Excessive Sweating Treatment

A Review of Excessive Sweating Treatment

Excessive sweating is the common name given to a medical condition known as hyperhidrosis. The main symptom is continuous perspiration that goes way beyond what is standard or expected. The excessive sweating occurs even during the winter months. Thanks to medical research and the latest developments in the cosmetic industry, it is now possible to find suitable treatments to fight this unpleasant symptom. The following review will throw some light on what the best excessive sweating treatment may be.

Defining Excessive Sweating

Sweat is a natural involuntary function of our bodies meant to help us regulate body temperature. The inability to sweat, especially in high temperatures, may lead to a potentially fatal condition known as heatstroke. Hyperhidrosis on the other hand, may lead to eventual dehydration, but only in extreme cases.

However natural and healthful, perspiration can be annoying, particularly when it is excessive. How can a person tell the difference between normal and heavy sweating? If you get soaked just with a five-minute breakout or need to wipe your forehead or your palms every five minutes, chances are that you suffer from hyperhidrosis. Although most cases of excessive sweating are harmless, some cases are the result of serious conditions, such as thyroid problems, diabetes or infection. Whatever the cause, it is best for a skin specialist to assess the situation and recommend the appropriate excessive sweating treatment for each case.

Learning about Excessive Sweating Treatments

A wide array of treatments are available these days; whereas some involve the use of cosmetic products only, others require serious and professional medical attention. These are the most common excessive sweating treatments:

The Use of Antiperspirants

The most practical way of keeping heavy sweating under control is by using an antiperspirant. Pros: Antiperspirants are not only easy to find, but also affordable. Many people confuse their average deodorant with an antiperspirant. Nonetheless, you should know that unlike deodorants, the latter contains aluminum salts, which are highly effective in fighting against excessive sweating. Cons: If an over-the-counter antiperspirant is not enough to tackle the issue, you should ask your skin specialist for a prescription.

Iontophoresis

This medical treatment makes use of low electrical current which is used while patients’ hands and/or feet are placed in a shallow tray of water. Pros: 20 or 30 minutes of this treatment are believed to block sweat from getting to the skin’s surface. Sessions are generally repeated a few times a week and several commercial brands have launched machines that can be used at home. Cons: This excessive sweating treatment should be avoided by pregnant women or patients with pacemakers or any kind of metal implants.

Botox Injections:

Injections of Botulinum Toxin A (Botox) can be safely used to treat hyperhidrosis, especially in the underarms. This substance works by preventing the release of a chemical that activates the sweat glands. Pros: Effects last for about a year. Cons: Several sessions are necessary in order to achieve effective results, which may eventually become expensive.

Surgery:

Through various surgical procedures, plastic surgeons may cut, scrape or suck out a patient’s sweat glands. However, this procedure is only recommendable for patients who have not responded to any of the other available treatments. Pros: May be the only possible answer for patients with severe cases of hyperhidrosis. Cons: The treatment involves a series of surgery-related risks. Besides, it is highly invasive and involves a certain amount of downtime.