Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating) Treatment
IN DUBAI
ABOUT Hyperhidrosis,
(Excessive Sweating)
Hyperhidrosis is a condition of abnormal sweating (also known as sweating disorder) created without sun exposure or excessive activity. Sweating or perspiration is the production of fluids in a person’s sweat glands. It occurs as a means of thermoregulation or regulating the body’s temperature in hot weather or excessive physical activity. It can occur generalised throughout the body or on specific parts containing the maximum number of glands. The armpits, hands, feet, and facial area are usually the focal points of Hyperhidrosis. Though not life-threatening, it can cause social, physical, and psychological distress to the patient and deteriorate the quality of their lives.
Excessive sweating symptoms & signs
It can occur in different body parts, including the palms, soles of the feet, underarms, and face. The most common symptoms of excessive sweating include:
- Visible sweating: Excessive sweating may cause visible wetness in the affected areas, which can be embarrassing and uncomfortable.
- Unpleasant odour: Sweat can produce an unpleasant odour when it combines with bacteria on the skin, leading to body odour.
- Skin irritation: Excessive sweating can cause skin irritation and may lead to rashes, infections, or other skin conditions.
- Social discomfort: Hyperhidrosis can be socially uncomfortable and cause individuals to avoid certain social situations, such as shaking hands or hugging.
- Impact on daily activities: Hyperhidrosis can impact daily activities such as writing, using a keyboard, or holding objects, due to the excess moisture on the skin.
HYPERHIDROSIS
TYPES & CAUSES
A medical professional, such as a dermatologist or primary care physician, can diagnose it.
Diagnosing usually involves a physical examination and discussing your medical history and symptoms. The doctor may ask questions about when excessive sweating occurs, how often it happens, and whether it affects specific body areas. They may also ask about any medications you are taking, as some can cause excessive sweating as a side effect.
In some cases, the doctor may order additional tests to rule out underlying medical conditions that may be causing excessive sweating. These tests may include blood tests, urine tests, or imaging tests.
Hyperhidrosis Diagnosis
Sweating at an early age that occurs once a week bilaterally and is absent at night is the diagnostic criterion for primary focal Hyperhidrosis. Similarly, sweating due to systemic conditions helps diagnose focal Hyperhidrosis. Several tests are required for the exact diagnosis of the condition so that the medical practitioner can decide his subsequent treatment for excessive sweating. Usually, blood, urine, and other lab tests are the first tests performed to check for an overactive thyroid or low blood sugar causing the problem. The next course of action is some sweat tests conducted on the patient. These tests aim to check the severity of Hyperhidrosis and pinpoint the potential body areas to be covered under treatment for excessive sweating.
Hyperhidrosis
Treatment Options
Antiperspirants are considered the primary treatment for excessive sweating when Hyperhidrosis is in its initial stage. When applied over the skin, the antiperspirants plug the sweat glands. This plugging effect signals the neurotransmitters to stop producing more sweat. Antiperspirants are affordable and are even available for clinical use based on their requirements. But they tend to cause a burning sensation with irritated skin.
Iontophoresis is another option for controlling excessive sweating. In this method, you are instructed to immerse your hands and feet in a shallow pan of water while a medical device sends a low-voltage current through the water. This method aims to regulate the nerves causing Hyperhidrosis to help in treatment. Successful treatment usually takes 6-10 sessions, lasting around 20-40 minutes. It is most helpful for the Hyperhidrosis of the hands and feet.
Botulinum injections and prescription cloth wipes are FDA-approved methods of Hyperhidrosis treatment for excessive sweating. Botulinum injections block the chemical in the body, stimulating the sweat glands. It is usually injected as a weak dose below the underarms. For excessive sweating, tiny amounts are injected into numerous underarms areas. Usually, the results are noticed 4-5 days after the injections last for six months or even longer. After that, it becomes necessary to repeat the injections. Prescription cloth wipes contain glycopyrronium tosylate, which helps in reducing underarm sweating.
When none of these treatments works, prescription medications and surgical options are required to deal with the situation; prescription medications control excessive sweating by preventing the sweat glands from working. But they can also cause side effects like dryness of the mouth with dry eyes, blurry vision, and heart palpitations. Additionally, the risk of side effects increases with their dose requiring them to be used cautiously.
