Cure for Hyperhidrosis: An In-depth Look into New Treatments
Hyperhidrosis is a fairly common disorder typified by excessive sweating, oftentimes independent of any physical exertion or hot environment. This condition, while not life-threatening, can certainly lead to social awkwardness, emotional distress, and overall decreased quality of life. However, thanks to medical advancements, hyperhidrosis, once considered incurable, has now seen numerous potential solutions, including surgeries, medications, and lifestyle changes. This article aims to delve deeper into the new treatments hyperhidrosis has been offered by the medical community.
One of the first treatment options to consider is antiperspirants. While this might sound commonplace, prescription-grade antiperspirants contain high-levels of aluminum chloride. This chemical, when applied to the skin, essentially plugs sweat glands thereby limiting the amount of perspiration a person can produce. While this is more of a management method rather than a cure, it has been shown to provide substantial relief in a significant number of cases.
Medications, on the other hand, play a key role in managing hyperhidrosis as well. This typically involves either oral or topical medications. Oral medications, such as anticholinergics, work by inhibiting the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter implicated in sweat control. However, it’s worth noting that these medications do come with side effects like dry mouth, blurred vision and heart palpitations among others. Consequently, their usage is typically reserved for severe cases.
Topical solutions like glycopyrronium tosylate are a newer development in the area of hyperhidrosis treatment. Applied to the affected area, they work by blocking the sweat gland openings. This allows for efficient, localized results with minimal systemic side effects. These have gained popularity recently owing to their efficacy and ease of usage.
If antiperspirants, oral medication and topical solutions do not work, or if a patient seeks a more permanent solution, the recourse lies in procedural treatments. Iontophoresis, for example, involves passing a low-level of electrical current through water into the skin’s surface to quell overactive sweat glands. This treatment is often employed for palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis that is resistant to antiperspirants.
Those who suffer from axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating), on the other hand, may be candidates for miraDry, an FDA-approved treatment. This non-invasive therapy uses microwave energy to eliminate underarm sweat glands, providing a long-term solution for extreme cases.
The most definitive, albeit invasive, solution is a surgical procedure known as Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS). In this surgery, the surgeon makes small incisions to cut, burn or clamp the sympathetic nerve chain, thereby reducing the signal to sweat in the targeted area. However, this procedure does come with the potential risk of compensatory sweating, and hence, is considered a last-resort treatment.
Through a growing understanding of hyperhidrosis causes and impacts, we have discovered several treatments. Apart from medical interventions, there are also lifestyle changes one can implement. Simple practices such as wearing breathable clothing, staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy diet can all play a part in managing this condition. Remember, every person is unique and what works for someone might not work for another. We recommend that you discuss your symptoms and potential treatment options with a healthcare professional for a tailored approach to managing hyperhidrosis.
In conclusion, our understanding of hyperhidrosis and its treatment has grown exponentially. The new treatments hyperhidrosis patients can avail of range from prescription antiperspirants, topical and oral medications, to procedural and surgical interventions. With continued research and innovation, better and more personalized treatments are on the horizon, providing hope for those living with this condition.