Don’t Sweat It: Treating Hyperhidrosis at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

John Langenfeld, MD, director of the Hyperhidrosis Center, co-director, Thoracic Oncology Program, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey; associate professor of Surgery/Cardiothoracic surgery at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

Sweating, although bothersome, is a normal response to temperature, fear, stress or physical exertion that plays a crucial role in our health. Without the body’s natural response to sweat in high temperatures or while exercising, our bodies would overheat, resulting in potentially-life threatening conditions such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Despite these benefits, over 3% of the United States population suffers from hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating according to The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. These people may produce too much of a specific neurotransmitter in the sympathetic nervous system, the network of cells responsible for sending cues to the sweat glands, or have sweat glands that overreact to normal levels of the neurotransmitter. Regardless of the cause, excessive sweating can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, influencing career choices, social life and mental health. For those seeking relief from troublesome perspiration, the Hyperhidrosis Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) New Brunswick now provides a minimally-invasive surgical solution to effectively treat hyperhidrosis.

To effectively treat excessive sweating, it is crucial to differentiate the two types—primary focal hyperhidrosis and secondary generalized hyperhidrosis. Often beginning early in childhood or during adolescence, primary focal hyperhidrosis tends to affect a specific, symmetrical part of the body including the armpits, face, palms or feet. These symptoms are not caused by another medical condition or medication and are thought to be inherited. Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis occurs as a symptom of other medical conditions such as anxiety disorders, diabetes, thyroid malfunction, nerve damage and menopause or as a side effect of medication. People with secondary hyperhidrosis often experience sweating on larger areas of the body and experience symptoms while sleeping. Those with generalized sweating are encouraged to visit a physician as soon as possible as symptoms may indicate an underlying serious condition.

To control the sometimes embarrassing side effects associated with excessive sweating, many people first turn to antiperspirants. While prescription-strength antiperspirant sticks and sprays are often marketed for the underarms, those who live with wet palms, feet or face may also find them effective. Physicians can also prescribe temporary treatments such as extra-strength antiperspirants or instruct patients through an iontophoresis procedure, a water bath that conducts a mild electrical current through the skin. For a permanent fix, the Hyperhidrosis Center at the Thoracic Center located at RWJUH New Brunswick currently offers Video-Assisted Endoscopic Sympathectomy, the latest surgical approach to offer permanent relief from hyperhidrosis.

A minimally-invasive procedure, Video-Assisted Endoscopic Sympathectomy uses two small incisions in the arm pits to cut nerves that lead to the sweat glands. Taking only 30-45 minutes, Video-Assisted Endoscopic Sympathectomy is a same-day surgery that leaves little to no scarring and a quick recovery. Most patients are back to their normal, sweat-free routine in a matter of days. Results are seen immediately and have a 98% success rate. Although compensatory sweating may occur elsewhere on the body, 94% of patients are satisfied with the outcome.

Video-Assisted Endoscopic Sympathectomy is covered by many health insurance companies, but individuals are encouraged to check with their provider for details.

To learn more about treatments for hyperhidrosis at RWJUH New Brunswick or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Langenfeld, please visit http://www.rwjuh.edu/rwjuh/hyperhidrosis-center.aspx or call (732) 235-7802. For more information about RWJUH, visit www.rwjuh.edu or call 1-888-MD-RWJUH.