Invasive options like surgically removing the sweat glands and sympathectomy are opted for as the last resort of treatment. For surgically removing your sweat glands, you are administered general anaesthesia, after which the surgeon excises a small portion of your underarms and, through liposuction, curettage, and laser surgery, removes your sweat glands permanently. During a sympathectomy, the surgeon cuts or destroys specific nerves causing excessive perspiration to treat the condition. While removing the sweat glands stops excessive sweating below the underarms, sympathectomy treats the hyperhidrosis problem of the palms.
OUR EXPERT
COMMON TOPICS
Hyperhidrosis results
Some general results that can be expected from hyperhidrosis treatment:
- Reduction in sweating: The primary goal of hyperhidrosis treatment is to reduce or eliminate excessive sweating. With successful treatment, most people will experience a significant reduction in sweating in the affected areas.
- Improved quality of life: Hyperhidrosis can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, causing embarrassment, discomfort, and even social isolation. Treatment can help to improve quality of life by reducing or eliminating these symptoms.
- Fewer skin irritations: Excessive sweating can lead to irritations like rashes and infections. With successful treatment, these irritations are often reduced or eliminated.
- Increased self-confidence: Excessive sweating can be a source of embarrassment and self-consciousness for many people. Treatment can help to increase self-confidence and improve overall well-being.
Hyperhidrosis recovery & downtime
Downtime associated with Botox injections for hyperhidrosis. However, it may take several days to a week for the full effects to be seen. Some people may experience mild side effects, such as redness or swelling at the injection site.
The Procedure of Excessive Sweating Treatment
There are different procedures for treating excessive sweating, and the specific procedure used will depend on the location and severity of the hyperhidrosis. Here are some standard procedures:
- Topical antiperspirants: Over-the-counter or prescription-strength antiperspirants can be applied to the affected areas, such as the underarms, hands, or feet. These products block the sweat glands temporarily and are often used as a first-line treatment for mild hyperhidrosis.
- Oral medications: Certain medications, such as anticholinergics, can help reduce sweating. These medications work by blocking the chemical signals that stimulate the sweat glands. However, these medications can have side effects, such as dry mouth or constipation, and are usually only used for severe cases of hyperhidrosis.
- Iontophoresis: This procedure involves passing a low-level electrical current through the skin of the affected area, such as the hands or feet, while they are submerged in water. The electrical current temporarily blocks the sweat glands, and the procedure is usually repeated several times a week for a few weeks to see results.
- Laser treatment: Laser therapy involves using a focused beam of light to destroy the sweat glands in the affected area. This procedure is typically used for underarm hyperhidrosis and can effectively reduce sweating but may require multiple treatments.
- Botox injections: Botox injections are a standard treatment for hyperhidrosis. Botox is injected directly into the affected area, such as the underarms or palms, to block the temporary chemical signals that stimulate the sweat glands. This procedure is generally safe and effective but may require repeated treatments every few months to maintain the desired level of sweat reduction.
Hyperhidrosis Post-Procedural Care
The post-procedural care for hyperhidrosis treatment will depend on the specific procedure performed, but some general guidelines may include the following:
- Topical antiperspirants: After applying topical antiperspirants, it is vital to avoid showering or bathing for at least 6 to 8 hours to allow the product to absorb the skin entirely. Reapplication may be necessary throughout the day, as directed by the healthcare professional.
- Oral medications: Patients should follow the healthcare professional’s instructions on how to take the medication, including the dosage and timing. Side effects, such as dry mouth or constipation, may occur, and patients should notify their healthcare professional if these side effects are severe or persist.
- Iontophoresis: After an iontophoresis session, patients should avoid showering or bathing for several hours to allow the effects of the treatment to take effect fully. Repeated treatments may be necessary to maintain the desired level of sweat reduction.
- Laser treatment: After laser treatment, patients may experience redness, swelling, or discomfort in the treated area. Avoiding direct sun exposure and wearing protective clothing and sunscreen to prevent further irritation is essential.
- Botox injections: After Botox injections, patients may experience mild redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. It is essential to avoid touching or rubbing the treated area and to avoid exercise or strenuous activity for several hours after the procedure.
Benefits of the hyperhidrosis
It can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. Here are some of the benefits of seeking treatment for hyperhidrosis:
- Improved confidence: Excessive sweating can be embarrassing and affect self-esteem. Treatment can help reduce sweating and improve self-confidence in social situations.
