Hyperhidrosis is a medical disorder characterized by excessive sweating that affects the quality of life of patients from both physical and psychosocial perspectives. The exact cause of hyperhidrosis is unknown, although it frequently occurs in people who are otherwise healthy. Heaviness can affect specific ‘focal’ areas, or the whole body. Most treatments focus on controlling symptoms, and you might need to try a combination to reach your comfort level. Let’s look at some of the most popular treatments for hyperhidrosis.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Hyperhidrosis treatments can be classified into temporary and long-lasting treatments. Temporary treatments involve over-the-counter or prescription strength antiperspirants, which work by plugging sweat ducts with compounds such as aluminium salts, thus reducing sweat production in the applied area. These are usually the first line of treatment tried by people with hyperhidrosis.
Iontophoresis is another temporary treatment option for hyperhidrosis. During iontophoresis, the patient places their hands, feet, or both in a shallow tray of water for a short period while a minimal electrical current is passed through the water. The process temporarily blocks the sweat glands, offering relief from excessive sweating for a variable period, usually several weeks.
They are one of the major indications of focal hyperhidrosis. Solutions to sweaty palms can include botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, which work by blocking the nerves responsible for activating your sweat glands. Normally, your nervous system activates your sweat glands when your body temperature rises. But for people suffering from hyperhidrosis, the sweat glands overreact. Botox has been used extensively and effectively to control sweaty palms. The relief lasts for several months.
Surgical Treatments
When non-surgical treatments do not work, surgery may be considered. There are two types of surgery commonly used for treating hyperhidrosis.
The first is a process called ‘Curettage’ which involves scraping or suctioning out the sweat glands. This surgery is often used to treat excessive sweating in the armpits, but it’s less commonly used for excessive hand sweating.
The second type is called Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS). ETS is considered a last resort for hyperhidrosis treatment. During ETS, the surgeon makes small incisions and inserts tiny cameras into the chest under the ribs. The cameras guide the surgeon to the primary nerve control for the sweat glands, which is cut or clamped. This surgery is most effective for patients with sweaty palms, although it does come with a risk of compensatory sweating (increased sweating in other areas of the body).
Managing Hyperhidrosis
In all cases, dealing with hyperhidrosis requires a combination of treatments, lifestyle changes, and coping skills. Topical treatments and medications can be useful but might not completely control symptoms. Practical tips include wearing clothes that absorb moisture and avoiding specific foods and smells that make sweating worse. Regular exercise and relaxation strategies, such as yoga and meditation, can also help keep stress levels in check thereby reducing sweat.
In conclusion, hyperhidrosis can be challenging to live with but is treatable in most cases. The best approach for you depends on where and how much you sweat, how much you are willing to spend, what kind of risks you are willing to take, and what is convenient and acceptable for you. Speak to a health professional if you suspect that you are dealing with hyperhidrosis. They can guide you to appropriate treatments and help you regain control over your life.