Hyperhydrosis Treatment

HOW DOES IT WORK?

What is hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is of two main types:

• Primary: This is the most common form of the disorder, and may have a genetic component associated with it. There is no cause associated with it, and can occur at any age. The hyperhidrosis usually occurs in localised body areas such as armpits, feet, hands or scalp.

• Secondary: Secondary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that occurs as a symptom of another underlying medical condition. This type of hyperhidrosis can be localised to certain body areas or affect the whole body.

What does a hyperhidrosis treatment involve?

There are many different types of treatments available. You may initially be instructed to incorporate lifestyle changes and use antiperspirants. If the problems persist, you will be referred to a dermatologist and the following treatments may be offered to you:

• Topical creams and oral medications

• Iontophoresis: In this treatment, the area (usually the palms or feet) to be treated will be placed in water and a weak electrical current will be passed through it. This is done for 20-30 minutes over a few sessions to get results.

• Botulinum Toxin type A injection: Applying Botulinum Toxin or Botox to the affected area(s) (commonly, the armpits) works by blocking the nerves that signal the sweat glands. It takes a few days for the effects to show and results last up to 6 months but can vary depending on your individual case and affected area. Botox is a localized treatment, and your body might continue to produce excessive or compensatory sweating in other parts of your body.

• Surgery: Sympathectomy is the surgery that is performed for hyperhidrosis. During the procedure, the surgeon will cut, casterize or clamp the sympathetic nerve that controls sweating in your affected area. It is generally not an option for head and neck sweating. In most cases, compensatory sweating may occur in other parts of your body.

What should you expect from a hyperhidrosis treatment?

Before moving onto more permanent or intensive treatment options, make sure you have tried to incorporate lifestyle changes or over the counter antiperspirants. For your consultation, make sure to have your medical history ready and make a list of questions to ask your dermatologist. If you are diagnosed with secondary hyperhidrosis, the underlying medical condition will be treated first. If you have primary hyperhidrosis, then one of the treatments above might be recommended, but more often a combination of treatments is the preferred course of action. Please bear in mind that many of these treatments may not have long term results and your hyperhidrosis may recur.