Sweat gland disease cause discomfort and discomfort to patients in the first place, as well as contribute to the development of other skin diseases.The sweat glands on the human body are unevenly distributed. There are most of them in the armpit, in the groin area, on the palms and soles. The function of sweat glands is to cool the surface of the skin due to water and remove metabolic products from the body. Human sweat is sterile, but it is quickly seeded with microorganisms, as a result of which the smell appears. Since more than 250 types of chemicals are released together with sweat, the smell of sweat is different for each person.
General information
The sweat glands on the human body are unevenly distributed. There are most of them in the armpit, in the groin area, on the palms and soles. The function of sweat glands is to cool the surface of the skin due to water and remove metabolic products from the body. Human sweat is sterile, but it is quickly seeded with microorganisms, as a result of which the smell appears. Since more than 250 types of chemicals are released together with sweat, the smell of sweat is different for each person.
The sweat glands of different parts of the body are regulated by different centers, so the sweat glands of the palms and soles secrete a secret in response to mental factors and do not react in any way to an increase in temperature. Normally, 500 to 800 ml of sweat is released per day, with sweat gland disease or under hot conditions, up to 8 liters of sweat can be released per day.
Anhidrosis
Anhidrosis is a disease of the sweat glands, in which there is no sweating. Acute anhidrosis occurs due to dehydration of the body, with poisoning by certain drugs, for example, medicines that contain the extract of the Belladonna. Anhidrosis, as an acute disease of the sweat glands, can occur with severe infectious diseases such as cholera. Anhidrosis and other sweat gland disease are sometimes observed in pregnant women with toxicosis and as consequences after radiation sickness. Chronic sweat gland disease, such as their hypoplasia and aplasia lead to chronic forms of anhidrosis. In countries with a hot tropical climate, anhidrosis is a widespread disease of the sweat glands.
The main causes of sweat gland disease, in which there is no sweating, are aging and radiation damage to the skin (radiation dermatitis). Spinal cord lesions and disorders in the neuroendocrine system also lead to dysplasia and sweat gland disease. When taking ganglioblockers and holinoblockers, anhidrosis and other sweat gland disease manifest themselves as a temporary side effect of the drugs. Hysterical conditions, especially those caused by brain stem tumors, can also provoke sweat gland disease, including anhidrosis.
Clinically, a disease of the sweat glands, such as anhidrosis, manifests itself in the form of a lack of sweat and dry skin. The remaining organs redistribute the function of removing toxic substances from the body, and therefore there is an increase in the amount of urine, gastrointestinal disorders may occur. Due to auto-intoxication, feverish conditions of unclear genesis with vomiting and various vasomotor reactions are quite common. To confirm the diagnosis, intradermal injections of histamine are performed, and if there are anhydrotic sweat gland disease, then the skin at the injection site is distorted, and the ducts of the sweat glands are practically not visible.
Oligohydrosis – insufficient sweating. It occurs mainly in the elderly and patients with ichthyosis. Depending on the causes, oligohydrosis and anhidrosis can be focal and generalized.
Treatment of sweat gland disease of the anhydrotic type requires, first of all, the elimination or correction of the cause. If anhidrosis is a congenital disease of the sweat glands, then only symptomatic therapy is prescribed. Multivitamin complexes with a high content of retinol and vitamin B12 injections improve the condition of the skin. Locally apply moisturizing and softening ointments. Patients with anhidrosis are contraindicated from heavy physical exertion and staying in hot rooms.
Hydradenitis
Hydradenitis is a disease of the sweat glands, purulent in nature, which is more common in middle–aged women. The main causes of hydradenitis are blockage of the gland or follicle, hormonal changes in the body (pregnancy, menopause). Diaper rash, trauma and bacterial infection are predisposing factors for the occurrence of purulent sweat gland disease.
Hydradenitis is more often localized in the armpits, in the perianal and inguinal zones. This disease of the sweat glands is clinically manifested in the form of a dense nodule with a diameter of 0.5 to 3 cm of a purplish-bluish hue. Nodules can be multiple, over time they begin to protrude above the surface of the skin. Since this disease of the sweat glands is infectious, there may be a rise in temperature, weakness. The affected area is sharply painful, swollen and hyperemic. At the same time, the edema has a diffuse character, which is why the second name of hydradenite appeared – bitch udder.
Diagnosis of hydradenitis, as well as other sweat gland disease, is based on a careful examination of the patient and on the basis of his complaints. If hydradenitis has arisen acutely, for example, during prolonged stay in a hot, polluted room, then it usually does not recur and when switching to a normal temperature and hygienic regime, self-recovery occurs.
For the treatment of inflammatory sweat gland disease, bactericidal soap is used, antiseptic treatment (solutions of iodine, boric acid and salicylic acid), regular hygiene procedures (except saunas and baths), antimicrobial ointments such as neomycin and tetracycline.
