Overcoming Hyperhidrosis: Regaining Confidence

Sweaty Palms and Forehead? More Than Just Nervousness - Understanding Primary Hyperhidrosis in the UAE

Most of us think of sweating as a natural reaction of the body to hot weather, exercise, or stressful situations. However, in the United Arab Emirates, more and more people are confronting a less-known yet very uncomfortable condition: primary palmar hyperhidrosis, which is the excessive sweating of the palms not linked to temperature or nervousness.

What is primary hyperhidrosis?

Primary hyperhidrosis is a chronic condition caused by excessive activity of the sympathetic nervous system. Those affected experience intense sweating on the palms, soles, armpits, or forehead regularly and often unpredictably – even when at rest in an air-conditioned room.

This condition is not the same as secondary hyperhidrosis, where sweating is caused by an underlying condition such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes. The primary form is independent and often appears already during adolescence.

More Than an Inconvenience - Everyday Impacts

While it may seem harmless at first, excessive sweating can severely affect quality of life. For example, sweaty palms make writing, using touchscreens, or shaking hands difficult. These small yet everyday interactions pose a serious psychological burden, especially for young people and those working in professional environments.

Many report anxiety, avoiding social interactions, and even depression. According to feedback, the unpredictable nature of the condition – not knowing when a bout of sweating will occur – becomes a source of stress itself, further exacerbating symptoms.

Misconceptions and Delayed Diagnosis

In the UAE, many healthcare facilities report that patients often do not seek medical advice for years because they believe their sweating is merely a part of their personality or nervousness. Doctors emphasize that if sweating is symmetrical (both hands or forehead), frequent, and not linked to temperature or psychological stress, it is worth consulting with a dermatologist.

More and more specialty clinics recognize the importance of this condition and offer various therapeutic options – from local antiperspirants to medications, including injections and surgical solutions.

What Treatment Options Are Available?

Among the treatment methods, the first step is typically using local antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride. However, these often do not provide a sufficient solution. Oral medications may then be introduced, although they often cause side effects such as dry mouth or headaches.

Botox injections can be effective for temporarily paralyzing sweat glands, though they only last a few months and their repetition can be costly.

If these do not lead to significant improvement, a minimally invasive surgical procedure called thoracoscopic sympathectomy may be considered. This operation involves the targeted cutting of sympathetic nerves in the chest, often providing permanent results by eliminating the cause of sweating.

Success Stories: Young People Regaining Confidence

In Dubai’s leading hospitals, several teenage patients have successfully undergone this procedure. After the surgery, hand sweating virtually ceased, allowing them to confidently participate in school and social activities once again. The only reported side effect was mild, transient chest pain at the surgical site, which quickly subsided.

Such outcomes demonstrate that while the condition is not life-threatening, it can lead to significant deterioration in quality of life and should be taken seriously.

Important Information for Residents of the UAE

The modern healthcare system in the United Arab Emirates provides an ever-expanding range of options for those living with hyperhidrosis. Diagnosis with the help of a dermatologist or neurologist can be carried out relatively quickly. Most public and private hospitals already have experience with a wide spectrum of treatment options, including surgical interventions.

Some insurers – especially private health insurances – may partially cover the costs of consultations, medications, or even surgical procedures, so it is worth discussing with the provider in advance.

Summary

Excessive sweating of the palms and forehead is not a mere inconvenience but a health condition with significant psychological and social impacts. Primary palmar hyperhidrosis is often misunderstood and underdiagnosed, yet effective treatments, including potentially permanent solutions, do exist.

For those living in the UAE, there is the opportunity to consult a doctor, receive an accurate diagnosis, and find the right therapy for them. Whether it's minimal treatment or surgical intervention, the goal remains the same: to regain control over their own body and life.

(The article is based on expert reports.)