Glossary of Terms | The Center for Hyperhidrosis at Columbia University Medical Center

axillary hyperhidrosis

excessive sweating in the arm pits

B-Blockers

a class of drugs which act on the autonomic nervous system and the cardiovascular system

Botox®

a formulation of Botulinum Toxin Type A that blocks the neurotransmission from the sympathetic nerves in the skin to the sweat glands and reduces excessive sweating in the areas that are injected

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Drionics®

This is a battery operated device which induces the same effects as tap water iontophoresis, and can improve palmar or plantar hyperhidrosis in mild cases. In patients with severe symptoms the results may be disappointing.

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Drysol

a type of antiperspirant which can be applied to the hands and axillae for relief of hyperhidrosis

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endoscope

small telescope, thinner than a pencil, with a camera at its tip that allows seeing into the chest cavity

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ETS

Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy

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ganglion

a mass of nerve cells

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harmonic scalpel

a specialized endoscopic instrument used to divide the sympathetic nerve when performing ETS. It eliminates the need for electrical current, and focuses the energy only at the contact site, reducing the risk of any trauma to surrounding tissue

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hyperhidrosis

excessive sweating

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palmar hyperhidrosis

excessive sweating of the palms

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plantar hyperhidrosis

excessive sweating in the soles of feet

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tap water iontophoresis

This treatment interferes with the sweat glands just below the outer layer of skin. The effects are variable, and often short lived.

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The information on this site is not intended for diagnostic or treatment purposes and is not intended to replace an examination by a qualified physician. See a doctor for evaluation and treatment.