Functional Diseases of the Sweat Glands

Hypertdrosis is the term applied to excessive sweating. It is, however, not very often an independent form of disease. It occurs in connection with general febrile disturbances, as in pneumonia, phthisis, rheumatism - appearing to be "critical" in some cases. It may, however, occur as a purely local disease, and then the excessive secretion of sweat takes place from the face, the hands, the feet, or the armpits, and it is very annoying. A similar state of the things is natural to some persons. The sweat may   be very offensive.  Hyperidrosis may give rise to eczema and intertrigo, as about the feet frequently. In some cases hyperidrosis, that is, a freer secretion of sweat than usual, may be conjoined with or followed by more or less congestion of the follicles, and then the morbid states known as miliaria and lichen tropicus result. If the sweat fails to escape it may collect under the cuticle, forming sweat vesicles. This is sudamina.

Probably the most annoying form of this affection is that where the feet are the parts attacked. Various means have been used with varying success. Dr. Armingaud recommends a hypodermic injection of Pilocarpine in cases of fetid foot-sweat.


Chromic acid has been used with excellent results. Frequently, one application of a five per cent, solution of chronic acid suffices. The solution should be applied with cotton-wool to the soles of the feet and between the toes. If there are wounds on the feet, they had better be healed before applying the chromic acid.