Compensatory hyperhidrosis: Difference between revisions

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'''Compensatory hyperhidrosis''' is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating in one area of the body as a compensatory response to reduced sweating in another area. This condition often arises as a side effect of certain medical treatments or surgeries, particularly those involving the [[sympathetic nervous system]]. It is a complex and challenging condition to manage, affecting patients' quality of life due to discomfort and social embarrassment.
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
==Causes==
| name            = Compensatory hyperhidrosis
Compensatory hyperhidrosis primarily occurs as a compensatory mechanism following [[sympathectomy]], a surgical procedure aimed at reducing excessive sweating ([[hyperhidrosis]]) in specific areas such as the hands, feet, or armpits. The surgery involves cutting or destroying parts of the sympathetic nerve chain responsible for sweating. While it can effectively reduce sweating in the targeted areas, it may lead to increased sweating in other parts of the body as a compensatory response.
| image          = [[File:Gray530.png|left|thumb|Illustration of the sympathetic nervous system]]
 
| caption        = The sympathetic nervous system, which is involved in the regulation of sweating.
Other causes may include:
| synonyms        =
* Damage to the [[sympathetic nervous system]] due to trauma or other surgical procedures.
| pronounce      =  
* Neurological disorders that affect the regulation of sweating.
| specialty      = [[Dermatology]], [[Neurology]]
* Certain medications that alter the body's sweat production.
| symptoms        = Excessive sweating in areas not previously affected
 
| complications  = [[Skin infections]], [[Social anxiety disorder]]
==Symptoms==
| onset          = After [[surgical sympathectomy]]
The primary symptom of compensatory hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating, which can occur in various parts of the body, including the trunk, thighs, face, or areas not originally affected by hyperhidrosis. This sweating is often more pronounced during certain times of the day or under specific conditions, such as in warm environments or during physical activity.
| duration        = Long-term
 
| causes          = Compensatory mechanism after [[sympathectomy]]
==Diagnosis==
| risks          =
Diagnosis of compensatory hyperhidrosis involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Physicians may also use tests to measure sweat production in different areas of the body, including:
| diagnosis      = Clinical evaluation
* [[Starch-iodine test]]: This test involves applying an iodine solution to the skin. Once it dries, starch is sprinkled over the area. The starch-iodine combination will turn dark wherever there is excessive sweat.
| differential    = [[Primary hyperhidrosis]], [[Hyperthyroidism]]
* [[Thermoregulatory sweat test]]: A dye that changes color with sweating is applied to the body, and the patient is then exposed to a warm environment to stimulate sweating.
| prevention      =
 
| treatment      = [[Antiperspirants]], [[Botulinum toxin]] injections, [[Medications]]
==Treatment==
| medication      = [[Anticholinergics]]
Treatment for compensatory hyperhidrosis focuses on managing symptoms, as there is currently no cure for the condition. Options include:
| prognosis      = Variable
* [[Antiperspirants]] containing aluminum chloride, which can reduce sweating in mild cases.
| frequency      = Common after sympathectomy
* Medications such as anticholinergics, which can decrease overall sweating but may have side effects.
}}
* [[Iontophoresis]], a procedure that uses electrical currents to temporarily block sweat glands.
{{Short description|A condition characterized by excessive sweating in areas not previously affected, often as a result of surgical intervention.}}
* [[Botox injections]] (Botulinum toxin type A), which can temporarily block the nerves that trigger sweating.
== Introduction ==
* In severe cases, further surgical options may be considered, although these carry the risk of exacerbating compensatory sweating in other areas.
[[File:Gray530.png|left|thumb|Diagram of the sympathetic nervous system, which is involved in the regulation of sweating.]]
 
