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Excessive Sweating in the Younger Population:

Excessive hand sweating or palmar hyperhidrosis can appear at a very young age. Children as young as 6 or 7 can have problems with excessive hand sweating which is often poorly understood by their teachers and schoolmates. Obviously this can very stressful and create a lot of functional and social problems. The surgical solution should not be applied at a very young age. I believe that children suffering from hyperhidrosis should be supported by their families and try any conservative measures available.

Even though surgical treatment was offered to children as young as 10 years of age it was observed that there recurrence rate in the younger age groups is higher. Dr. Reisfeld believes that within this age group (10-14 years old) the regeneration ability is much more pronounced giving a reason for a higher rate of recurrence. Because of that Dr. Reisfeld at present limits the surgical treatment for patients who reach mental and physical maturity (Over 14 to 15 years of age).

Also See - Alternative Hyperhidrosis Treatments

A surgical approach should be reserved for only the severe cases once the child enters maturity. This should be determined with your doctor. The decision about performing sympathectomy in the younger age groups should not be done on an emotional basis. The decision should only be made after careful consideration.

Since Hyperhidrosis is known to be a genetic disorder the clinical manifestations can come at a very young age. Obviously having hyperhidrosis will cause problems to the affected child and to his family. Affected children can experience not only embarrassing comments by their peers but also some misunderstanding from their teachers and other adult instructors. This in turn can even aggravate the negative impact on the child. Stories about affected children who did not want to go back to school or failed in their classes is something I hear from parents all the time.

The treatment for children affected severely by hyperhidrosis or excessive hand sweating should be given both to the patients and their families. First the families should understand the problem by discussing the situation with an appropriate medical care provider. They should understand this is a physiological issue and not a mental problem with their child. The affected children on the other hand should be supported as much as possible by explanations and re-enforcing the fact that there is nothing wrong with them. The most appropriate time for surgical treatment is not yet determined but physiologically and mentally matured children could be offered a surgical solution after the age of 14. In the mean time alternative methods are available.

Also See - Alternative Hyperhidrosis Treatments

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