29 October 2022

Hyperhidrosis: Is there a cure?

Intense and particularly unpleasant are the effects of hyperhidrosis on the sufferers, but also those around them. Daily they experience isolation from their friends and colleagues because of the perpetually "wet" appearance of their skin and even worse if their sweat smells bad. They acquire psychological problems due to the lack or absence of social contact, due to their aversion to others. Their every move, every thought, or planning is evaluated, controlled, and selected based on their sensitivity to their problem, their effects, and the reaction of others. "Sweating is the body's mechanism to lower its temperature. When we get hot, that is, the nervous system signals the sweat glands to produce sweat so that when it evaporates the temperature drops. In many people, however, the amount of sweat they secrete is greater than what they need. The vast majority suffer from primary hyperhidrosis, which can appear even before adulthood due to intense stimulation of the apocrine glands. In a much smaller percentage, hyperhidrosis is due to other diseases and is therefore called secondary. Diabetes mellitus, for example, but also hyperthyroidism, as well as gout, lead to hyperhidrosis. Finally, several classes of drugs can affect sweating, Shot of a handsome young man smelling his armpits at home The condition causes more problems in people who sweat a lot in the armpits. Almost 35% of them cannot tolerate its appearance, with their clothes constantly sweaty in that particular area. They are obliged to change them several times a day and it generally prevents them from living without concern. About 70% of them have a family member with the same condition, which indicates that the condition is hereditary. Women are more willing to seek help than men, although the percentages of men and women who suffer from hyperhidrosis do not differ. A more significant problem is faced by people who sweat excessively and their sweat smells bad. The coexistence of the two diseases multiplies the emotional impact and then the search for treatment is more likely. For the most part, patients sweat in specific areas, such as the armpits, head, soles, and palms. Cases of generalized primary hyperhidrosis are rarely reported. In both cases, however, the treatment methods are the same. On the contrary, in secondary hyperhidrosis, the treatment lies in the regulation of the underlying condition that causes it. For the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis, a variety of therapeutic approaches are offered, which are conservative, such as e.g. antiperspirants, iontophoresis, anticholinergics, laser or ultrasound therapy, and thermolysis. However, in some people, both medication and the use of topical preparations do not bring the expected results, while in some they have side effects, such as local irritation. More effective are invasive treatments, such as subcutaneous liposuction treatment or endoscopic sympathectomy. However, they are not a frequent choice of doctors, except in patients with severe hyperhidrosis and after conservative treatments have been tried and failed to provide relief. Of course, these also carry the risk of side effects. Cropped shot of an attractive young woman standing alone and touching her underarm against a gray background in the studio Modern options include botox, i.e. the use of botulinum toxin. It is an effective treatment for localized hyperhidrosis, that is, that which affects the largest percentage. This safe neurotoxin temporarily blocks the chemical signals of the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands in the treatment area so that these glands do not receive chemical signals, so the symptom of excessive sweating ceases. The research on its effectiveness is extensive and proven. The findings of the studies show that its infusion reduces the production of sweat, and consequently improves the psychology and quality of life of the patients. The very good results of using botox have made the method a first-line treatment. A review of studies published in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery confirmed that with this therapeutic method, hyperhidrosis is greatly reduced, the severity of the condition is improved, and patients who choose it live better. Botox also has excellent results in hydrobromide. It has been proven that especially for cases where the problem concerns the armpit, its use is both safe and effective even in minor sufferers. Botox injection treatments are performed after the application of local anesthetic cream. The time required to complete the treatment does not exceed 20 minutes, its effects begin to be felt in 1-2 weeks and last from 6-9 months. This treatment reduces sweating by 80% in the armpits and by 90% in the palms. Thus, the patient can carry out his daily activities and contacts without feeling any embarrassment or difficulty.