Freysyndrom

Freysyndrom, also known as gustatory sweating, is a medical condition characterized by sweating that occurs on the face, typically around the cheeks, jaw, or forehead, during eating or the anticipation of food. It is a form of hyperhidrosis specifically triggered by gustatory stimuli.

The condition most commonly results from nerve damage or injury, often following parotid gland surgery, trauma, or inflammatory processes affecting the auriculotemporal nerve, which supplies sensation to the parotid region and part of the face. When the nerve regenerates abnormally after injury, it may miswire, causing the salivary fibers to stimulate sweat glands instead of salivary secretion, leading to sweating during eating.

Symptoms of Freysyndrom usually manifest as episodes of sweating that are localized and occur during mastication or the perception of taste. The sweating may be accompanied by flushing and a sensation of warmth on the affected areas. Severity varies among individuals, and the condition can be socially distressing.

Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic symptoms and history of nerve injury or surgery. Minor tests, such as the iodine-starch test, can be used to confirm excessive sweating in the affected areas.

Treatment options include topical antiperspirants, botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, and, in some cases, surgical intervention to interrupt the aberrant nerve connections. Prevention involves careful surgical technique during parotid procedures to minimize nerve damage.

While Freysyndrom is benign and not life-threatening, management aims to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for affected individuals.