Hyperhidrosis which is also known as heavy sweating is a very real and embarrassing problem, but there are some effective ways to treat it. Before you hide under bulky sweaters or move to a chillier climate, you can try these proven techniques for combating excessive sweating.
STEP1: ANTIPERSPIRANT
The easiest way to tackle excessive sweating is with an antiperspirant, which most people already use on a daily basis. Most antiperspirants contain aluminum salts. When you roll them onto your skin, antiperspirants form a plug that blocks perspiration.
You can buy an antiperspirant over the counter at your local supermarket or drug store, or your doctor can prescribe one for you. Over-the-counter antiperspirants may be less irritating than prescription antiperspirants. Start with an over-the-counter brand, and if that doesn’t work, ask your doctor about a prescription.
Many antiperspirants are sold combined with a deodorant, which won’t stop you from sweating but will help control the odor from your sweat. Antiperspirants aren’t only for your underarms. You can also apply some of them to other areas where you sweat, like your hands and feet. Some may even be applied to the hairline. Don’t just roll or spray on your antiperspirant/deodorant in the morning and forget about it. Also apply it at night before you go to bed it will help keep you drier. And if this first treatment doesn’t work, let me take you through the second treatment.
STEP2: IONTOPHORESIS
During this treatment, you sit with your hands, feet, or both in a shallow tray of water for about 20 to 30 minutes, while a low electrical current travels through the water. No one knows exactly how this treatment works, but experts believe it blocks sweat from getting to your skin’s surface. You’ll have to repeat this treatment at least a few times a week, but after several times you may stop sweating. Once you learn how to do iontophoresis, you can buy a machine to use at home. Some people only require a couple of treatments a month for maintenance. This treatment is also effective but then if this doesn’t work, let’s go ahead with the third method.
STEP3: BOTULINUM TOXIN
This is another treatment option for heavy sweating is injections of botulinum toxin A (Botox), the same medicine used for wrinkles. Botox is FDA-approved for treating excessive sweating of the underarms, but some doctors may also use it on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Botox works by preventing the release of a chemical that signals the sweat glands to activate. You may need to have several Botox injections, but the results can last for almost a year. In a situation where this treatment doesn’t work, then you’d need to consult your physician.
STEP 4: ANTICHOLINERGIC DRUGS
When you’ve tried antiperspirants and treatments like iontophoresis and Botox and they haven’t worked, your doctor might recommend a prescription medicine such as anticholinergic drugs. Oral anticholinergic drugs stop the activation of the sweat glands, but they aren’t for everyone because they can have side effects such as blurred vision, heart palpitations, and urinary problems.
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