'''Compensatory hyperhidrosis''' is a condition where excessive sweating occurs in areas of the body that were not previously affected. This condition often arises as a side effect of surgical procedures aimed at treating primary [[hyperhidrosis]], such as [[endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy]] (ETS).
==Living with Compensatory Hyperhidrosis==
== Pathophysiology ==
Living with compensatory hyperhidrosis can be challenging, but several strategies can help manage the condition:
Compensatory hyperhidrosis is believed to occur due to the disruption of the [[sympathetic nervous system]]. When the sympathetic nerves responsible for sweating in one area are cut or destroyed, the body may compensate by increasing sweat production in other areas. This is thought to be a result of the body's attempt to maintain [[homeostasis]] in its thermoregulatory processes.
* Wearing loose, breathable clothing to minimize sweat accumulation and skin irritation.
== Clinical Presentation ==
* Using absorbent materials or pads in areas of excessive sweating.
Patients with compensatory hyperhidrosis typically report excessive sweating in areas such as the back, abdomen, thighs, or legs. This sweating can be more severe than the original hyperhidrosis and can significantly impact the patient's quality of life.
* Maintaining good hygiene practices to reduce the risk of skin infections.
== Management ==
* Seeking support from patient advocacy groups and mental health professionals to cope with the social and emotional impacts of the condition.
Management of compensatory hyperhidrosis can be challenging. Treatment options include:
 
* Topical agents such as [[aluminum chloride]] antiperspirants.
==Conclusion==
* Systemic medications like [[anticholinergics]] that reduce sweating.
Compensatory hyperhidrosis is a condition that requires careful management and treatment. While it can significantly impact quality of life, a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle adjustments can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.
* [[Botulinum toxin]] injections, which can temporarily block the nerves responsible for sweating.
 
* Lifestyle modifications, including wearing breathable clothing and using absorbent pads.
== Surgical Considerations ==
Patients considering surgical treatment for primary hyperhidrosis should be informed about the risk of developing compensatory hyperhidrosis. The decision to undergo surgery should weigh the potential benefits against the risk of this side effect.
== See also ==
* [[Hyperhidrosis]]
* [[Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy]]
* [[Sympathetic nervous system]]
[[Category:Medical conditions]]
[[Category:Medical conditions]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Symptoms and signs]]
{{medicine-stub}}

Latest revision as of 02:30, 5 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Compensatory hyperhidrosis
Illustration of the sympathetic nervous system
Synonyms
Pronounce
Specialty Dermatology, Neurology
Symptoms Excessive sweating in areas not previously affected
Complications Skin infections, Social anxiety disorder
Onset After surgical sympathectomy
Duration Long-term
Types N/A
Causes Compensatory mechanism after sympathectomy
Risks
Diagnosis Clinical evaluation
Differential diagnosis Primary hyperhidrosis, Hyperthyroidism
Prevention
Treatment Antiperspirants, Botulinum toxin injections, Medications
Medication Anticholinergics
Prognosis Variable
Frequency Common after sympathectomy
Deaths N/A


A condition characterized by excessive sweating in areas not previously affected, often as a result of surgical intervention.


Introduction[edit]

Diagram of the sympathetic nervous system, which is involved in the regulation of sweating.

Compensatory hyperhidrosis is a condition where excessive sweating occurs in areas of the body that were not previously affected. This condition often arises as a side effect of surgical procedures aimed at treating primary hyperhidrosis, such as endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS).

Pathophysiology[edit]

Compensatory hyperhidrosis is believed to occur due to the disruption of the sympathetic nervous system. When the sympathetic nerves responsible for sweating in one area are cut or destroyed, the body may compensate by increasing sweat production in other areas. This is thought to be a result of the body's attempt to maintain homeostasis in its thermoregulatory processes.

Clinical Presentation[edit]

Patients with compensatory hyperhidrosis typically report excessive sweating in areas such as the back, abdomen, thighs, or legs. This sweating can be more severe than the original hyperhidrosis and can significantly impact the patient's quality of life.

Management[edit]

Management of compensatory hyperhidrosis can be challenging. Treatment options include:

  • Topical agents such as aluminum chloride antiperspirants.
  • Systemic medications like anticholinergics that reduce sweating.
  • Botulinum toxin injections, which can temporarily block the nerves responsible for sweating.
  • Lifestyle modifications, including wearing breathable clothing and using absorbent pads.

Surgical Considerations[edit]

Patients considering surgical treatment for primary hyperhidrosis should be informed about the risk of developing compensatory hyperhidrosis. The decision to undergo surgery should weigh the potential benefits against the risk of this side effect.

See also[edit]

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