5 Treatment Options for Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive sweating. Only 2-3% of the country’s population suffers from this infamous disease that has the ability to ruin social interactions and cause embarrassing situations. It usually starts around adolescence and can continue lifelong if left unchecked. Here are a few effective treatment options for hyperhidrosis:
- Antiperspirants
People use antiperspirants daily to combat the odor of sweat, but antiperspirants are a necessity for people with hyperhidrosis. These products contain aluminum salts that block the sweating when applied on the skin. Antiperspirants are easily available at any medical store, or one can buy prescribed antiperspirants. Some people also buy a deodorant to mask the odor of sweat. The best thing about antiperspirants is that they can be applied anywhere on the body. - Iontophoresis
This treatment requires a patient to sit with their hands and feet dipped in water for half an hour, while light electric current flows through the water. Doctors are still unsure how this treatment method works, but they think it prevents sweat from sticking to the skin. This treatment needs to be done twice or thrice a week to reduce sweating over time. Once a person gets the hang of the procedure, they can do this at home. That said, this treatment is not recommended for pregnant women or people who have pacemakers. - Botulinum toxin
A Botox injection is another effective treatment option for excessive sweating. This is the same treatment used to deal with wrinkles and fine lines, and it is an FDA-approved treatment method to treat hyperhidrosis in the underarms. Sometimes, doctors even use it to treat hyperhidrosis in the hands or feet. These injections block the signals to the sweat glands and prevent sweating. One round of Botox treatment for hyperhidrosis can last for over a year. - Anticholinergics
When the above-mentioned treatments don’t work, a doctor may prescribe anticholinergic medications. These medications prevent the sweat glands from getting activated, but they can lead to several side effects like blurred vision, dry eyes, or heart palpitations. It is recommended to start taking these medications if the doctor recommends it. - Surgery
This should be a last resort for people with hyperhidrosis. Generally, people with an extreme version of this condition go for this option only after other treatments have failed to provide the desired results. Surgery involves the removal of the sweat glands from the body. Another type of surgery is Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS), wherein the sweat nerves in the armpit are cut. This is an extremely effective treatment option for hyperhidrosis but should be the last measure.
These treatment options for hyperhidrosis are effective for people who are facing issues in their daily life due to the condition.