AXILLAEY HYPERHIDROSIS.

This report describes newly devised modifications of a local surgical technique for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis and the results achieved in eighteen individuals. Because of the increased severity of their symptoms, this group of patients required a more extensive ablation of axillary sweat glands than that previously described. An increased reduction in sweating was achieved by undercutting and subcutaneous resection of sweat glands for 1-2 cm. on each side of an initial elliptical excision made through the centre of the identified primary zone of axillary sweating. When present, additional smaller or secondary zones of sweating in the given axilla were treated similarly, but on a smaller scale. Gravimetric and visual evidence of reduction to 10-15 % of the original sweating levels were recorded. An interesting effect of the procedure was an apparent increase in axillary odour, readily controlled by axillary deodorants and attributed to a diminished flushing away post-operatively by the eccrine sweat of apocrine secretion. The clinical features of axillary hyperhidrosis were also reviewed. No sexual or racial variations in incidence were detected. A family history was elicited in the majority of patients and concomitant volar hyperhidrosis was frequently but not invariably seen. In all, the onset of the disease was at or after the age of puberty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]