If local treatment is not enough, then they resort to surgical treatment and to taking antibacterial drugs inside. Antibiotics are usually prescribed after a cultural examination and determination of the sensitivity of the pathogen to drugs. To prevent candidiasis during treatment and after it, the use of fluconazole is indicated. Specific immunotherapy for long-term inflammatory sweat gland disease consists in taking gamma globulin.
Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a disease of the sweat glands, in which excessive sweating is noted. Hyperhidrosis most often occurs with tuberculosis, rheumatism and other sluggish infectious processes, which are characterized by exhaustion. In patients with eczema or psoriasis, sweat gland disease are more common than in those who do not have skin pathologies. At the same time, hyperhidrosis is noted both on the affected areas and on clinically healthy skin.
Partial hyperhidrosis can occur reflexively due to irritation of the olfactory and gustatory nerves when taking spicy food, sometimes as a consequence of inflammatory diseases of the parotid gland. Hyperhidrosis of the naked is considered a psychological feature, not a disease of the sweat glands, since increased sweating in the armpits, when sweat trickles down, is observed only when fully exposed in a psychologically uncomfortable situation.
Sweat gland disease of the skin of the feet with increased sweating are observed in patients with flat feet. Hereditary factors, neglect of personal hygiene, tight uncomfortable shoes, synthetic socks and stockings, wearing shoes made of rubber and leatherette also predispose to this. As a result of prolonged exposure to adverse factors on the skin, its acid index changes, which contributes to the occurrence of both sweat gland disease, fungal diseases and various infections. Sweat is usually abundant cold, has a sticky consistency and an unpleasant smell, which prevents people from leading an active lifestyle. Hyperhidrosis is diagnosed based on the examination of the patient and the presence of complaints.
This disease of the sweat glands requires complex and long-term treatment. First of all, it is necessary to limit the amount of liquid consumed and start taking multivitamins. Drugs containing iron, phosphorus and calcium, sedatives from the group of tranquilizers are also prescribed. In some cases, taking atropine in powder form is indicated. Frequent warm wipes and warm non-hot herbal teas with sage infusion have a good effect. Topically, preparations containing aluminum, boric acid, talc and zinc are used.
With hyperhidrosis of the feet, foot baths with chamomile, oak bark are recommended, after which the skin is wiped with a solution of potassium permanganate and thoroughly dried with a towel. Procedures should be carried out regularly, but without drying the skin. Powders with talcum powder, zinc and wearing cotton socks with gauze pads between the fingers help eliminate unpleasant odors and normalize the work of sweat glands. Personal hygiene, washing and drying shoes help patients with sweat gland disease of the feet to feel comfortable and communicate in society. If sweat gland disease, which are accompanied by increased sweating, manifest themselves only in the armpits, then electroepilation of hair in this area as a side positive effect reduces increased sweating. In addition, it is recommended to wipe with decoctions of herbs – oak bark, chamomile, powder with talc and zinc.
Osmidrosis
Osmidrosis is a sweat gland disease, in which sweat acquires a fetid odor. Osmidrosis is closely associated with violations of personal hygiene, menstrual cycle disorders and disorders in the endocrine system. In diseases of the internal organs, when the sweat glands take over the function of removing toxins, sweat can acquire the smell of urine, and crystals of urea remain on the body. It is necessary to treat and correct the underlying disease and observe personal hygiene.
Sweating
Sweating is a disease of the sweat glands, accompanied by rashes of small bubbles filled with transparent or slightly cloudy contents. The affected areas are very itchy and therefore easily macerated. Heat and high humidity contribute to the spread of sweating. In some countries, it takes the form of an epidemic at certain times of the year. Obesity, exudative diathesis are predisposing factors to this and other sweat gland disease. Children, especially those who are excessively wrapped up and rarely bathed, often suffer from sweating. The diagnosis is made on the basis of a visual examination, since the elements of the rash are located in areas where there is the greatest accumulation of sweat glands. In addition, there are sweat stains on clothes and constant skin moisture due to sweat.
During treatment, it is necessary first of all to adjust the mode of work and life, to exclude staying in hot, stuffy rooms, to choose clothes made of natural fabrics, to abandon the excessive use of soap. Instead, regularly take a cool shower and baths with infusions of chamomile and oak bark. When a secondary infection is attached, adequate antibacterial therapy is indicated.
Chromidrosis
Chromidrosis is a rare occupational disease of the sweat glands. It is observed in workers who come into contact with copper, cobalt and other metals. It is clinically manifested in the form of colored sweat, most often sweat is a red shade. Chromidrosis is usually local in nature, since the staining of sweat is associated with the oxidation of substances contained in sweat in contact with air. Treatment consists in the elimination of harmful factors, in the observance of personal hygiene and in the use of a large amount of liquid. If necessary, diuretics are prescribed.