Posts for tag: sweat
Excessive sweating from the soles of the feet, known as palmoplantar hyperhidrosis, can affect both children and adults. This condition occurs when the eccrine (sweat) glands of the soles secrete inappropriately large amounts of sweat. It typically occurs due to unknown reasons, begins in childhood, and commonly runs in families.
Eccrine glands are found on almost all parts of the body but are most dense in the palms and soles. The glands have developed and work normal in patients with palmoplantar hyperhidrosis, they just work more than needed. These glands produce sweat in response to emotion and stress. This is the reason people do not notice sweaty feet as they sleep.
Diagnosis is obvious because the sweating is easily noticed. Various treatment options are available but each has limitations. Creams and sprays are a great way to limit the severity of sweat but do not cure the condition. These are time-consuming therapies because the cream must be applied nightly. Iontophoresis is the passage of an electrical current onto to the skin, and has long been used to treat hyperhidrosis. Iontophoresis consists of 30 min sessions for ten consecutive days followed by one or two maintenance sessions per week. Oral pills will achieve desired results but must be taken for long periods of time and have numerous side effects. Surgical treatment is an option to treat hyperhidrosis. Sympathectomy involves the surgical destruction of nerves in the soles. Although the procedure is effective, it is permanent and should be considered only after all other therapeutic options have been explored. It is important to visit a podiatrist for treatment of palmoplantar hyperhidrosis, as there are many treatment methods. Coastal Podiatry Associates can help determine which treatment method is best to restore normal function of the sweat glands.