Hyperhidrosis - how to help our patients

Sweating is essential to maintain normal body temperature. It is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, although the nerves involved actually use acetylcholine as the neurotransmitter, acting on the eccrine glands. A normal adult can produce over 0.5 l of sweat per hour, although acclimatised individuals in a hot environment can produce up to 3–4 l per hour. Hyperhidrosis is a distressing problem that can have a devastating effect on sufferers’ lives. It is probably best defined as perspiration in excess of the physiological amount necessary to maintain thermal homeostasis.