For every person, a certain amount of sweating is necessary to regulate body temperature and fulfill other physiological needs of the body. However, a number of individuals will experience a level of sweating that is excessive and beyond the needs of the body. This condition of excessive sweating is known as hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis is estimated to affect between 1 and 2% of the world’s population and can impact the lives of sufferers both socially and functionally. Clothing stains, inability to grasp pens or steering wheels, and discomfort when shaking hands are just a few of the ways in which cases of hyperhidrosis can leave men and women uncomfortable, insecure, and searching for a hyperhidrosis cure.
The most common forms of hyperhidrosis include sweaty palms, known as palmar hyperhidrosis, sweaty feet, or plantar hyperhidrosis, and axillary hyperhidrosis, which is excessive sweating of the underarms.
Those searching for a cure for how to stop excessive sweating often wonder what led to the development of their condition. While doctors have not identified an exact cause, it believed that genetics play a large role in determining who develops excessive sweating. Further, scientists have found a connection between hyperhidrosis and the presence of an overactive sympathetic nervous system. Unlike many other conditions that impact the body, hyperhidrosis does not appear to affect one gender more than the other.
Can It Be Cured on its Own?
Some individuals with hyperhidrosis are fortunate in that their condition clears up on its own. However, for most people with excessive sweating, particularly those with severe cases of hyperhidrosis, a spontaneous disappearing is unlikely. Instead, excessive sweating treatment will be necessary. This is especially the case in people with a family history of hyperhidrosis, stemming from the fact that the gene for hyperhidrosis is a recessive gene requiring a gene from both the mother and father for its manifestation. Knowing that hyperhidrosis is unlikely to clear up with time, it is important to determine a hyperhidrosis treatment option that fits your unique needs. Excessive sweating treatment ranges from hyperhidrosis natural treatment options to surgery for hyperhidrosis.
Non-surgical Treatment Options
Before turning to surgery, there are a number of non-surgical hyperhidrosis treatment options available to help lessen unpleasant symptoms. Hyperhidrosis natural treatments that some individuals have found success with include acupuncture and herbal medicines. Another very common non-surgical hyperhidrosis cure is the lotion Drysol. Drysol can be purchased in most states with a prescription, and in some cases over the counter. This lotion works by drying out the user’s hands to reduce the amount of sweat produced.
Some doctors will also recommend Botox as an excessive sweating cure, primarily for individuals who suffer from hyperhidrosis of the underarms. Once injected into the underarm, Botox works by causing a temporary cessation of the sweat glands’ functioning. Results are typically noticeable within 2 to 4 days after injection and can last anywhere from 4 to 12 months. Using Botox as a cure for palmar hyperhidrosis can be painful, resulting in temporary pain and weakness in the hands. However, with regional or general anesthesia some of this pain can be avoided.
Before turning to surgical cures for hyperhidrosis, doctors might also recommend oral medications, electronic devices, anti-anxiety medications, biofeedback, or beta blockers as forms of hyperhidrosis treatment.
Surgical Treatment of Palmar Hyperhidrosis
For those with severe cases of hyperhidrosis, surgery may be necessary in order to cure the excessive sweating that impacts daily life. For those with excessing hand sweating, Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS) is the most appropriate cure for palmar hyperhidrosis. ETS is completely safe and effective and is the only procedure available today that is a proven cure for hyperhidrosis. With a success rate between 98-99%, many individuals with palmar hyperhidrosis have been able to return to normal life without the nuisance of sweaty hands.
ETS is performed as an outpatient procedure and involves just two small incisions. Air is first inserted into the chest cavity, in order to move the lungs away from the operation site. Then, endoscopic equipment is inserted and used to clamp the T3 and T4 segments of the sympathetic nerve node which are the root cause of excessive sweating. Four titanium clips are then placed on either side of the nerve chain. The process is performed on the other side of the body, and the surgery is then complete. Patients are released to go home the same day and can return to their daily routine shortly.
Surgical Treatment of Plantar Hyperhidrosis
It is recommended that those with excessive foot sweating undergo Endoscopic Lumbar Sympathectory (ELS), which involves the location of the lumbar vertebrae through three small incisions on the abdomen. Once located, the sympathetic chain is clamped below the second lumbar vertebra, stopping excessive sweating of the feet.
Surgical Treatment of Axillary Hyperhidrosis
If non-surgical treatments for axillary hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating of the armpits, are not successful, procedures such as the excision of the armpit skin area or the duration of the inner layer of the armpit area may be used. Laser ablation is another option many have found success with.
If you’re living with hyperhidrosis, know that there is help available. At the Center for Hyperhidrosis, we are here to find a solution for the excessive sweating that is safe, effective and will leave you completely satisfied. From natural methods to surgical treatment options, there are ways to prevent and even end hyperhidrosis.