Hyperhidrosis: Treatment Is Needed

Hello, I am Choi Yeon-seung, the head practitioner at Baengnokdam Korean Medicine Clinic. Today, I would like to share helpful information for those who are struggling with palmar-plantar hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes significant discomfort in daily life. Because I understand the distress of hyperhidrosis so well, I want to offer you a small message of comfort and encouragement.

1. Daily Life Entangled by Sweat: Symptoms of Palmar-Plantar Hyperhidrosis

"My hands and feet sweat so much they feel like they've been pulled out of water. Every time I grab something, I worry it'll slip, and the sweat odor has even caused me to develop social phobia."

Palmar-plantar hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by excessive sweating on the palms and soles, leading to disruptions in daily life. Sweat continuously seeps out, even without any particular state of arousal. Due to the sweat, hands and feet become cold and pale, making even shaking hands or writing difficult. Hyperhidrosis occurs due to a dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system, which regulates sweat gland function. The sympathetic nervous system becomes overactive, stimulating the eccrine glands and causing excessive perspiration. The more severe the stress or tension, the greater the tendency for sweating.

2. I'm Sorry: Self-Esteem Shrunk by Sweat Odor

"Every time I shake hands, I feel the other person's discomfort. Even as I ask for their understanding, I can't help but feel withdrawn. I'm afraid to offer my hand, which makes me hesitant about job interviews."

Palmar-plantar hyperhidrosis is not merely a skin condition. It imposes significant limitations on interpersonal relationships and social life, leading to low self-esteem and even depression. It becomes daunting to extend one's hands or feet in front of others, and even a single handshake requires immense courage. Seeing sweat-soaked socks makes me sigh, and I can't sit comfortably because I'm conscious of sweat marks. I avoid meeting people for fear of odor, and holding hands with someone of the opposite sex becomes unimaginable. The shadow of hyperhidrosis relentlessly binds one, leading to a continuous struggle.

3. Dysfunction of Fluid Metabolism: Pathogenesis in Traditional Korean Medicine

In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), palmar-plantar hyperhidrosis is addressed under the categories of *Sujok Dahan* (excessive hand and foot sweating) and *Sujok Seupjeung* (dampness in hands and feet). It is primarily considered to arise from dysfunction of the Lung, Spleen, and Kidney (臟腑, *jangbu*) organs. The Lung governs respiration and the skin/body hair (*pimo*); if Lung Qi is deficient, it leads to problems with fluid excretion. Accumulation of damp-phlegm due to weakened Spleen and Stomach transport and transformation function is also a cause of hyperhidrosis. If the Spleen's transport and transformation function is imbalanced, it leads to a fluid metabolism imbalance, causing dampness to overflow into the skin and flesh (*gibu*). Furthermore, Kidney Yin deficiency leading to damp-heat spreading to the extremities of the skin also acts as a pathogenic mechanism that promotes sweating. In essence, an imbalance in fluid metabolism results in localized dampness, causing sweat to overflow from the skin and flesh; this is considered the primary pathogenic mechanism of hyperhidrosis. Eliminating dampness and stopping sweating, while harmoniously restoring the functions of the Lung, Spleen, and Kidney, appears to be the key to treatment.

4. Traditional Korean Medicine Treatment to Suppress Overactive Sweat Glands

At Baengnokdam Korean Medicine Clinic, we differentiate patterns such as *Seupyeol Dahan* (Damp-Heat Hyperhidrosis) and *Gihu Dahan* (Qi-Deficiency Hyperhidrosis) to provide personalized treatments tailored to each patient's constitution. For the Damp-Heat Stagnation type, we utilize herbs that clear heat and drain dampness (*cheongnyeol isseup*) and resolve dampness and stop sweating (*hwasseup jihhan*). Herbs like Coptis (*Hwangnyeon*) and Scutellaria (*Hwanggeum*) purge damp-heat, and formulas such as Sanhuang Xiexin Tang and Longdan Xiegan Tang are effective in suppressing excessive sweating. For the Qi-Deficiency type, we frequently employ therapeutic methods that strengthen the Spleen and supplement Qi (*geonbi igi*). Herbs like Codonopsis (*Dangsam*), Atractylodes Macrocephala (*Baekchul*), and Poria (*Bokryeong*) are used to boost the Spleen's transport and transformation function, and formulas such as Yiqi Fumaio Tang and Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang are used to eliminate dampness. Additionally, in cases of Kidney Yin deficiency where deficient fire (*heohwa*) is active, we also combine treatment to tonify the Kidney using formulas like Zhibai Dihuang Tang and Liuwei Dihuang Tang. Furthermore, we stimulate acupoints on the hands and feet, which are the flowing points of the Lung Meridian of Hand-Taiyin and the Spleen Meridian of Foot-Taiyin, to suppress perspiration. We apply acupuncture to hand acupoints such as Yuji, Laogong, and Taiyuan, and foot acupoints such as Yongquan and Taibai, alongside moxibustion, while also applying the approach of Sa-am Acupuncture.

5. Emphasizing the Importance of Lifestyle Management

Alongside Korean medicine treatment, consistent lifestyle management is essential. First, it's best to avoid foods that promote sweating, such as caffeine and spicy foods. It's also wise to avoid stressful situations and environments that induce excessive tension as much as possible. Maintain indoor temperatures that are not too high, and wear breathable clothing made of natural fibers. Change socks frequently, and avoid wearing them sweat-soaked for extended periods. It would be beneficial to develop a habit of frequently washing your hands and feet thoroughly and drying them completely. Most importantly, efforts to regain peace of mind are crucial. Try to relieve tension and break free from negative thoughts through deep breathing or meditation. We also recommend seeking psychological counseling to overcome social withdrawal and low self-esteem.

6. Small Changes Blossom into New Beginnings

"Before, I wanted to avoid even shaking hands, but these days I've found the courage to offer my hand first. After taking herbal medicine and consistently receiving acupuncture, the sweating on my hands and feet has significantly reduced. I feel confident in my journey of self-improvement."

Small changes in our bodies can become new hopes for life. How significant would it be for you, that moment when you take a step forward from the shackles of hyperhidrosis? The inner strength you've developed by enduring the difficult times during treatment, and your self-belief, are now guiding you to a larger world. Palmar-plantar hyperhidrosis is not something to hide or conceal. There's no need to feel daunted or ashamed. Don't forget that sweaty hands and feet, and sweat-soaked socks, are all traces of your efforts and a part of your life. I hope you find the beauty created by those troublesome sweat drops. Because your brilliant worth is never obscured by sweat.

I send a message of hope to everyone struggling with palmar-plantar hyperhidrosis. Don't try to hide alone anymore. Baengnokdam Korean Medicine Clinic will be with you, addressing your sweat concerns. Based on the ancient wisdom of Korean medicine, we will provide personalized prescriptions and carefully guide you through practical lifestyle methods. We support your bright future!