Every day, the human body perspires to maintain constant internal body temperature. Perspiration is regulated by the Sympathetic Nervous System, which controls about five million sweat glands in the body, with about half of these being located in the hands. Sweating in the right hand is controlled by branches of the right sympathetic chain that is located within the right chest cavity. Sweating in the left hand is controlled by branches of the left sympathetic chain that is located in the left chest. Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that causes perspiration far greater than the physiological needs of the body. The most common areas where hyperhidrosis occurs are the hands, feet and face, primarily in adolescents, and its cause is unknown. This site will focus on excessive sweating of the hands, also known as Essential Palmar Hyperhidrosis.

Persons with palmar hyperhidrosis often seek treatment because the condition almost always causes great distress, which may impair their quality of life causing numerous psychological, educational, and occupational problems. Palmar hyperhidrosis may not seem like a serious enough problem to warrant surgery, but individuals who suffer from hyperhidrosis deal with everything from minor issues such as smudged paper to major ones such as difficulty holding pens, tools, buttons and social isolation. Perhaps the most distressing result of palmar hyperhidrosis is the discomfort and embarrassment caused by the simple act of shaking hands. In fact, many patients with palmar hyperhidrosis will avoid social situations or pick a profession that requires little interaction with others.

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