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Hyperhydrosis of the Foot
Here are some facts about the disorder of the foot, hyperhydrosis. Throughout the day, the body and the feet naturally sweat to regulate the balance of heat in the body. In some cases, this sweating can become excessive. We may also sweat too much in any one area of the body. This affliction is known as hyperhydrosis and is defined as the far excess of sweating needed to cool the body.
Our foot sweating and other sweat glands are controlled by the Sympathetic Nervous System. This involuntary nervous system controls the millions of sweat glands throughout the body. The hands alone contain over 60% of our sweat glands, and many more are contained in our feet. The key to the problem of hyperhydrosis lies in the sympathetic nerves. These nerves seem to be "supercharged" and produce excess sweat.
While the cause of hyperhydrosis is unknown, there does appear to be a genetic connection. In many doctor studies, over 40% of patients exhibit a genetic pattern. Other studies show an even higher prevalence of the genetic pattern. Physicians and researchers in the U.S. and abroad are making continuous advances in this field of study.
In the last decade, we have come a long way in finding ways to cure this "Little Ugly Problem." Those afflicted have tried means like herbal teas, bottles lotions, creams, and oral medications to treat sweaty feet. To date, many of these methods have failed to produce lasting results. There have been surgical treatment methods dating back 60 years, but have involved very invasive surgery. These procedures were done through the chest cavity, back or neck. Because these methods were so severe, many patients were scared off any surgical interventions to the problem. In the last 20 years, minimally invasive surgical procedures have come along that are much more tolerable. In the last decade, an endoscopic approach has been perfected where patients may undergo the procedure on an outpatient basis. Patients of this procedure may leave the clinic the same day of the procedure. Complications are very rare in those that have undergone this procedure. For more information about this minimally invasive procedure, click here.
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Athletes Foot
