Sweating is one of those things that most of just don’t like to talk about or admit to. But for some people it is very real. So real that they may have to bring several changes of clothes to work with them. Or when they are in social situations and become anxious or nervous, their palms, brows and other areas of their body drip with sweat.
If this describes you, you may have a medical condition called hyperhidrosis, in which the sweat glands produce an extreme abundance of sweat. While excessive sweating effects approximately 20 percent of the population, about 5 percent of these cases fall into the category of hyperhidrosis. With hyperhidrosis, you may sweat heavily for no reason and sweating can easily be exacerbated by social situations, anxiety and exercise.
Sweating is a fact of life. Everyone sweats in different variations. It’s your body’s natural cooling system. But when sweating becomes bothersome on a daily basis, is embarrassing and effects your ability to function normally, you may want to consider a medical solution.
Individuals who sweat excessively usually have had this problem since adolescence. While excessive sweating may be a symptom of hyperhidrosis, in some cases, it may also be the result of other medical conditions such as thyroid problems, diabetes or infection. These cases are likely to come on more suddenly and should be evaluated. Some medications can also cause sweating.
If you have a problem with excessive sweating and it has become bothersome, there are several medical therapies that can help alleviate sweat production.
Topical creams with aluminum chloride can be rubbed onto the areas of the skin where the sweat ducts are found. However, these creams can cause irritation for some people. Some drugs can decrease sweat production by stopping the sweat glands from functioning. The primary side effect from these drugs is dry mouth.
Botox injections also can temporarily block the release of neurotransmitters that trigger excessive sweating. The major drawback to Botox is the fact that the injections will need to be repeated every six months. In some cases, insurance may not cover the procedure.
A procedure that has become more popular in the last few years is the MiraDRY. MiraDRY uses microwaves to destroy the sweat glands permanently and can also eliminate unpleasant body odor. The procedure is Federal and Drug Association (FDA)-approved to treat the underarms and has an 80 to 90 percent success rate. Unfortunately, the procedure is not covered by insurance and costs about $1,500. However, most people only need one treatment in a lifetime to significantly reduce underarm sweating.
The outpatient procedure requires no downtime and begins to work immediately. Most patients are ecstatic about the results and find it is well worth the investment.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 800.922.0000