, but because nerves are too active in controlling sweat glands," he said.
He added that people need to distinguish hyperhydrosis symptoms from other medical signs. If excessive sweat is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or severe dizziness, then it can indicate serious conditions that require immediate treatment. However, in hyperhydrosis, sweat usually only appears excessive in certain areas without other harmful symptoms.
Along with the development of medical technology, people with hyperhydrosis now have various therapeutic options according to the severity of the condition. Some of them are the use of antiperspirants with aluminium chloride content, iontophoresis procedures using light electricity, botox injections to block sweat-triggering nerve signals, anti-oclinergic drug consumption, to surgery measures in the form of Torooscopic Endoscopic Endoscopic (ETS).
The ETS operation is carried out with a minimal invasive technique. Through a small cut in the chest wall, doctors insert a small camera (toroscope) to find sympathetic nerves that control the sweat gland, then cut it or clamp it.
"This procedure usually lasts about an hour with a relatively fast recovery period. Patients generally immediately feel significant results, such as palms that become dry after surgery," said dr. Stella.
Although effective, ETS operations have the potential to cause side effects in the form of wearing compensatory or compensation sweat. This condition is indicated by the release of excessive sweat in other parts of the body, such as the back, stomach, or thighs. However, many patients think that this effect is still lighter than the hyperhydrosis experienced previously.
He further explained that living with hyperhidrosis can indeed be very disturbing, but this condition can be managed. If excessive sweat has interfered with daily activities, you should immediately seek professional assistance.
"The right diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic plans will help patients regain control of the body and increase self-confidence," added dr Stella.
People who want to know more or look for medical solutions related to hyperhydrosis can consult a team of professional doctors at Eka Hospital Cibubur.
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