Axillary Hyperhidrosis
Axillary
hyperhidrosis is a condition characterised excessive sweating from the armpits.
In its milder form it may be controlled by topical agents such as Driclor
or Anhydrol (although these sometimes cause skin irritation).
However, in the more severe form these agents are of little help.
Sufferers often have to change their clothing more than once a day and,
in particular, find it embarrassing at work and socially.
Axillary
hyperhidrosis can sometimes be treated by endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy when
the procedure is done for sweating palms.
We do not recommend it for isolated axillary hyperhidrosis because it
leads to unacceptable compensatory sweating on the trunk.
Up until now the treatment of severe axillary hyperhidrosis has involved surgical excision of the skin of the armpits to remove the sweat glands in that area. The operation is often complicated by wound infection, delayed healing, ugly scars, and by recurrence of the sweating. Dissatisfaction with this procedure led researchers in the Vascular Unit of The Ipswich Hospital to look into other forms of treatment.