Humans have about 2 million sweat glands which are closest together in the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, and in the armpits.

The Latin word hyperhidrosis is used to describe an excessive and pathological increase in sweat secretion. It can occur as generalised hyperhidrosis when it affects the skin surface of the whole body. If it is restricted to certain parts of the skin such as the hands, feet, or armpits, it is called local hyperhidrosis. It is assumed that about 800,000 people in Germany are affected by hyperhidrosis.

The extent and the localisation of hyperhidrosis can vary widely between patients. It presents as unpleasant accumulation of fluid which, in some cases, can be so extreme that water drips from the body and leaves large stains on clothing or in shoes.

Thorough investigation of the cause is vital for the treatment of hyperhidrosis. If this shows that the excessive sweat production is caused or aggravated by another underlying disease, specific treatment for this can usually reduce the extent of the profuse sweating. 

Surgical removal of the sweat glands

If conservative methods (e.g. taking medicine) are unsuccessful, this last treatment option should only be considered after a careful risk-benefit analysis.

Postoperative treatment

Independently of the surgical procedure actually performed, the patient is usually fitted with a compressive absorbent pressure dressing after the operation. This dressing has to be worn for several days. It presses the skin against the underlying fatty tissue so blood vessels can bud into the skin. In functional terms the operation is equivalent to a full thickness skin graft. Specific compression therapy with lipomed glandex is primarily indicated for subcutaneous sweat gland curettage and subcutaneous liposuction.