What is Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is defined as excessive sweating which is not necessarily related to heat or exercise. People with hyperhidrosis may sweat so much that it soaks through clothes or drips off their hands. This heavy sweating can disrupt daily activities and cause social anxiety and embarrassment. 2-3% of the population are affected with this condition. Hyperhidrosis is genetic in nature and can be brought on or exacerbated by a variety of physical or emotional stressors.
Where does
Hyperhidrosis Occur?
Hyperhidrosis may be localized to the underarms, palms, or soles or any combination of those areas.
Hyperhidrosis may even present in a more generalized manner. Generalized hyperhidrosis affects the body diffusely and may be associated with systemic conditions such as diabetes, menopause, thyroid abnormalities and nervous system disorders. These conditions provoke the body to sweat more than usual.
Why does Hyperhidrosis Occur?
When the body overheats, for example, during physical activity, the sweat glands of the palms, soles, face, and underarms are activated by nerves. The over activation of these nerves is what causes hyperhidrosis.
Why are the treatments for
Hyperhidrosis?
The main treatments for hyperhidrosis include topical Drysol solution and oral Glycopyrrolate.
1. Drysol is a topical solution which helps to control the flow of sweat from the glands to the skin.
2. Glycopyrrolate is an oral medication which works by blocking the signal from the nerves which are responsible for sweat gland activation. A potential side effect as the dose increases, is dry mouth and less commonly, blurred vision.
3. When treatment with Glycopyrrolate and Drysol are unsuccessful, Botox injections may be necessary to keep focal hyperhidrosis sweating to a minimum. Currently, Botox is only FDA approved for axillary (arm pit) hyperhidrosis.
Botulinum toxin A (Botox) is a neurotoxin that works by decreasing the signal from the nerves to the sweat glands. Botox has been FDA approved for severe axillary (underarm) hyperhidrosis, when treatment with Drysol or Glycopyrrolate has failed.
During treatment with Botox, skin is iced or numbed and injected. 50 units of Botox are injected into multiple locations of each armpit. The effects of the medication are observable between 4 and 7 days after injection and last about 4-6 months. Potential side effects include pain and temporary muscle weakness at the site of injection.
Other Treatment Options
Prescription cloth wipes
- FDA approved for underarm sweating 9 years of age or older.
- The drug solution is on a pre-moistened cloth for application to the skin.
miraDry
- FDA approved for excessive underarm sweating.
A noninvasive treatment using electromagnetic energy that targets heat on sweat glands, destroying them.
- Local anesthesia is used and the skin is cooled during this hour-long procedure. It can be repeated 2-3 times for optimal effect.
Surgery
Coping with Hyperhidrosis
- Antiperspirants – aluminum based deodorants clog sweat pores temporarily, reducing the amount of sweat that reaches the skin
- Daily bathing
- Sticking to natural fabric clothing like cotton, wool, and silk to help the skin breathe
- Develop relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation and biofeedback that might help you overcome stress induced sweat.