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1 year ago
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Rare Hyperhidrosis Sweating on Back of One Hand
Last week I finally saw a dermatologist who could help me. After 10 years or more suffering with pouring sweat from the back of my left hand, and googling the problem endlessly, I finally discovered the condition of excessive sweating was called Hyperhidrosis. When I was younger I saw a dermatologist that informed me he had never seen this, did not know what it was, thought I should tough it out, and sent me home with a prescription for Dry sol that burnt my hand and severely irritated my hand, not fixing the problem. Through my searches online I found two dermatologists, one through well renowned Dartmouth Hitchcock who has a branch in Manchester, NH, and one farther away who was willing to see me sooner. I scheduled both appointments and the first one was terrible. Dr. Campbell at Dover Skin Health did not spend more than five minutes with me, ignored my story, said less than ten words, and sent me home with a prescription for the same stuff that hadn't worked for me beforehand! It was a disaster, waste of a drive! After a three month wait I saw Dr. Willer through Dartmouth, and he was superb. He saw me 45 minutes late since my Lyme brain got me terribly lost, and spent at least another 45 minutes with me. He listened to my story, showed a diagram of the body's nerve pathways, described my condition and the concerns with certain treatments and their complications right now, and he even assured me we would figure it out once the Lyme clears up. There was nothing negative said about the diagnosis of Lyme Disease, and all was smooth. Dr. Willer had never seen a patient with this sever of a condition on the back of a hand, nor on the back of one hand. Usually patients suffer sweating on both sides of the body equally. So I guess I am one percent, and unable to receive surgery since the place of problem is nearly impossible to find. He suggested we get a neurological work up since usually problems on one side of the body are caused from a problem including a tumor in the brain or on the nerve somewhere. A tumor is unlikely after 10 years of dealing with this however, but still we should look into it. So when I see my new PCP for the first time I plan to discuss this with her.
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Hi Elaina!
ReplyDeleteI don't have Lyme disease but I do have palmar hyperhidrosis. Drysol is terrible stuff for hands and only doctors who barely know anything about HH still prescribe it today. It's a shame that your doctor couldn't even listen to your story and prescribed you the same stuff again.
Personally, I think Botox (which I have tried before) or iontophoresis (what I currently use to manage my HH)is the best treatment option for hands at the moment but, your situation is a little bit different than regular palmar HH so definitely see a good doc about it. ETS surgery is an ABSOLUTE LAST RESORT because it can cause other symptoms such as Horner's syndrome or compensatory sweating that is worse than the original sweating. I have not done ETS surgery before (or even plan to) nor would I recommend it to anyone. The risks are just too great.
If you need a good doc that is trained in treating and diagnosing HH, the International Hyperhidrosis Society has many listed in their directory. You might be able to find one in your area using their Physician Finder tool and they may be able to help further.
http://www.sweathelp.org/en/taking-action/find-a-doctor.html
I wish you the best of luck and I hope that you will find something that works for you!
That is actually how I found the idiot doctor who was on that website. And the other doctor I saw that suggested maybe neurological problems was on there as well. Thank you very much.
DeleteIs there any followup to this? I have experienced the same thing sporadically over 40 years. I can go years without it happening. And then, suddenly, one day it's there and can last several days.
ReplyDeleteJust curious what happened after this. Thanks, Bob
I started using Dry Sol and it seemed to help. Thanks
DeleteI'm looking for help for this problem also. I have experienced chronic perspiration on the back/side of my right hand (from my pinky knuckle to below my wrist). You can even see where it is because my hand is paler there. I think it may be hormonal but not sure (I am a 41yo gal). I have had it in the past and it goes away, but for the last month it has been driving me crazy (it's a real treat to shake hands with me I'm sure!). Anyways, I was diagnosed with a prolactin secreting Pituitary Adenoma (tumour) this year. Perhaps it is related to that? Anyone else have experience/ideas/advice? My GP and endocrinologist have no clue (they actually laughed:/) Thanks in advance for any help:)
ReplyDeleteMine exactly like your situation...top right hand pinkie, now all the way to wrist. Had it since teen years. I'm 43 now. Maybe should have brain scan!! Eek!
DeleteHi, im not sure if anyone is still reading this or what treatment you finally received but i have the exact same problem with excessive sweating on the top of my left hand. Its not on the palm. I have had it since I was 7 years old, im now 28 and it is still happening. I was diagnosed with hyperhidrosis at the age of 10 and perscribed a cream that is not available in normal chemists, I can only get it from Broadgreen Hospital where my doctor (Dr wilson) is based as it is not licensed for use in the UK other than by a hospital. He specialises in cases of hyperhidrosiss. The cream I have is 2% Cetomacrogol in Glycopyrrolate cream, I apply it once or twice a day and it stops the sweating completely. I have had every test under the sun in the last 10 years and the only thing that showed a small anomaly was a nerve stimulation test while my wrist was sweating. Once my baby is born I am continuing with investigations to try and find the cause because it is so very rare to have it in such a specific area. Ive never heard of Dry Sol and I know from experience that nothing else works. Ask your doctor to refer you to Dr Wilson at Liverpool Broadgreen Hospital, he knows all there is to know about hyperhidrosis.
ReplyDeleteNicola, I had not found a cure for this yet. I have it on the back of the left hand and go in for a cubital tunnel release surgery Friday. They finally did a nerve test which showed severe cubital tunnel syndrome ( A pinched ulnar nerve) on the left side along with carpel tunnel so they will be doing both surgeries friday (wrist and elbow) and we will see if that works!
