Compensatory Hyperhidrosis after Sympathectomy

Abstract

THE eccrine sweat glands form a diffuse yet critical thermoregulatory organ for the body. Under the control of the sympathetic nerves, these glands provide the major defense against thermal stress. Numerous studies have demonstrated a close relation between this sweat-gland response and the heat load experienced by the subject.¹ Little, however, has been written on the thermal response of the sweat glands after removal of part of the sweat-gland system. Although this thermoregulatory system eludes gross resection, it is still possible to remove varying amounts. This can be achieved by sympathectomy, which effectively eliminates all sweat-gland activity in the areas . . .