Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that involves excessive sweating of the underarms, the palms, and the soles of the feet. This condition usually starts during puberty. If left untreated, people who have hyperhidrosis will continue to experience it throughout their lives.
Symptoms are purely involuntary. Patients have very little control as to when they will experience too much sweating. Contrary to popular belief, manifestations of this condition hold very little connection to anxiety. The sympathetic nervous system of people suffering from this condition are agitated easier than that of non-patients.
Primary Causes of Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a serious medical condition. It is not the simple problem that people often mistake it to be. Once you start experiencing symptoms of this condition, you should consult a specialist right away.
The hypothalamus normally regulates the sweat-related functions of the sympathetic nervous system. It sends signals to the sweat glands through nerves scattered all over the body.
With hyperhidrosis, the sweat glands overread these signals and produce a bigger amount of sweat than necessary. This is the main cause of hyperhidrosis. The sweat then uses the usual bodily outlets to come out of the body.
Lifestyle Adjustments to Support Hyperhidrosis Management
In addition to medical treatments, making small lifestyle changes can also help manage excessive sweating symptoms.
Wearing breathable, moisture-wicking clothing, using clinical-strength antiperspirants even before sweating begins, and avoiding spicy foods and caffeine can help control flare-ups.
Stress management techniques, such as meditation and regular exercise, can also reduce the sympathetic nervous system’s overactivity. While these adjustments may not cure hyperhidrosis, they can significantly enhance the effectiveness of any professional treatments you pursue.
Temporary Solutions for Excessive Sweating
Patients may use different over-the-counter products to minimize sweating. There are many lotions, powders, and antiperspirants that are made specifically for this purpose. However, the effectiveness of these products vary from one person to another. These products are only temporary cures for hyperhidrosis. If you stop using them, you will experience the symptoms again.
As a matter of fact, some specialists advise their patients against using these products because they hinder the body from excreting all the produced sweat. Some of the sweat stays inside the body, which may cause different glandular complications.
In some cases, excessive use of over the counter products may also lead to the drying of the skin. This is not a favorable condition either, because this causes the skin to break easily.
Botox Injections for Hyperhidrosis Treatment
Patients may also get Botox injections to minimize sweating. Patients who underwent Botox treatments to minimize skin lines also noticed that there was reduced sweating on the areas where Botox was injected.
The drug blocks the release of a hormone called acetylcholine, which is the hormone responsible for excessive sweat emission. This procedure has a 90% success rate. However, the effects only lasts from six to eight months. After that time, you will experience the symptoms of hyperhidrosis again.
Botox treatments also have a few undesirable side effects like bruising, loss of muscle control, and uncontrolled bleeding.
Surgical Options: Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS)
Patients also have the option of going for an endoscopic thoracic surgery (ETS). This procedure involves the removal of a certain part of the sympathetic nervous system. ETS is a fast way of minimizing excessive underarm sweating.
However, people who underwent this procedure complain about excessive face sweating. They also report sweating on other parts of the body.
If the options mentioned above fail to work in your case, you may undergo a treatment called Iontophoresis. This procedure involves using controlled electric waves to shock the areas where patients experience excessive sweating. Side effects include dermatitis and other skin irritations.
Before deciding which is right for you, please be sure to talk with a qualified specialist, who will go over each available option.
Exploring New Hyperhidrosis Treatments
In recent years, newer hyperhidrosis treatments have emerged that offer promising results with fewer side effects. One such option is microwave therapy, known commercially as MiraDry.
This non-invasive procedure uses thermal energy to permanently eliminate sweat glands under the arms. Because sweat glands do not regenerate once destroyed, patients often experience long-lasting results with a single or double treatment session.
For people looking for a permanent cure for excessive sweating without surgery, microwave therapy is becoming an increasingly popular choice.
Choosing the Best Treatment for Excessive Sweating
Selecting the best treatment for hyperhidrosis depends on several factors, including the severity of your symptoms, your overall health, and your lifestyle.
Some patients may benefit most from a combination of therapies, such as starting with Botox injections while preparing for a more permanent solution like microwave therapy or ETS surgery.
Consulting with a board-certified dermatologist or a hyperhidrosis specialist is essential to customize a treatment plan that will safely and effectively minimize excessive sweating and restore your confidence.