Hyperhidrosis, the medical term for excessive and uncontrollable sweating, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is believed to affect about 3% of the United States population. This condition is characterised by excessive sweating in various body parts, particularly the hands, feet, underarms, face, and scalp. These areas are particularly susceptible due to a significant concentration of eccrine sweat glands.
While sweating is a natural way for our body to regulate its temperature, excessive sweating can be debilitating and embarrassing. People who suffer from excessive sweating may find it hard to complete simple daily tasks; over time, it may affect their mental health. Fortunately, there are numerous treatment options available for hyperhidrosis. But before we get to it, let’s discuss the adverse effects people who have hyperhidrosis experience.
The Negative Effects People with Hyperhidrosis Face
- Bad Odor and Clothing Stains
For a long time, excessive sweating has been known to be a major cause of body odor among many people. Excessive sweating can create a moist environment conducive to bacterial growth, producing an unpleasant odor in contact with sweat. This odor can be difficult to manage, making people feel self-conscious and embarrassed. Also, the mixture of sweat and cosmetic products can leave sweat stains on clothes, which are typically difficult to remove.
- Social Embarrassment
One of the most common negative effects of hyperhidrosis is a social embarrassment. Many people consider having wet clothes, especially from sweating, unclean, so they avoid people with hyperhidrosis. So people with excessive sweating avoid social situations or physical interaction with others because of embarrassment. This, in turn, can impact personal relationships and professional interactions.
- Skin Irritation
Excessive sweating can lead to rashes, itching, and bacterial infections, which can cause discomfort and further exacerbate the problem. People with hyperhidrosis may also be more susceptible to fungal infections, which can be difficult to treat and cause further skin irritation.
- Dehydration
In normal circumstances, sweating is an essential process that helps to regulate body temperature and prevent overheating. However, in people with hyperhidrosis, the sweat glands produce excessive sweat, leading to a significant loss of fluids and electrolytes. If left unmanaged, dehydration can lead to severe health conditions such as kidney problems, seizures, coma, and even death.
- Lack of Mineral Salts
Sweat not only contains water, but it also contains various minerals and electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium. When a person sweats excessively, they may lose an excessive amount of these essential minerals. Such salts need to be replenished through diet intake or mineral supplements. Failure to which an individual can experience seizures and other adverse health challenges.
Treatment Options for Hyperhidrosis at Skin Clinic Robina
Treatments for hyperhidrosis depend on the severity of the condition. Here at the treatment options we offer at Skin Clinic Robina:
Medications
- Prescription Antiperspirants
Antiperspirants are a common first-line treatment for hyperhidrosis since they’re not invasive or costly. Aluminum-based antiperspirants like Drysol, Xerac AC, and Formalaz work by plugging and contracting sweat pores. As a result, the amount of sweat produced is reduced, and visible sweat marks and spots are prevented.
Antiperspirants work best when applied before bed and allowed to dry overnight, and they can be applied to the underarms, hands, feet, and other areas affected by hyperhidrosis. However, if misused, they may cause skin irritations, burning, and inflammations, so you must wash them off first thing in the morning. Also, never apply them to the underarms within 24 hours of shaving or during episodes of heavy sweating.
For mild hyperhidrosis, apply antiperspirants every night for a few weeks, and once you start seeing results, gradually scale it back to once or twice a week. You may need a stronger clinical-strength antiperspirant if the regular antiperspirants are ineffective.
- Prescription Creams and Wipes
A new prescription wipe, Qbrexza, is designed for people with severe hyperhidrosis. These wipes are soaked in glypyrronium tosylate, an anticholinergic compound that blocks the nerve signals that trigger sweating. Also, creams that contain glycopyrrolate can ease the symptoms on the face and head.
You only need one wipe to stop underarm sweating in both arms. But this extra sweat-stopping power comes with a few uncomfortable side effects, including:
- Mild skin irritation
- Dry mouth.
- Redness on the treated skin
- Burning or stinging on the treated areas.
- Nerve-Blocking Medications
Like Qbrexza, oral medications such as Oxybutynin, Glycopyrrolate, Benztropine, and Propantheline stop sweating by blocking the chemical signals that trigger sweating. We will only prescribe these medications for you if antiperspirants and other non-invasive treatments are ineffective. Possible side effects include dry mouth, dry eyes, blurred vision, bladder problems, heart palpations (abnormal heartbeat), and constipation.
- Dynamic and Static Lines Treatments
Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin commonly used to treat the appearance of dynamic and static lines. However, it is also an effective treatment for hyperhidrosis. This treatment temporarily blocks the chemical signals that stimulate the sweat glands, reducing sweat production.
The treatment involves injecting small amounts of Botox into the affected area, such as the underarms. Although the process is relatively painless, our team will apply numbing cream to the area to reduce discomfort. The effects of Botox typically last 6 to 12 months, so you’ll need repeat treatments after then. But again, side effects include short-term pain and muscle weakness in the treated area.
Surgical and Other Procedures
- Iontophoresis
For centuries, iontophoresis has been used to treat hyperhidrosis of the feet and hands. Iontophoresis is a non-invasive treatment that involves passing a mild electrical current through the skin while the affected area is submerged in water. The current temporarily block the nerves that trigger sweating.
This treatment can be done at home; each session typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes. People who use iontophoresis get weekly treatments and begin to see improvements after 6 – 10 treatments. You may require two or three treatments per week, but once your symptoms improve, you can reduce treatments to once a week or monthly to maintain the effect.
While iontophoresis can provide long-term benefits, it has side effects such as dry or irritated skin or discomfort during treatment.
- Microwave Therapy (miraDry)
This treatment involves using a handheld device that delivers microwave energy to sweat glands, causing permanent damage to them. It is only suitable for treating underarm sweating. The results of this treatment are almost immediate. But the lasting period and side effects are unknown as this is a newer treatment option.
- Sweat Gland Removal
Underarm sweat gland removal can be done using any of the following surgical techniques:
- Excision (cutting the glands out).
- Liposuction (suctioning the glands out).
- Curettage (scraping the gland out).
- Laser therapy (vaporizing the glands with a laser).
Excision is no longer used because it often results in heavy scarring and a wide range of motion problems. Liposuction and laser therapy are often used in combination.
- Nerve Surgery (Sympathectomy)
In severe cases of hyperhidrosis, surgery may be necessary. One such surgical option is endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS), which involves cutting or clamping a small section of the spinal nerves that stimulate the sweat glands in your hands. It’s a very invasive procedure that requires complete anesthesia.
A mini surgical camera is inserted into the chest just beneath the armpit to find these nerves. The lung is temporarily collapsed, so the surgeon can cut or destroy nerves. This procedure also comes with a long list of side effects, including excessive compensatory sweating, hypotension, heat intolerance, and heart arrhythmia.
Because of its high risk of side effects and complications, this procedure is only reserved for cases that have not responded to other treatments.
Say Goodbye to Excessive Sweating – Today!
Skin Clinic Robina has the latest technology and a qualified team of doctors to provide the best hyperhidrosis treatment tailored to you.
With a range of treatment options, including iontophoresis, Botox injections, and surgery, our healthcare professionals will work with you to find the right treatment option or combination of options to manage your excessive sweating effectively.
Hyperhidrosis is not something that needs to be endured alone. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start on the path to effective treatment and improved quality of life.
Contact Skin Clinic Robina
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