Treatments For Excessive Sweating and Hyperhidrosis
Whether you’re suffering from excessive sweating or have recently been diagnosed with this condition, there are many ways to combat this condition. These include treatments such as iontophoresis, microwave therapy, and endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.
Treatment options
Fortunately, there are treatment options for excessive sweating and hyperhidrosis. These options vary depending on the severity of the symptoms, but they usually offer relief. Besides treating the symptoms, they can also help improve the quality of life for the patient.
In many cases, the first treatment option involves oral medications. These medications work by inhibiting the activation of the sweat glands. They are usually called anticholinergics. They have side effects, including dry mouth, dry eyes, and blurred vision.
Iontophoresis is another treatment option. This technique uses low-voltage electrical current to send low levels of electric current to the symptomatic area. It is a time-consuming and painful process. However, it can reduce the symptoms for a short period of time.
Other treatment options include surgery and laser therapy. However, these options are usually only recommended in the most severe cases of hyperhidrosis. A dermatologist can help determine which type of treatment is best suited for the patient.
Botox is a drug that is used to reduce the amount of sweat that is produced by the sweat glands. Botox works by blocking the release of acetylcholine, a chemical that stimulates the sweat glands. It is usually effective for three to four months. However, it must be repeated to maintain the benefits.
If you are experiencing hyperhidrosis, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. This can help you prevent embarrassment and discomfort.
Causes
Fortunately, there are many treatment options for excessive sweating and hyperhidrosis. But the type of treatment you choose depends on the severity of your symptoms. Some treatments are less effective than others, and you should be informed about the risks.
A doctor will evaluate your symptoms and health history to determine if there is an underlying condition. He or she may order blood and urine tests to rule out a medical condition. He or she may also suggest tests to find the underlying cause of your sweating.
Treatment can also include medication and mental health counseling. Your doctor can discuss the risks of taking medications with you, as well as the benefits.
Excessive sweating and hyperhidrosis can be caused by a variety of medical conditions. These conditions include anxiety, nervous system disorders, high blood pressure, and problems with metabolism and temperature regulation.
A doctor may recommend a drug called anticholinergics, which can be taken in pill form or applied to the skin as a cream. These medications work by inhibiting the nerve signals to the sweat glands.
If your sweating does not get better, your doctor may recommend surgery. This may involve removing the sweat glands or cutting the nerves. Surgery is considered a last resort. The risk of bleeding into the chest is possible.
In addition to surgery, there are other treatments for excessive sweating and hyperhidrosis. Natural remedies, such as herbal supplements, can be effective.
Symptoms
Symptoms of excessive sweating and hyperhidrosis can affect a person’s quality of life. It can affect their job, relationships, and self-confidence. It can make them anxious and embarrassed. They may avoid activities that require them to interact with others.
Excessive sweating can also be a symptom of a more serious medical condition. For example, it may be due to a thyroid condition. If the condition is causing excessive sweating, your doctor may prescribe medication. He or she may also refer you to a dermatologist.
When your body is overheated, your sweat glands produce excess sweat to cool your body. Some of these sweat glands are located in the armpits, but other areas can also be affected. When your body temperature rises, your nervous system triggers the sweat glands.
Symptoms of hyperhidrosis vary depending on the type of hyperhidrosis. Some people have generalized hyperhidrosis, which affects the entire body. Others have secondary hyperhidrosis, which affects one part of the body. A dermatologist may recommend medications or lifestyle changes to treat your symptoms.
In severe cases, surgery may be recommended. This surgery can involve cutting sweat glands or removing them entirely. Other treatments include antiperspirants. However, the use of oral medications, known as anticholinergics, can cause side effects such as dry mouth and eyes.
People with hyperhidrosis may also change their behavior in order to cover up their symptoms. They may avoid certain activities, such as raising their hands during a class or interacting with people in a business setting. They may also change their clothes to conceal sweat stains.
Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy
Surgical treatment for excessive sweating and hyperhidrosis is called Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS). This procedure can help cure hyperhidrosis in all areas of the body. The procedure is minimally invasive and can lead to a quick recovery.
Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is performed under general anesthesia. The procedure is usually completed in just one to three hours. Most patients can return to work within a few days. Despite the success of this procedure, it’s important to remember that side effects can occur.
In ETS, a thoracoscope, an endoscope, or a fiberoptic camera is inserted through a small incision in the chest. The surgeon uses this tool to locate the sympathetic chain. The sympathetic trunks are long nerve ganglia chains that run along the vertebral column. The sympathetic trunks help regulate the body’s involuntary responses to external stimuli. The chain is covered by a thin layer of parietal pleura.
The sympathetic chain is divided into three regions. The sympathetic trunks are also responsible for peripheral nervous system functions. The surgeon will clip the sweating nerves in the area of the sweating problem.
After the sympathetic chain is cut, low-voltage electrocautery seals the chain. In addition, a drainage tube is left in the chest for one day. This may help relieve some of the pain.
There is a risk of compensatory sweating after ETS. One out of every 100 people will have some degree of compensatory sweating. The compensatory sweating can become worse over time.
Microwave therapy
Using a novel microwave device, a nonsurgical method can eliminate sweat glands. This procedure is designed to provide a long-term solution to excessive sweating and hyperhidrosis.
The miraDry System is a new nonsurgical method of treating axillary hyperhidrosis. It uses precise beams of microwave energy to destroy sweat glands. This procedure has been shown to reduce sweating by 82%. It was approved last year by the Food and Drug Administration. Its effectiveness has been proven through long-term registry follow-up.
MiraDry is a noninvasive treatment method that is designed to permanently disable sweat glands in the underarm area. The procedure involves two sessions, each lasting one hour. The handpiece of the miraDry System is designed to deliver precise, controlled microwave energy. It also includes a continuous hydro-ceramic cooling system to protect the superficial dermis.
In the study, participants were asked to report their condition before and after the treatment. Their scores were recorded on a 1-to-10 scale. The results showed that the average score had dropped from 8.5 to 3.0.
Most of the patients reported a good or excellent reduction in foul-smelling sweat. The odor score was a score of 5.2 to 1.9. However, some patients reported discomfort or palpable bumps.
The miraDry System was designed for a general dermatology practice. Patients who have axillary hyperhidrosis should be treated with the miraDry procedure in their doctor’s office.
The study also reported that patients are generally satisfied with the results of the procedure. Most patients reported that they were able to undergo a second treatment.
Iontophoresis
iontophoresis for excessive sweating hyperhidrosis is a simple procedure that uses a small electrical current to interrupt the sweating process. It works by sending a mild electrical current through a water bath that interacts with the sweat glands. This technique appears to relieve symptoms in about 85 % of patients.
iontophoresis has been studied in observational and controlled studies. However, the effectiveness of the procedure remains to be proven in larger clinical trials.
Using a special axillary electrode, iontophoresis is effective in treating palmar hyperhidrosis. The treatment takes 15 to 40 minutes.
In addition to palmar hyperhidrosis, iontophoresis can also be used to treat axillary hyperhidrosis. The treatment uses a special electrode to send a gentle electrical current through the axilla. It is not commonly used in clinical practice.
The most common side effects of treatment include discomfort and local reactions. Most patients report a reduction in sweating rate. Compared to the control group, patients in the active group had a 50 to 75% reduction in sweat production.
Patients in the active group also reported an improvement in the sweating rate 30 days after the treatment. This improvement was maintained for at least 9 months. However, the reduction in sweating rate was only statistically significant for patients in the active group who achieved a 75 percent improvement at 30 days.
Patients who are interested in iontophoresis for excessive sweating should consult a doctor. This treatment is safe and effective. Generally, patients should take three treatments per week. Some insurers may cover the cost of a plug-in device.
Health Sources:
Health A to Z. (n.d.). HSE.ie. https://www2.hse.ie/az/
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Directory Health Topics. (n.d.). https://www.healthline.com/directory/topics
Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
Health Conditions A-Z Sitemap. (n.d.). EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/conditions/
