Hyperhidrosis, also known as excessive sweating, is not a commonly recognized disease, in fact only a small percentage of people having this problem are seeking medical help, but in reality this problem affects millions of people around the globe. This problem is a very serious medical condition where excessive sweating occurs on particular body parts with high concentration of sweat glands like the feet, palms, groin area and especially the underarms.
If treatment is not considered, sufferers may experience humiliation and low self-esteem. Jobs and efficiency are also affected with this disease. How would you shake the hands of your business associates when your own hands are sweating excessively? This disease has negative effects in your personal and social life. How would you feel if you sweat excessively underarms while in a group? Imagine the humiliation and embarrassment you will experience and worst people will make fun of you. Hyperhidrosis also promotes the development of skin infections and unpleasant body odors. How would you mingle with people if you are sweating excessively and worst coupled with unpleasant odors?
Excessive Sweating Treatments
Oral Medication. Robinul, ditropan and probathine have anti cholinergic effect which blocks the neurotransmitter causing excessive sweating. Although these medications are not labeled as treatment for hyperhidrosis, known effects of these medication is to promote dryness. Dry mouth, blurry vision and palpitation are some of the reported side effects of these drugs.
Lotions, absorbent powders and antiperspirant. Dermatologist may prescribe lotion and absorbent powders to keep the palms and armpits dry. Excessive armpit sweating can be controlled at some degree by antiperspirant but with high concentration of aluminum chloride. Nighttime or twice per day application may help and give relief for a week, however if skin irritation appears, this must be stopped
Botulinum toxin (botox). It was first applied for the treatment of eye muscles spasms then popularly known for the treatment of wrinkles. But at the same time, it was observed that decreased sweating occurs on the areas injected by botox, thus further investigation leads to the treatment of hyperhidrosis. It blocks the release of acetylcholine causing excessive sweating. This treatment is very expensive but 90% effective and will last for 7 months. Bruising, occasional bleeding, muscle weakness and certain allergic reactions are some of the side effects of botox.
Iontophoresis. This is a non surgical treatment for Hyperhidrosis. This is the process of exposing the affected areas like the hands, feet and armpits through a controlled electrical current to stop excessive sweating. Skin irritation and dermatitis are some of the side effects of this procedure.
Endoscopic Thoracic Surgery (ETS). This is a surgery treatment where specific part of upper thoracic region of sympathetic nervous system responsible for excessive sweating are removed or destroyed. Although this procedure eliminates excessive sweating on hands, feet and armpits, possible side effects is compensatory hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating on other body parts such as the stomach and the back.