- Improved hygiene: Excessive sweating can lead to unpleasant odours and skin irritation. Treating hyperhidrosis can help improve hygiene and reduce the risk of skin infections.
- Improved clothing options: Excessive sweating can limit clothing options and cause discomfort. Treating hyperhidrosis can allow a person to wear a broader range of clothing and feel more comfortable.
- Reduced social anxiety: People with hyperhidrosis may avoid social situations due to excessive sweating. Treating hyperhidrosis can reduce social anxiety and allow a person to enjoy social activities without fear of sweating excessively.
- Improved quality of life: Hyperhidrosis can negatively impact a person’s daily life and activities. Treating hyperhidrosis can improve quality of life, with fewer limitations and increased comfort.
Hyperhidrosis ideal candidates
Ideal candidates for hyperhidrosis treatment include individuals who:
- Have been diagnosed with hyperhidrosis by a medical professional.
- Experience excessive sweating that interferes with their daily activities and quality of life.
- Have tried other treatments, such as antiperspirants, prescription medications, and lifestyle changes, without success.
- Are generally healthy and do not have any underlying medical conditions that could interfere with treatment.
- Have realistic expectations for the outcome of the treatment and understand the potential risks and benefits.
- willing and able to follow the treatment plan as their healthcare provider recommends.
- Are at least 18 years of age,
How is it performed?
Common methods used for hyperhidrosis treatment are:
- Antiperspirants: Over-the-counter and prescription-strength antiperspirants are often the first defence against hyperhidrosis. They work by blocking sweat ducts and reducing the amount of sweat produced.
- Medications: In some cases, medications such as anticholinergics, beta-blockers, and antidepressants may be used to treat hyperhidrosis. These medications work by reducing the activity of sweat glands.
- Botox injections: Botulinum toxin injections, commonly known as Botox, can temporarily block the nerve signals that trigger sweating. This treatment is typically used for excessive sweating underarms, hands, and feet.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to remove sweat glands or disrupt the nerves that trigger sweating. This is usually reserved for cases that have not responded to other treatments.
- Other treatments: Other treatments may be used, such as iontophoresis (a technique that uses electrical currents to reduce sweating), laser therapy, and microwave therapy.
Hyperhidrosis Commonly Affected Body Areas
It can affect any body part, but certain areas are more commonly affected than others. The most common areas affected by hyperhidrosis include:
- Underarms: Excessive sweating in the underarms, also known as axillary hyperhidrosis, is one of the most common types of hyperhidrosis. This can be a particularly bothersome area for many people, as it can cause embarrassment and difficulty with clothing choices.
- Palms of the hands: Excessive sweating in the palms, also known as palmar hyperhidrosis, can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks, such as writing or using a computer keyboard.
- Soles of the feet: Excessive sweating in the soles of the feet, also known as plantar hyperhidrosis, can make it difficult to wear certain shoes and increase the risk of foot infections.
- Face and scalp: Excessive sweating on the face and scalp, also known as craniofacial hyperhidrosis, can be exceptionally bothersome and cause embarrassment and social anxiety.
- Groin: Excessive sweating in the groin area, known as inguinal hyperhidrosis, can cause discomfort and irritation.
Hyperhidrosis results
Some general results that can be expected from hyperhidrosis treatment:
- Reduction in sweating: The primary goal of hyperhidrosis treatment is to reduce or eliminate excessive sweating. With successful treatment, most people will experience a significant reduction in sweating in the affected area(s).
- Improved quality of life: Hyperhidrosis can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, causing embarrassment, discomfort, and even social isolation. Treatment can help to improve quality of life by reducing or eliminating these symptoms.
- Fewer skin irritations: Excessive sweating can lead to irritations like rashes and infections. With successful treatment, these irritations are often reduced or eliminated.
- Increased self-confidence: Excessive sweating can be a source of embarrassment and self-consciousness for many people. Treatment can help to increase self-confidence and improve overall well-being.
Hyperhidrosis treatment Aim
Hyperhidrosis treatment aims to reduce or control excessive sweating, a medical condition characterized by sweating beyond what is necessary to regulate body temperature. Hyperhidrosis can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, causing social embarrassment, emotional distress, and physical discomfort.
