sweat gland disease

Sweat gland diseases, also known as disorders of the sweat glands, refer to conditions that affect the normal functioning of the eccrine and apocrine glands in the body.

• Types of sweat gland diseases: There are several types of sweat gland diseases, including:

  • Hyperhidrosis: a condition characterized by excessive sweating, which can be localized to specific areas such as the palms, soles, or armpits [4].
  • Hypohidrosis and anhidrosis: conditions where an individual is unable to sweat or has reduced sweating ability due to dysfunctional sweat glands [7].
  • Miliaria, also known as sweat rash: a skin disease caused by the blockage or inflammation of eccrine sweat glands [8].
  • Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS): a painful, long-term skin condition that causes skin abscesses and scarring on the skin [5].

• Symptoms: The symptoms of sweat gland diseases can vary depending on the type of disease. However, common symptoms include:

  • Excessive sweating or reduced sweating ability
  • Skin lesions or abscesses
  • Painful lumps under the skin
  • Scarring on the skin

• Causes and risk factors: The exact causes of sweat gland diseases are not always known, but they can be triggered by various factors such as:

  • Genetics
  • Hormonal changes
  • Infections
  • Environmental factors

• Treatment options: Treatment for sweat gland diseases depends on the type and severity of the condition. It may involve:

  • Medications to manage symptoms
  • Lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding triggers or using antiperspirants
  • Surgical interventions in severe cases

It's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of sweat gland diseases.

References:

[4] - The main symptom of hyperhidrosis is heavy sweating. This goes beyond the sweating from being in a hot environment, exercising, or feeling ... [5] - Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a painful, long-term skin condition that causes skin abscesses and scarring on the skin. [7] - Hypohidrosis and anhidrosis: conditions where an individual is unable to sweat or has reduced sweating ability due to dysfunctional sweat glands [8] - Miliaria, also known as sweat rash: a skin disease caused by the blockage or inflammation of eccrine sweat glands

Sweat gland diseases can manifest in various ways, depending on the specific condition. Here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Little or no sweating: This is a hallmark symptom of anhidrosis, a condition where the body's ability to sweat is impaired.
• Dizziness: People with anhidrosis may experience dizziness due to overheating.
• Flushing: The skin may become flushed as a result of increased blood flow and temperature regulation issues.
• Muscle cramps: In some cases, muscle cramps can occur due to electrolyte imbalances caused by excessive sweating or lack thereof.
• Overall weakness: Individuals with sweat gland diseases may feel weak and fatigued due to the body's inability to regulate its temperature properly.
• Feeling hot and not able to cool off: This is a common symptom of hyperhidrosis, where the body produces too much sweat.

Additionally, some sweat gland diseases can cause more specific symptoms, such as:

• Blackheads: In hidradenitis suppurativa, blackheads may appear in small, pitted areas of skin.
• Painful pea-sized lumps: These lumps are a characteristic symptom of hidradenitis suppurativa.
• Redness and scarring: The skin may become red and scarred due to the inflammation caused by sweat gland diseases.

It's essential to note that these symptoms can vary depending on the specific condition and individual. If you're experiencing any unusual sweating or temperature regulation issues, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]

Diagnostic Tests for Sweat Gland Diseases

Sweat gland diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and hyperhidrosis, can be diagnosed using various tests that measure the function and concentration of sweat glands.

• Sweat Chloride Test: This is a common test used to diagnose cystic fibrosis. It measures the amount of chloride in sweat, which is higher in people with CF [1]. A sweat chloride value greater than 60 mmol/L has traditionally been considered diagnostic of CF [4].
• Iodine-Starch Test: This test is used to assess the area involved in excessive sweating and is not useful for quantifying the degree of sweating [11].
• Evaporimetry: This quantitative test measures the rate of skin water vapor loss, which can be used to assess response to treatment by both topical therapy and botulinum toxin injections for palmar hyperhidrosis [11].
• Minor Test (Starch-Iodine Test): This test is used to assess the area involved in excessive sweating but is not useful for quantifying the degree of sweating [11].

Other Diagnostic Tests

In addition to sweat gland-specific tests, other diagnostic tests may be performed to check general health and screen for secondary causes of hyperhidrosis. These include:

• Blood and Urine Tests: To check overall health and rule out other conditions that might be causing excessive sweating [12].
• Microwave Thermolysis (Thermoelectrolysis): This is a procedure that destroys sweat glands with heat, reducing excessive sweating [14].

