Do you notice that your palms always feel damp? Have you found yourself feeling self-conscious or embarrassed about excessive perspiration on your hands? If so, you may be suffering from Palmar Hyperhidrosis, and if you think you are forced to live with this condition forever, think again.
Excessive sweating of the hands—specifically, the palms—is a medical condition called Palmar Hyperhidrosis. It is the most common manifestation of the larger, more generalized umbrella condition of Hyperhidrosis (which encompasses excessive sweating of the feet, underarms, and face). Beyond the physical symptoms of this condition, Palmar Hyperhidrosis often comes with an array of social consequences. Sufferers can become self-conscious about routine activities like shaking hands, meeting new people, and even driving a car. In addition to affecting an individual’s personal life, a sufferer’s work environment can become a source of anxiety as well: simple tasks like using a computer or exchanging paperwork take on an entirely new significance in individuals with Palmar Hyperhidrosis.
The majority of sufferers have a genetic family history of the condition, however this does not mean that it cannot be treated. Hyperhidrosis is estimated to affect approximately 3% of the world’s population, but many sufferers are unaware that the excessive sweating they experience is in fact a medical condition. Others try temporary treatments such as lotions and pills, but end up frustrated by their lack of long-term effectiveness. Some sufferers simply throw in the towel and resign themselves to a life with Palmar Hyperhidrosis, not knowing there are more permanent and effective treatments available.
At Thoracic Group, our doctors understand the significant impact that Palmar Hyperhidrosis can have on your quality of life. As pioneers in the field of minimally invasive thoracic surgery, our doctors are experts in successfully treating conditions that stem from the thoracic region of the body. The excessive sweating experienced by sufferers of Palmar Hyperhidrosis results from over-activity in the Sympathetic Nervous System (or SNS for short), located in the chest cavity. The SNS is responsible for preparing our bodies for physical or mental activity—as such, the SNS is constantly active as it equips us with the tools necessary to negotiate our daily lives. In sufferers with Palmar Hyperhidrosis, however, the SNS is over-activated beyond this baseline level, and this is what ultimately leads to excessive sweating.
Thoracic Group is excited to offer a treatment option for those suffering from Palmar Hyperhidrosis. The procedure, called VATS (Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery) sympathectomy, is a minimally invasive, highly effective treatment option with a success rate of 98%. As an outpatient procedure with a short recovery period, VATS sympathectomy offers a long-term solution to Palmar Hyperhidrosis with life-changing success and high rates of patient satisfaction. Our doctors at Thoracic Group individually assess each patient on a case-by-case basis, and provide compassionate counseling throughout all aspects of the procedure. If you have any questions about the procedure, or to schedule a consultation with one of our expert physicians, please call our Somerset office at (732) 247-3002 or our Monmouth office at (732) 637-6348.