The goals of hyperhidrosis treatment may include the following:
- Reducing the amount of sweat produced in the affected areas
- Improving the quality of life and reducing social and emotional distress
- Preventing skin irritation and infections caused by excessive sweating
- Helping patients regain their confidence and self-esteem
- Minimizing the need for frequent clothing changes or the use of absorbent products
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
You can stop sweating naturally by wearing breathable, loose-fitting clothing that allows proper ventilation. Shaving the underarms works in the problem effectively in a lot of cases. Waiting between showering and dressing allows your body to cool and dry before putting on clothes, which helps immensely reduce sweating. Additionally, you can stop sweating naturally by avoiding oily food and drinking lots of water.
Sweating is the body's thermoregulation mechanism in response to external stimuli like weather, excessive physical movement, and sometimes emotional factors. But conditions like certain odours and foods, spinal cord injury, Menopause, autonomic dysfunctions, and tumorous disorders also result in excessive perspiration. Excessive sweating can be a genetic condition passed down through generations.
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition termed excessive sweating. It can occur without any triggering stimuli. Excess sweat can drench your clothes, leading to frequent changes in clothes. It can cause embarrassment for you to mix with others and even cause difficulty in holding the pen and writing owing to too much sweat.
There is no cure for hyperhidrosis. But you can prevent excessive sweating by using antiperspirants with deodorants either from over-the-counter or prescription strengths. The doctors advise prescription medications to temporarily stop the sweat glands from working. When none of these work, the sweat glands are either removed surgically, or the nerves causing dysregulation of sweat glands are removed as a treatment measure. At Bizrahmed, we always focus on planning a hassle-free Hyperhidrosis treatment for excessive sweating so that the patient will not feel any discomfort in the process.
Yes, Botox is a safe and effective treatment for hyperhidrosis, which is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating. Botox works by blocking the chemical signals that stimulate the sweat glands, thereby reducing the amount of sweat produced in the treated area.
Botox injections for hyperhidrosis are FDA-approved and have been shown to be safe and effective in clinical studies. The procedure involves injecting small amounts of Botox into the skin in the affected area, usually the underarms, palms, or soles of the feet. The injections are typically well-tolerated, and any discomfort can be managed with local anesthesia or numbing cream.
Hyperhidrosis can be a lifelong condition, but it is treatable. The severity of the condition can vary, and some people may experience temporary relief or remission from symptoms. However, for many people, hyperhidrosis can persist throughout their lifetime if left untreated.
There are several treatment options available for hyperhidrosis, including antiperspirants, medications, iontophoresis, botox injections, and surgery. These treatments can help reduce sweating and improve quality of life for individuals with hyperhidrosis.
If you consider Botox injections your Hyperhidrosis treatment for excessive sweating, you must go for it once every six months until the disorder subsides completely. Antiperspirants and prescription medications need to be used regularly to provide satisfactory results. Only surgical methods (by removing sweat glands and sympathectomy) can provide permanent results but only for the underarms and palms of the patient.
You can prevent Hyperhidrosis by wearing cotton clothes with loose-fitting, allowing ventilation through the body. Junk foods and alcohol are significant causes triggering excessive sweating. Avoiding these foods and eating and drinking healthy meals can help you prevent Hyperhidrosis to a great extent. Good body hygiene and regular shaving of the underarms can also prevent excessive sweating.
Hyperhidrosis is a reflection of inherited genetic traits. Hyperhidrosis is inherited as an expression of autosomal dominant genes. But the same genes associated with the disorder have yet to be identified. If you have at least one parent suffering from Hyperhidrosis, you have more chance of developing the condition.
Starch iodine and paper tests are two such tests. An iodine solution is applied to the sweaty areas in the starch iodine test. After drying, the focal points of sweat turn dark blue when starch is sprinkled on them. Similarly, special paper is placed over the sweat points in a paper test and then weighed to determine the intensity of sweat accumulation. QSART ( Quantitative Pseudotumor Axon Reflex Test) is another test used to measure the nerves that control sweating by using mild electrical stimulation on the skin. Sometimes imaging tests like x-rays and CT scans may also be required to rule out cancerous conditions causing excessive sweating.
The number of hyperhidrosis treatment sessions required may vary depending on the individual and the severity of their condition. Typically, Botox injections for hyperhidrosis are administered once every 3 to 6 months, or as needed, to maintain the desired level of sweating reduction.
The number of injections required per session also varies depending on the area being treated and the individual's response to the treatment. For example, for underarm hyperhidrosis, typically, around 50 units of Botox are used per underarm. However, the actual amount used may vary based on the patient's individual needs.
