Axillary Hyperhidrosis

In some people, approximately 1% of the population, this system works exaggeratedly in a range higher than necessary to maintain a constant temperature. This condition is called hyperhidrosis.

Hyperhidrosis, or sweat production in amounts greater than those necessary for thermoregulation, is a common pathology that can seriously condition the lives of patients suffering from it.

 It can be classified according to its etiology, speaking of primary (HP) or idiopathic hyperhidrosis and secondary hyperhidrosis, the latter may be caused by neurological, endocrine, infectious, tumor disorders and by multiple drugs such as opioids, certain NSAIDs, antidepressants, calcium antagonists or Chemotherapists It is also classified according to its location, then speaking of generalized hyperhidrosis and localized hyperhidrosis.

Primary localized hyperhidrosis has an estimated incidence of 2.8%, this can be axillary, facial, palmar, plantar or the combination of two or more affected areas.

There are eccrine glands distributed throughout the body although its concentration is higher at the level of palms, plants, armpits, and upper facial third. These glands are innervated by cholinergic fibers of the sympathetic nervous system, under normal conditions they respond to heat, stress, and certain olfactory and gustatory stimuli. When there is an autonomous dysfunction in this innervation, hyperhidrosis occurs.

TREATMENT

In secondary hyperhidrosis, the underlying disease must be treated first. Methods such as antiperspirants, iontophoresis, drugs, psychotherapy, and surgery (liposuction) have been used, among others.

Liposuction is a frequently used cosmetic surgical procedure. It has been found beneficial in the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis. It provides a means to remove sweat glands without sacrificing overlying tissue. Since apocrine glands are located deep in subcutaneous fatty tissue, liposuction has also been used to remove them, without compromising deeper structures, such as the brachial plexus. This procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis, and the patient It recovers quickly.