TREATMENT OF HYPERHIDROSIS (EXCESSIVE SWEATING)

WHAT IS HYPERHIDROSIS?

To sweat is normal and the principal reason one sweats is to maintain body temperature ie. eliminate excess body heat . Hyperhidrosis is excessive perspiration (sweating) or sweating beyond what is necessary to maintain normal body temperature. Hyperhidrosis can have a major impact on one's quality of life. Sweaty hands, feet, or armpits are embarrassing at the least and can increase anxiety and stress in both occupational and social situations.

The most common form of hyperhidrosis is focal (i.e. restricted to the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, the underarms, or the face). It is estimated that 5.8 million Americans have problems related to focal hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis usually begins in childhood or adolescence. It is not a psychological disease but rather a condition in which the nervous system stimulates excess sweat production in response to normal everyday levels of anxiety.

TREATMENT OF HYPERHIDROSIS

Treatments for hyperhidrosis include prescription-strength antiperspirants, anticholinergic medications (drugs that block sweat production), BOTOX®, iontophoresis (see below), and sympathectomy (an operation which cuts the nerves that cause sweat glands to produce perspiration).

Prescription strength antiperspirants such as Drysol™, Saldrize™ or Certain Dri™ are useful for some patients with underarm hyperhidrosis, but may be disappointing when used to treat hyperhidrosis of the palms or soles. Anticholinergics, drugs taken by mouth to suppress sweating, have side effects including dry mouth, blurring of vision, and bowel and bladder function disturbances that make them difficult to tolerate.

BOTOX TO TREAT HYPERHIDROSIS

Axillary hyperhidrosis (sweating of the armpits) that does not respond to topical antiperspirants such as Drysol™, Saldrize™ or Certain Dry™ may be treated with BOTOX®. BOTOX® is an extract of botulinum toxin and when injected into areas of the skin that produce excess sweat, effectively reduces sweat production for many months. BOTOX® injections to the sweat-producing areas of the armpits can frequently provide relief for as long as 6 months. An alternative treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis is surgical removal of the axillary (armpit) sweat glands. BOTOX® injections are also an effective remedy for palmar hyperhidrosis (sweating of the palms of the hands) and relief can last many months.

IONTOPHORESIS

By far the simplest and least expensive remedy for sweating of the palms of the hands or soles of the feet is iontophoresis. This treatment is performed using a physician-prescribed iontophoresis device such as the Fischer™ galvanic unit. Most patients find that the beneficial effects of iontophoresis are prolonged and maintenance treatments need only be done at one to three week intervals. Patients need to be taught by their physician to use the iontophoresis equipment. The great majority of individuals with hyperhidrosis of the hands or feet are delighted with the long-term results using iontophoresis.

SYMPATHECTOMY ?

Some physicians recommend endoscopic sympathectomy for the treatment of hyperhidrosis of the hands and/or armpits. While sympathectomy may be quite effective, due to the high risk of irreversible undesirable side effects such as compensatory hyperhidrosis (excess sweat production starts in a new area of the body such as the chest or back), this is rarely recommended.

At the Dermatology & Laser Center of Northern New Jersey, our physicians are recognized experts in the management of hyperhidrosis and will guide you in the selection of the best and safest treatment program for your particular form of hyperhidrosis.