Getting an understanding of what causes hyperhidrosis is an important step towards treating the condition. You should also know that there are many different treatment options available for those suffering from the condition.
Idiopathic hyperhidrosis
Symptoms of idiopathic hyperhidrosis can take a toll on your daily life. This condition causes excessive sweating on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It can also affect the face and scalp. Hyperhidrosis can be a frustrating condition, but it does not have to take over your life. There are various treatment options available, and the right treatment can help you get back to normal.
Treatment for hyperhidrosis varies according to the underlying cause. It can be due to a variety of reasons, such as menopause, thyroid disease, or cardiovascular problems. The most common treatments for idiopathic hyperhidrosis are topical agents and surgical procedures.
Topical agents include antiperspirants, which are applied to the affected area once or twice a week. A wide variety of topical agents are available, including aluminum chloride and extra-strength chemical antiperspirants. These are effective in mild to moderate cases of hyperhidrosis.
In addition to topical agents, oral medications and adjuvant therapy can also help. Anti-cholinergic drugs may help to reduce sweating. However, they may cause side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, blurry vision, and mydriasis.
In addition, hyperhidrosis is a condition that can cause exercise intolerance, which makes it more difficult to exercise. If exercise is difficult for you, you should consult your physician. Medications that may help include beta blockers and calcium channel blockers.
Another form of treatment is endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. This procedure has been used to treat severe palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis. However, it is considered the last resort for patients who do not respond to other forms of treatment. It is a procedure that is guided by C-arm fluoroscopy.
If you are considering an ETS procedure, it is important to be aware of the risks and to be well informed about the procedure. You should also be prepared for the possibility of compensatory sweating, which can occur after the surgery.
In addition, you should make sure that you are wearing non-occlusive footwear and wear different shoes on alternate days. You should also use absorbent insoles and foot powder.
The use of microwave devices may also offer new treatment options for hyperhidrosis. While some preliminary studies show positive results, more research is needed to validate these findings.
Treatment options
Surgical treatment options are the most common, but other treatments have been developed for patients with hyperhidrosis. In addition to surgery, anticholinergic medications and energy sources such as microwave devices may also be useful.
Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is a surgical procedure that cauterizes the sympathetic nerve chain that innervates eccrine sweat glands. This procedure is considered as the last resort for patients with severe hyperhidrosis that does not respond to other treatments. However, patients must be well informed and willing to accept the risks of ETS.
Suction curettage is another treatment option that can be used to eradicate localized hyperhidrosis. This procedure involves the use of a water bath to place the affected area in. The water bath contains two electrodes, which interact with the sweat glands. Using this technique, a doctor can remove sweat glands and improve the appearance of the skin. It may also be beneficial for patients with palmoplantar hyperhidrosis.
Other treatments include anticholinergic medications and benzodiazapines. These drugs can help alleviate symptoms of hyperhidrosis, but can also have adverse effects. Some of the side effects include blurry vision, dry mouth, and difficulty with micturition. Anticholinergic medications can also cause mydriasis.
Other treatments include topical aluminum chloride and topical glycopyrrolate. These medications are thought to be effective for primary focal hyperhidrosis. Some patients may also respond to calcium channel blockers. Some anticholinergic medications may also be useful for treating palmoplantar hyperhidrosis. However, their effectiveness has not been determined.
Electrocautery can also be used to interrupt the sympathetic chain. The best results are found at the top of the rib level, R3 and R4. However, a small percentage of patients may experience pneumothorax. In most cases, pneumothorax is temporary and will clear up on its own.
Another treatment option is local microwave therapy. This treatment may be useful for patients with axillary hyperhidrosis. Historically, axillary hyperhidrosis was treated with subcutaneous curettage. However, this procedure has a high failure rate. It also carries permanent scarring.
In addition, alternative treatments such as psychotherapy and alternative medicine have not been proven effective. However, well-designed studies are needed to validate preliminary findings.
Iontophoresis
Using iontophoresis to treat hyperhidrosis has been known to produce some temporary side effects. However, the side effects are usually short-lived. If you have any questions about iontophoresis, talk with your doctor or dermatologist. They can explain to you what iontophoresis is and why it may be used to treat hyperhidrosis.
Iontophoresis for hyperhidrosis is a non-invasive and effective treatment. It works by using a mild electrical current to disrupt the normal signal from the sympathetic nerves to the sweat glands. This disruption leads to a decrease in sweat production. The electrical current reaches the skin through conductive metal electrodes.
Iontophoresis for hyperhidrosis can be performed at home, in the office, or at a clinic. It is usually administered three times a week until sweating is reduced. Patients usually see improvement within a few weeks. If they don’t see improvement, they may need to return for another treatment.
The amount of time you will need to use iontophoresis will vary depending on the severity of your condition. Treatments will last about 25 to 45 minutes, depending on your condition. If you are using a home iontophoresis machine, you will also need to follow a maintenance schedule.
In addition to iontophoresis, a clinical strength antiperspirant may also be used. These antiperspirants are usually inexpensive and easy to use. However, the drugs may cause systemic side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, and dry eyes. You may also need to use moisturizer after treatment.
Iontophoresis is also used to treat palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis. Studies have found that about 80 percent of patients who were treated with iontophoresis for palmar hyperhidrosis noticed a reduction in their sweating. This decrease in sweating was generally seen after two to four weeks of treatment.
While iontophoresis for hyperhidrosis has been proven to work, it is important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor before you decide to undergo treatment. If you are concerned about the cost of treatment, some physicians will negotiate with your health insurance provider.
Iontophoresis for hyperhidrosis may be painful, and you may experience itchiness for a short period of time after treatment. If you are experiencing any discomfort during treatment, it is important to talk to your doctor or dermatologist.
Surgery
Surgical treatment for hyperhidrosis is one of the most effective options. Hyperhidrosis is a common condition that affects approximately 1 to 2 percent of the United States population. However, it is even more common in some countries.
The most common form of hyperhidrosis is palmar sweating. This type of sweating is usually caused by a genetic condition. It occurs in children and adults. The condition causes significant emotional and physical discomfort.
The best treatment for palmar sweating is a surgery known as endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. This surgery works by clipping or destroying problem nerves. The surgery is performed through two small incisions in the armpit.
The surgery is done under general anesthesia. The surgery may take from one to three hours to complete. The patient may have some discomfort after the surgery. During the recovery period, the patient should avoid physical activity. Generally, most patients are back to normal activity within a week. However, soreness may last up to a week.
There are two types of glands that produce sweat: apocrine glands and eccrine glands. Each type of gland is controlled by a specific nerve. Hyperhidrosis surgery works by destroying the nerves that control sweat glands. The endoscope is used to identify the nerves that cause sweating and then cuts them.
This type of surgery is typically performed on patients who have severe cases of hyperhidrosis. It is also effective in treating children and adolescents. The success rate is 98-99%. Depending on the patient’s age and body size, the surgery can be performed on the arm, hands, feet, or face.
In addition to surgery for hyperhidrosis, medical therapies are also used. These include Botox(r), which blocks nerve stimulation of sweat glands. The medication must be repeated every three to six months. However, it is not always effective.
Another surgery for hyperhidrosis is sympathectomy. A sympathetic chain is the chain of nerves that controls sweat glands. A sympathectomy is the interruption of the sympathetic chain at a certain level. The surgeon can do this by clipping or by temporarily collapsing a lung.
Surgical treatment for hyperhidrosis is a safe and effective procedure. However, it is important to discuss the risks and side effects before the surgery.