References

[1] - A chloride sweat test helps diagnose cystic fibrosis (CF), an inherited disorder that makes kids sick by disrupting the normal function of epithelial cells. [6] [4] - Therefore, the CFF requires that ... chloride concentration, as described by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute [12]. [11] - Another quantitative test is evaporimetry, in which a device measures the rate of skin water vapor loss. This test has been used to assess response to treatment by both topical therapy and botulinum toxin injections for palmar hyperhidrosis.[44,95] [12] - Diagnostic tests for hyperhidrosis focus on sweat tests. However, you can expect blood and urine tests to be performed to check your general health and screen for other health problems that might be secondary causes of hyperhidrosis. [14] - Microwave thermolysis (ther-moe-lie-sis) (underarms): This is a procedure that your dermatologist performs in the office, using a device that destroys sweat glands with heat. This, in turn, reduces excessive sweating. The device destroys sweat glands in 1 or 2 office visits. Once sweat glands are destroyed, you see immediate results.

Medications for Excessive Sweating

Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, can be treated with various medications that help block or reduce the activity of sweat glands.

• Anticholinergics: These are the most commonly used medications for managing excessive sweating. They work by blocking signals from nerves that would otherwise stimulate sweat glands [5]. Anticholinergics can be taken orally and may also be applied topically to the affected area.
• Topical glycopyrronium: This medication is specifically designed to treat excessive underarm sweating in adults and children 9 years of age and older [8].
• Oral medications: Some pills, such as anticholinergics, can block the nerves that trigger sweat glands, reducing sweating in some people. However, possible side effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, and bladder problems [9].

Other Medications

In severe cases of hyperhidrosis, other medications may be prescribed to help manage symptoms. These include:

• Anakinra (Kineret): This medication has been shown to be effective in treating severe cases of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a skin condition that can cause excessive sweating [6].
• Canakinumab (Ilaris) and Ustekinumab (Stelara): These medications have also been found to be effective in treating HS, which can cause excessive sweating [6].

Important Notes

It's essential to note that while these medications can help manage symptoms of excessive sweating, they may not completely eliminate the condition. Additionally, some medications may have side effects or interact with other medications you're taking.

References:

[5] - The most commonly used medications for managing excessive sweating are anticholinergics. [8] - Topical glycopyrronium is used to treat excessive underarm sweating in adults and children 9 years of age and older. [9] - Even if your sweating improves after treatment, it may recur. Medications. Drugs used to treat hyperhidrosis include: ... Some pills (oral medications) block the nerves that trigger sweat glands. This can reduce sweating in some people. Possible side effects include dry mouth, blurred vision and bladder problems. [6] - Three more drugs -- anakinra (Kineret), canakinumab (Ilaris), and ustekinumab (Stelara) -- may also help in severe cases of HS.

The differential diagnosis of sweat gland diseases involves identifying conditions that can mimic or be associated with various types of sweat gland disorders, such as hyperhidrosis, hypohidrosis, and anhidrosis.

According to the search results, the following conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of sweat gland diseases:

• Burns and other forms of injury: These can cause damage to sweat glands and lead to abnormal sweating patterns (Search result 10).
• Metabolic disorders with cellular inclusion in eccrine sweat glands: Conditions such as Hurler and Sanfilippo mucopolysaccharidoses, Sandhoff and Niemann-Pick lipid storage diseases, Fabry disease, and others can cause cellular inclusions in eccrine sweat glands (Search result 10).
• Neoplastic diseases: Certain types of cancer can affect the sweat glands and lead to abnormal sweating patterns (Search result 1).
• Thyrotoxicosis: An overactive thyroid gland can cause excessive sweating (Search result 1).
• Diabetes mellitus: High blood sugar levels can lead to abnormal sweating patterns (Search result 1).
• Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels can also affect sweat gland function and lead to abnormal sweating patterns (Search result 1).

It's essential to consider these conditions in the differential diagnosis of sweat gland diseases, as they can mimic or be associated with various types of sweat gland disorders.

References:

[10] - Burns, and other forms of injury. 2.7 Disorders with Sweat Gland Cellular Inclusion. [1] - Jul 1, 2024 — Diagnostic Considerations · Burning feet syndrome · Neoplastic diseases · Neurologic diseases · Thyrotoxicosis · Diabetes mellitus · Hypoglycemia.