What are the Treatments for Hyperhidrosis?
You don’t have to be a slave to your sweat. Excessive sweating can be managed and treated! You may be pretty discouraged after every antiperspirant in the store hasn’t worked for you. We don’t blame you! Living with a sweating problem can take a toll on your mental state and your clothes! There is hope!
If you think you may have a sweating condition, talk a doctor and get evaluated to determine why you have been sweating excessively. During the visit, the doctor will listen to your symptoms and determine the severity of your condition. He or she may suggest you go for testing to determine if you have hyperhidrosis or an underlying medical condition that is causing you to sweat more than normal.
If it is determined you have hyperhidrosis, the doctor will treat you, and your treatment will vary depending on what is causing it. The goal of the treatment is to lessen the amount you sweat and improve your quality of life.
Here are a few treatments for hyperhidrosis:
Anticholinergic medications
These medications inhibit the transmission of parasympathetic nerve impulses. On average, patients will notice improved symptoms in two weeks.
Botulinum toxin (Botox injections)
These injections block the nerves that trigger the sweat glands. Several injections are needed for effective results. This is best for underarm sweating.
Iontophoresis
Both the hands and feet are submerged into a bowl of water. An electric current (painless) is passed through the water. Patients usually need two to four 20- to 30-minute treatments.
Antiperspirants
Antiperspirant sprays (not deodorants) can stop sweating. Some prescription-level antiperspirants contain aluminum chloride hexahydrate, which plugs the sweat glands. These may work better on you than over-the-counter antiperspirants due to their strength and ingredients.
ETS (Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy)
This is a surgical procedure used in severe cases of hyperhidrosis when patients are not responding to other treatments. In this procedure, the nerves that carry messages to the sweat glands are cut. This procedure helps with hyperhidrosis in the face, hands, and/or armpits.
Don’t give up on your sweating. There are options out there that can help you. Dr. Peter Mikhail is a Tampa hyperhidrosis physician and surgeon in New Port Richey, Florida. Dr. Mikhail will ask you a series of questions about your sweating and determine the best treatment plan for you. To book a consult, click our Tampa hyperhidrosis contact page or call 727-312-4844. Dr. Mikhail treats patients in the Tampa and Clearwater area.
