Perspiration is the body's natural reaction to physical stimuli such has nervousness, high levels of activity, and heat. In order to cool down an overheated system, the body responds by sweating.
Sweating is a normal and important function of the sympathetic nervous system. However, some people find that they perspire more than what can be deemed average. The medical term for excessive sweating is hyperhidrosis.
The level of perspiration that transpires when a person suffers from hyperhidrosis cannot be treated by regular antiperspirants found in pharmacies. Unfortunately, as many people are unaware that excessive sweating is in fact a treatable medical condition, they believe that they are forced to deal this embarrassing problem.
Beyond the physical effects of hyperhidrosis, it can cause people to endure mental anxiety as well. Excessive sweating may cause people to feel humiliated, ashamed and even depressed. Many sufferers of hyperhidrosis will avoid physical activity and social situations out of fear that they will perspire or give off undesirable odors.
Fortunately, there are a wide variety of treatments available to those who have hyperhidrosis. It is possible to live a normal existence without embarrassment or excessive sweating.
Treatments
Once a doctor has diagnosed a patient with hyperhidrosis, possible treatments will be recommended depending on the severity of the case. Possible treatments include:
While effective, surgery is usually not the most desirable option for a variety of reasons. It can be painful and requires a certain period of recovery time. Many do not feel comfortable "going under the knife” to treat this condition and because of the wide selection of other possible, effective treatments, it usually is not necessary.
Topical treatments are a non-invasive way to treat the problem of excessive sweating, but they tend not to be as effective as others. For starters, applying a cream or powder will simply block sweat from getting out of the body and the effects are very temporary. Topical treatments work similarly to the antiperspirant products that can be purchased in drug stores. They contain similar ingredients, such as aluminum salts.
Botulinum Toxin has been proven to effectively treat excessive sweating. While most commonly recognized as a means of cosmetic enhancement, Botox injections work by actually deactivating sweat glands that are overactive, which is the main cause of hyperhidrosis.
Unlike topical treatments that merely block the sweat from coming out, Botox injections get underneath the skin and work to provide a solid resolution for up to 6 months.
Not nearly as invasive or painful as surgery, visiting a Botox clinic to treat hyperhidrosis does not take long and recovery time is extremely minimal. Patients can expect some tenderness and bruising for a few days, but this will quickly pass.
Botulinum Toxin is helping those who suffer from hyperhidrosis live more comfortably. Find out if this treatment is the right one for you by contacting a skin care professional.