Compensatory hyperhidrosis

Compensatory Hyperhidrosis

Compensatory hyperhidrosis (/kɒmpɛnsətɔːri haɪpərhaɪdˈroʊsɪs/) is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating in areas of the body not typically associated with high sweat activity. This condition often occurs as a side effect of surgery intended to alleviate primary hyperhidrosis, a condition of excessive sweating in specific areas such as the hands, feet, or underarms.

Etymology

The term "compensatory" is derived from the Latin word "compensare" which means "to weigh one thing against another" or "to counterbalance". The term "hyperhidrosis" is derived from the Greek words "hyper" meaning "over" and "hidros" meaning "sweat". Thus, "compensatory hyperhidrosis" refers to an overproduction of sweat as a counterbalance to a reduction in sweating in other areas of the body.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of compensatory hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating in areas of the body not typically associated with perspiration. This can include the chest, back, thighs, and face. The sweating can occur at any time, regardless of temperature or physical activity levels.

Causes

Compensatory hyperhidrosis is most commonly caused by thoracic sympathectomy, a surgical procedure used to treat primary hyperhidrosis. The body may start to produce excess sweat in other areas as a response to the reduction of sweat in the areas treated by the surgery.

Treatment

Treatment options for compensatory hyperhidrosis can include antiperspirants, medications, iontophoresis, and Botox injections. In severe cases, further surgical interventions may be considered.

Related Terms

• Hyperhidrosis
• Primary hyperhidrosis
• Secondary hyperhidrosis
• Thoracic sympathectomy

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Compensatory hyperhidrosis
• Wikipedia's article - Compensatory hyperhidrosis

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