Summer usually means beach days, sundresses, shorts, and enjoying the warmer weather before it gives way to our all-too-familiar windy winters. However, for someone battling hyperhidrosis, summer might mean something else.
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive perspiration, or sweating. While the cause for the condition is still unknown, it’s not surprising that the overactive sweat glands are particularly problematic during the warmers months. Our bodies produce sweat as a cooling mechanism to regulate body temperature. When it’s hot, we sweat to cool down. However, hyperhidrosis sufferers generally produce more sweat than what might be considered normal. Because of this, persons with this condition suffer not only from the uncomfortable excess perspiration, but also psychological and socially.
A few treatment techniques are available for someone affected by hyperhidrosis.
Antiperspirant with higher concentrations of aluminum chloride is one option, and is often the first option you should try for treatment. These antiperspirants are available over the counter or even by mail on sites such as Amazon. Because of the increased amount of aluminum chloride in these antiperspirants (anywhere from 12 to 20 percent), some people report skin irritation with use. Look for brands that include skin conditioners such as aloe to reduce or eliminate irritation. Be sure to look on the label for “antiperspirant” rather than standard “deodorant”, which simply blocks odor and doesn’t prevent sweating.
Prescription medications may also be used to treat hyperhidrosis. Prolonged use is not generally recommended due to certain side effects; however, the medicine has been found to help in high anxiety situations to relieve the hyperhidrosis temporarily.
Botulinum toxin type A, also known as Botox can be administered by a board certified plastic surgeon to block neural control of sweat glands. This procedure is approved by
