Frey syndrome is a rare neurological condition that causes facial sweating and flushing while eating.
In most people, Frey syndrome goes away on its own within a period of five years.
Treatment is available if desired, with Botox being the most effective option.
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This is a completely normal reflex.
Gustatory sweating is different in that symptoms occur withanytype of food.
Less Common Signs and Symptoms
Less commonly, people may feel warmth or pain with chewing.
In some people, an asymmetric pattern of sweating can also affect the trunk, arms, and legs.
The more body surface area affected, the more severe the symptoms.
What Causes Frey Syndrome?
Frey syndrome is the most common punch in of gustatory sweating.
It can happen at any age and is an abnormal response of the parotid gland and auriculotemporal nerve.
The parotid gland is the largest of the salivary glands.
These glands secrete saliva, which helps digest and moisten food.
The auriculotemporal nerve is involved in the reflex that releases that saliva in response to food.
In people with Frey syndrome, the nerve is injured and its parasympathetic fibers regrow abnormally.
Instead of just stimulating salivation, it triggers sweating and flushing as well.
Anything that damages the auriculotemporal nerve can result in Frey syndrome.
Roughly 10% of parotid surgery patients report symptoms of gustatory sweating.
Nevertheless, this is rare in infants and children.
When it does occur, signs may be mistaken for those of a food allergy.
However, an allergic reaction to food occursafterthe ingestion of foodnot duringit.
Other Nerve Conditions
Frey syndrome can also occur alongside other neurological conditions.
Only 10% to 15% of people who experience gustatory sweating actually seek medical attention for it.
Minor Test
A procedure called the Minor test is the most common way to diagnose Frey syndrome.
This involves applying iodinated starch (indicator) powder to the face then eating something sweet.
Areas where sweat droplets form turn blue-black.
Tissue Test
A less complex test involves applying one-ply tissue paper to the face.
You are then given a sweet food to eat.
If sweating occurs, wet spots will be evident on the tissue paper.
Biosensoring
Biosensoring uses enzymatic electrodes that detect L-lactate levels on the skin.
This is a more expensive diagnostic option.
Thermography
Thermography, or thermal imaging, displays skin temperature on a monitor.
Special cameras are used to pick up these readings.
For this diagnostic test, you are given something sweet to eat to stimulate gustatory sweating.
Then, a “cold spot” representing gustatory sweating will appear.
More specifically, Botox therapy has proven to be 98% effective in treating symptoms of gustatory sweating.
Botox therapy for Frey syndrome starts with the clinician identifying the affected area using the Minor test.
This area is then visually divided into several smaller squares, which are between 1 and 1.5 cm.
Botox is then injected into each of these squares.
However, antiperspirants can irritate the skin and cause inflammation.
They can also enter the eye, which can cause irritation and complications that cause pain and blurry vision.
For best results, apply a gel antiperspirant to dry skin at night.
you could allow it to air dry or use a hairdryer on a cool setting.
Wash the antiperspirant off in the morning.
Avoid shaving the treated area with anything for 12 hours after utility.
Over time, antiperspirant treatments can be done on alternating days, then slowly spaced out further.
As the condition runs its course, you wont need to apply antiperspirants as often.
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