Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, isn’t commonly recognized as a disease. Actually, while it affects millions of people worldwide, only a small portion of those seek medical help. Hyperhidrosis is a very serious medical disorder that causes sweating on certain body parts where sweat glands are located. These include armpits, palms, feet, and grown area.Hyperhidrosis causes low self-esteem and humiliation. Both social life and career can be affected due to the incredible amount of sweating that occurs. It also causes unpleasant body odors that only add to the problem. It makes for a very miserable existence with people making fun of you and avoiding you. It’s important to find the most effective treatment for hyperhidrosis and lead a normal life.
Most people tend to try over the counter remedies first. These include deodorants and antiperspirants that contain a high amount of aluminum chloride. This helps many people somewhat but typically doesn’t cure it. So, you’ll probably need to see a doctor, preferably a dermatologist. Certain lotions, antiperspirants and absorbent powders can be prescribed. They can be used a couple of times a day but they’re still not a cure.
Oral medication such as Ditropan, Robinul, and probathine blocks excessive sweating. These medications aren’t labeled as a hyperhidrosis treatment but they work. There are side effects such as dry mouth and blurry vision.
Botulinum toxin, more commonly known as Botox, has been used as a treatment for hyperhidrosis. It decreases sweating at the injection sites by blocking the release of acetycholine, which causes excessive sweating. It’s not a cheap treatment but is 90 percent effective for 7 months. There are a few side effects to be dealt with, too.
Another treatment for excessive sweating is Iontophoresis. It’s non-surgical and is performed by exposing the sweaty areas to a controlled electrical current. While effective, it does produce some side effects such as dermatitis and skin irritation.
As a last resort, there’s Endoscopic Thoracic Surgery, or ETS. The part of the nervous symptom responsible for excessive sweating is removed. It works on feet, armpits and hands, but can cause excessive sweating on other parts of the body.
If you can’t find relief with these methods, consider natural treatments, particularly before using surgery.
