How To Treat Excessive Sweating
Hyperhidrosis makes most individuals uncomfortable. It may occur in cool weather or lack a trigger at all. Several medical conditions like hyperthyroidism and menopause are also risk factors for excessive sweating.
Hyperhidrosis makes most individuals uncomfortable. It may occur in cool weather or lack a trigger at all. Several medical conditions like hyperthyroidism and menopause are also risk factors for excessive sweating.
However, there are numerous treatment options available to provide relief. Dermatologists assist patients in managing excessive sweating. Before recommending a suitable treatment plan, the physicians will find out the cause of hyperhidrosis.
Note that sweating is a normal response to various conditions like anger, extreme fear, stress, physical activities, and warm weather. In hyperhidrosis, the sweating is excessive with no apparent cause. The common types of hyperhidrosis include:
In this type, excessive sweating occurs in the underarms, head, face, neck, hands, and feet. The disorder begins in childhood and proceeds to adulthood. Studies indicate that almost half of individuals with this type of hyperhidrosis have family histories of the condition.
This form of excessive sweating may be an adverse effect of some medications or medical conditions. It begins in adulthood, and it may involve sweating in one area of the body or the entire body. Some individuals also report excessive sweating while asleep. Some of the conditions known to cause secondary generalized excessive sweating are tuberculosis infection, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, disorders of the adrenal gland, and heart disease.
The dermatologist will begin by carrying out a physical examination on the patient. It entails close observation of the body parts with excessive sweating. During the process, the physician may also ask specific questions. In some cases, the physician may order a medical test to assist in an accurate diagnosis. The sweat test entails using a powder to coat a given part of the skin, which turns purple upon getting wet.
The most suitable treatment for hyperhidrosis depends on the type of the disorder and region of the body associated with excessive sweating. Before recommending a given treatment method, the dermatologist may also consider the patient’s health status. The available treatment options include:
It is the most suitable option for excessive sweating in the feet or hands. It is a home-based treatment and requires the patients to immerse their feet or hands in shallow water pans. In the process, a medical device will send low voltage currents via the water. Although it is time-consuming, the method provides excellent relief to some patients. The current will temporarily block the sweat glands.
For the method to be effective, individuals require about six to ten sessions. It would be best if you began using the device as soon as your physician recommends it. In the beginning, you may require about three sessions in a week, with every session lasting for about 40 minutes.
With improvement, you can adjust therapy to once weekly or monthly. While prescribing the prescription to the patient, the dermatologist will clarify instructions for the use of the device. Note that during treatment, you may experience some discomfort and irritating and dry skin.
Your dermatologist may recommend Botox injections in managing excessive sweating. Botulinum toxin blocks nerves which stimulate the sweat glands. For effective treatment, several injections are recommended. Note that the weak form of the drug will be injected into the underarm.
With a proper injection, the treatment is associated with minimal discomfort or pain. The results will become evident about four to five days post-treatment. You will enjoy reduced sweating for about half a year or even longer. When hyperhidrosis reoccurs, it is recommended to reach out to your dermatologist. Weakness is the known adverse effect associated with botulinum injection.
Anticholinergics are very instrumental in providing relief to generalized hyperhidrosis. Drugs like glycopyrrolate inhibit the activity of acetylcholine, which is a sweat gland stimulant. Some of these prescription medications work in the entire body.
Because of the inhibition of the sweat gland activity, athletes and individuals who work in warm areas should exercise extreme caution with this form of treatment. There is a risk of dysfunctional thermo-regulation. Note that these prescription medications are very effective in managing excessive sweating in post-menopausal females.
Anti-cholinergics are associated with some side effects such as abnormal heartbeat, blurry vision, dry eyes, and dry mouth. Some of the side effects are dose-limiting. However, it is advisable to consult your dermatologist on the most suitable treatment method for you based on the risk-benefit ratio.
In some instances, your physician may recommend aluminum chloride-based antiperspirants. They are more potent than other formulations found over the counter. They are effective in managing mild cases of excessive sweating.
When other treatment options fail, physicians may recommend surgical procedures to control excessive sweating. Note that surgical procedures are permanent, and they may be associated with some risks. Some of the standard techniques used in managing hyperhidrosis include:
This technique requires a surgical room. During the process, the physician will block signal transmission to the sweat-producing glands. In achieving the objective, they will have to destroy or cut some of the nerves. The surgeons employ mini surgical cameras in locating the nerves of interest. To carry out the procedure effectively requires the temporary collapsing of a patient’s lungs.
An infection is one of the risks associated with surgical removal of the sweat glands. Patients may also complain of bruising and soreness that will disappear after a while. Other permanent adverse effects include scarring and loss of feeling sensation within the underarm.
After the surgery, some patients may develop compensatory sweating. In this condition, the individuals experience chronic sweating than in hyperhidrosis.
It involves surgically removing the sweat glands within the underarms. The physicians can carry out the procedures in their offices. It is only the area of interest that will be numbed. Hence, the patient will remain awake during the process. In removing the sweat glands, the dermatologist may employ one or a combination of laser surgery, curettage, liposuction, and excision.
You will find the most suitable treatment method for excessive sweating by consulting your dermatologist, devoid of severe adverse effects. In some cases, it may be appropriate to combine various treatment options to improve quality of life.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.