Treatments for Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis or heavy sweating is a disorder characterized by excessive sweating that is not related to exercise or heat. The most common symptoms of the disorder are frequent sweating, wet palms hands, and wet soles of the feet. Though heavy sweating can be caused by endocrine, neurologic or infectious disease, in most cases it occurs in absolutely healthy people due to inherited traits.
Unfortunately, hyperhidrosis cannot be totally cured, but there are effective methods to ease the condition and improve the quality of life:
1. Prescription deodorant and antiperspirant
The easiest way to ease hyperhidrosis is to use a deodorant or antiperspirant that you probably use on a daily basis anyway. Aluminum salt contained in most of them helps to form a plug and block perspiration. You can either buy deodorant or antiperspirant in a drug store or ask your doctor to prescribe it for you.
2. Nerve-blocking medications
They are special oral medications blocking the chemicals that permit the communication of certain nerves with each other. They have proved to be effective for a lot of people. However, there are certain side effects that should be taken into consideration, including blurred vision, bladder problems, and dry mouth.
3. Antidepressants
A group of antidepressants containing aluminum chloride is effective in treating hyperhidrosis. They also help to reduce strength and anxiety exacerbating excessive sweating.
4. Botox injections
Botox is well known as a neurotoxin used in cosmetology to reduce the signs of aging. However, recently doctors have also started using it for treating neuromuscular conditions, including muscle spasms, migraines, and hyperhidrosis. Botox injections help to block the nerves that activate the sweat glands. However, botox is able to block the nerves only in the area where it is injected. Today it is one of the most effective treatments of hyperhidrosis: it helps in 80-90% of cases of excessive sweating.
5. Sympathectomy
It is a surgery helping to treat abnormal sweating. During the operation, a surgeon cuts the sympathetic nerves responsible for sweating. Sympathectomy is usually used for specific parts of the body, such as palms or face. The statistics show that over 93% of patients are happy with the results of this procedure.
6. Microwave therapy
This treatment is based on using microwave energy to destroy sweat glands. The therapy includes two sessions (20-30 minutes long), three months apart. The biggest disadvantage of this type of treatment is its low availability and high cost.
7. Sweat glands removal
This option is effective for those who experience excessive sweating in armpits only. There are two options: a traditional surgery or a minimally invasive procedure known as suction curettage. Over 95% of patients report positive results of this surgery, quick recovery, and permanent dryness.