What Is Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis?

Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition in which excessive sweating mainly affects the palms of the hands as well as the soles of the feet. It is a subtype of focal hyperhidrosis. However, the exact cause is unknown. The condition typically develops in childhood or adolescence and persists into adulthood. It can affect physical and psychological aspects of life, ranging from difficulty in handling objects to social embarrassment. Generally, Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis affects 2 to 3 percent of the general population and refers to the sweaty palms and soles of the feet. Fortunately, hyperhidrosis can be treated, and one effective surgical solution is sympathectomy or sweat gland removal—a procedure expertly performed by renowned thoracic surgeon Dr. Arvind Kumar.

Causes of Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis

Sweaty palms are caused by the overactivation of eccrine sweat glands, which are those situated in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. These glands are serviced by nerves that are responsible for releasing a substance named acetylcholine, which stimulates sweat production. This is different from sweat glands located in other body areas. This difference is the reason why people experience more sweating in the palms and feet than in other body parts. There are two classifications of Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis: acute as well as chronic; acute is sudden and of short duration and is due to stress or drug use. Chronic is persistent and recurrent and is due to a health condition or gene mutations from parents. The main causes are :

Emotional causes

The emotional causes of Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis are strong emotions that trigger the sudden release of sweat :

• Stress
• Fear
• Anxiety
• Embarrassment
• Nervousness

Endocrine Causes of Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis

Certain disorders cause hormonal imbalances that trigger the overproduction of acetylcholine; some hormone-related conditions that develop excessive sweating are :

• Diabetes
• Hyperthyroidism
• Hypopituitarism
• Menopause
• Pregnancy
• Post-operative compensatory sweating

Neurological causes

Some neurological causes are also there that lead to Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis, as some conditions directly injure nerves, like :

• Stroke
• Spinal cord injury
• Parkinson’s disease
• A regional pain syndrome

Tumors 

Certain cancerous or non-cancerous tumours affect the nervous system and endocrine systems, triggering many abnormalities, including Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis. These conditions are :

• Blood cancer types like Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Carcinoid syndrome
• Neuroendocrine tumors
• Chest wall tumours

Infectious causes of Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis

Any infection that attacks the body can disturb the brain’s thermostat and lead to Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis. Mainly, two conditions are listed below, and both are linked with variations in the levels that lead to Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis:

• Sepsis
• Tuberculosis

Alcohol and drug use

People consuming many drugs and excessive alcohol disturb the hormone levels and thus lead to Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis. Some causes are :

• Alcohol
• Insulin
• Opioids
• NSAIDs

Related Blog: Does Hyperhidrosis Affect Fertility?

Symptoms of Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis

If you have sweaty palms and soles of your feet with clammy skin and an unpleasant odour, then you might have Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis. This is a medical condition that affects people’s daily activities and can also cause discomfort and embarrassment. Some synonyms to notice are :

• Excessive sweating in palms and feet, even if you are not physically active,
• Clammy hands, and if you find it difficult to grip objects or walk comfortably.
• Unpleasant foot odour is caused by excessive sweating produced by the feet.
• The skin is infected in the palm and sole areas because of moisture.

Risk factors for developing Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis

Many factors can make a person at risk of developing Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis, including genetics and a family history of excessive sweating. Hormonal changes are also responsible for triggering the condition, along with emotional stress and anxiety. Some risk factors include :

• Genetics plays a significant role in the development of the condition that people with a family history are more prone to.
• Hormonal changes during puberty and menopause can trigger the condition.
• Obesity makes a person more prone to Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis, as excessive weight increases sweat production.
• Certain uses of medications can increase your risk of developing Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis

The diagnosis of Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis involves reviewing the patient’s medical history along with performing a physical examination. In a few cases, doctors may also advise additional tests, such as a starch iodine test or a thermoregulatory sweat test, to quantify the extent of sweating. These tests are vital in determining if any underlying medical condition is contributing to it. Paper tests may also be recombined to determine the amount of sweat released. The treatment of Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis in Delhi is very effective, and there are many non-surgical options as well to manage and alleviate the symptoms of the condition. The treatment options include :

Topical antiperspirants

In many cases of Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis, the doctor will give over-the-counter or prescription-strength antiperspirants that can be applied to the palms to help reduce sweating.

Lifestyle modifications

Doctors also help you with lifestyle modifications that can help treat the condition, such as staying cool, managing stress and anxiety, and avoiding other triggers to reduce sweating.

Iontophoresis

It is a non-invasive treatment option for Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis that uses a low electrical current to block the sweat glands in the palms and soles temporarily. The drawback of the Thai option is that you need frequent treatment for 30 minutes every day, four times a week.

Botulinum Toxin injections

These injections are also said to be an effective treatment for Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis that helps provide temporary relief by blocking the nerve signals that trigger excessive sweating.

Medications

There are many medications also available, such as antiperspirant creams, that can be used to manage excessive sweating.

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy 

It is a surgical treatment option for Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis and involves cutting the sympathetic nerves that produce sweat in the palms. The surgery offers great results, but it is not for everybody, as it involves some risks as well.

Conclusion

Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterised by sweaty palms and feet. If left untreated, it can also lead to several consequences that affect quality of life. If you experience some serious symptoms of Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis, you must immediately seek the treatment option. However, many people find it embarrassing to discuss excessive sweating in their palms and feet with a doctor. But it’s best to discuss and sell your concerns to manage them effectively. However, a few conditions may need immediate attention as well, so discuss them and get timely treatment. Consult Dr. Arvind Kumar, one of the chest surgeons in Delhi and Gurgaon, as he offers the Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis treatment through surgery using a keyhole approach. He is known for his expertise in managing excessive sweating of the palms and providing advanced treatment options, including minimally invasive techniques like ETS for great outcomes. It is among the top choices for the treatment of Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis in Delhi.