DeleteNicola, I had not found a cure for this yet. I have it on the back of the left hand and go in for a cubital tunnel release surgery Friday. They finally did a nerve test which showed severe cubital tunnel syndrome ( A pinched ulnar nerve) on the left side along with carpel tunnel so they will be doing both surgeries friday (wrist and elbow) and we will see if that works!
DeleteJust an ideal.. Migraine from MSG and crappy food cause numbness and hand sweating for me. Try Eating only good clean organic food. Easier said than done.. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteHi. Thanks for this information. Only just noticed this and think it may have been triggered by my 'golf ' elbow. Anyway seeking some help for that and will see if my sweaty hand subsides.
ReplyDeleteThanks once again.
Cheers
Neil
Hi. Thanks for this info'. Think mine maybe related to an aggregated golf elbow. Seeking treatment for that so will see how it goes. Couldn't believe it when I found this blog.
ReplyDeleteCheers
So far the elbow nerve release surgery has ceased my hand sweating, Not sure if it will be permanent. Follow my blog and I'll continue to update everyone on this.
ReplyDeleteKeep the updates coming , I too suffer from this very very weird condition. I have tried many things from electric shocks to my hand, shots of some sort to my thyroid . Nothing has worked and has always been very embarrassing
DeleteTt
DeleteHad the same thing on the back of my right hand. Drysol didnt work for me. But a cream called Dehydral works really well for me. Ive had this since about 8 yrs old. Im 50 now. Dehydral, after a couple days use, stops it for me for approx..1-2yrs..
DeleteMe too!!!! It was just the top part of my pinkie as a teenager, now I'm 43 and it's about 1/3 of my hand!!! Nice to finally hear I'm not the only one!!! Otherwise great health!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThe choice on initial Hyperhidrosis Treatment relies on the seriousness of the condition and the anatomical areas that are affected. Natural treatment of Hyperhidrosis suggest by Natural Herbs Clinic, which is safe and effective for excessive sweating.
ReplyDeleteI have the common form of ichthyosis which (for me) means that I sweat in patches. In the last few years, when I am overheating, the back of my hands sweat profusely, the rest of me rarely, whilst my palms have never had a hint of sweat. I'm assuming this is my body finding ways of desperately trying to cool itself.
ReplyDeleteMy right wrist sweats 6 months out of the year! It's very bothersome. My Dr has no idea why
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteReading this blog I am intrigued. I too, suffer from a rare case of hyperhidrosis. Mainly my left wrist, and extending into the left pinky & index finger (below the knuckles)... Can sweat buckets, or if I lay down, can wake up w/ my bed looking like I literally wet the bed. So embarrassing! I've suffered from this my entire life, and everything I've tried - prescribed from doctors has not worked. I decided against thoracic surgery 15 years ago when offered. Far too many risks. I'm not sure if that's the same surgery you mentioned above. Occasionally, my right wrist sweats too, just not as bad. Sorta clammy feeling. This seems to be very temperamental?! What's weird is that this isn't consist every year. Sometimes I have the problems, and sometimes I don't. As I've gotten older, the less it happens. It was at my worst during my adolescent/high school years on into college. The palm of my hands do not sweat at all unless holding hands or touching something hot for too long. Anyone notice any hormonal changes? Sensitivity to heat/cold? Weather?
I've had numerous tumors removed the past few years. They thought I have lymphoma. I am curious, did any of you actually have an official diagnosis of what triggers this rare type of hyperhidrosis? It is neurological? Nerves? I do have a lot of pain in my forearms and wrists. But I don't have RA - been tested and had xrays for this. I've never had any nerve testing just auto immune diseases. May I ask what you suggest and what type of testing and treatments?
This is more embarrassing than anything. It can be a burden too, when working - especially typing on a computer, or if handling things, or if wearing a lot of clothes.
I'd really appreciate any info or suggestions. This has perplexed doctors and me, my whole life. People look at me like I'm crazy when I try to explain it. And when they see my wrist drip, they're in shock. This is the first time I've ever seen anything shared/posted about others having similar issues. I've always been told the palms was the most common place.
Once again, any info would be appreciated. Thanks so much!
-Danielle
Your articles make whole sense of every topic. Gary Anderson
ReplyDeleteWow! I have had this issue for some time as well. It's comforting to know I'm not the only one.
ReplyDeleteIt's been annoying but nothing more than that. I'd appreciate reading anything posted here.
One of the major problems this condition causes is the body odor. On the other hand by using the Natural Treatment for Hyperhidrosis sweating you will be able to greatly decrease hyperhidrosis and body odor.
ReplyDeleteI too have this condition but sweating occurs on my right wrist area. I have had this since I was a child.never knew anyone else in the world had it until now!
ReplyDeleteI continuously continue coming to your website once more simply in case you have posted new contents.Jim Garza
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeleteIm a 34 year old woman and have had this problem for all my life. It happens sporadically and for no apparent reason. Its on the back of my left hand only from the knuckle on my little finger right down to the wrist bone. Would love to know whats causing this!
I was beginning to feel like a flukie freak of nature and then I saw your blog. I have had this same problem - the BACK of my left hand from my ring finger to the wrist sweats sporadically but profusely when it does start up. I have Googled, before that tried to explain to various doctors, all who said sweaty palms are normal, try to stay calm. The only time it is difficult for me to stay calm is when doctors say stupid stuff like that, otherwise I am usually very calm. It happens at those times, laying down, watching TV, etc. What has been your diagnosis? I have dealt with this for over 30 years but in 2006 I was given a spinal cord injury by the VA. It seems to be more frequent since then but...? Any information would really help. Thanks!
ReplyDelete