Hyperhidrosis: symptoms and treatment

Hyperhidrosis – or excessive sweating – can range from mild to severe. It can be a slight nuisance, or a condition that interferes with work and is socially embarrassing. Studies show more than seven million people in the U.S. suffer from Hyperhidrosis.

• Most commonly, feet, hands, face and armpits are affected
• Frequently changing clothing because of excessive sweating
• Avoiding shaking hands
• Difficulty writing because pens slips or sweat soaks through ink on a page
• Missing out on social activities due to concern about sweating

Dignity Health Medical Foundations’ Thoracic Surgery team knows this condition can be life altering. A long lasting effective treatment for Hyperhidrosis is to surgically stop the signal transmissions of the sympathetic nerve impulse to the sweat glands. The best treatment is with a procedure known as Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS).

• Outpatient surgery
• General anesthesia
• Small incisions – two less than 1/2 inch incisions on each side
• Fiberoptic camera and small surgical instruments used
• Surgeon will locate and cut the right portion of the sympathetic nerve chain
• Less scarring and quick recovery time

Our thoracic surgeons perform this outpatient procedure in 20 minutes with long lasting results. Most other treatments for Hyperhidrosis are temporary and may cause discomfort. Hyperhidrosis is a condition that no one should have to live with. Depending on insurance, some patients will need a referral from their primary care physician while others may self-refer.