Are you tired of sweating through your clothes? Do you feel embarrassed when shaking someone’s hand because of your sweaty palms? If so, you’re not alone.
Hyperhidrosis can be an embarrassing and sometimes debilitating condition that affects many people. It causes excessive sweating in various body parts, including the hands, feet, armpits, and face — even when it’s not hot outside or you’re not doing anything strenuous. This condition can often result in social anxiety and/or lowered self-esteem.
The good news is that there are many treatments for hyperhidrosis that can help get rid of this embarrassing problem once and for all.
Types of Hyperhidrosis
There are two types of hyperhidrosis: primary focal hyperhidrosis and secondary hyperhidrosis. Primary focal hyperhidrosis is a genetic condition often caused by faulty neurological stimulation of sweat glands in different areas of the body.
Secondary hyperhidrosis occurs due to an underlying medical condition such as menopause, thyroid disease, or diabetes mellitus. It may also occur as a result of medication side effects and other causes, such as radiation therapy for cancer treatment and anxiety-related disorders.
Diagnosis of Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is usually diagnosed by a doctor after a physical examination and review of medical history. During the examination, your doctor may ask you a series of questions to better understand the type and severity of your symptoms. This includes the location of sweating, time patterns, sweating triggers, frequency, and other symptoms such as weight loss, pounding heartbeat, clammy hands, or loss of appetite.
If you have secondary hyperhidrosis, your doctor will perform tests for underlying conditions that may be causing it. These tests may include blood work and imaging studies such as an ultrasound or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Best Ways To Stop Hyperhidrosis
After you’ve been diagnosed, your doctor will recommend the best treatment for you. Both surgical and non-surgical treatments are available depending on the severity of your condition.
Surgical Procedures for Hyperhidrosis
Sweat Gland Removal
During this procedure, the surgeon will remove the subcutaneous glands from under your armpits through excision, liposuction, or curettage. This procedure is also known as a local resection and can be done under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.
After the surgery, you may have some swelling and bruising, but it should go away in a few weeks. You may also need to wear compression garments for several weeks after the procedure.
Sympathectomy
This surgical process is often used as a last resort for treating excessive sweating. During the surgery, your doctor will make an incision in your armpit and remove the sympathetic nerve that runs between your ribs and spine. This can be done as an open surgery or endoscopic surgery, depending on your condition’s details.
Afterward, the surgeon will stitch up your wound and apply bandages around it while it heals over time (usually two weeks). One of the possible side effects of this procedure is compensatory sweating, which means that you could sweat more on other parts of your body.
Since this procedure has some risks, it is only recommended for people who have undergone a thorough evaluation to ensure that they are a good candidate for it.
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Non-surgical Procedures for Hyperhidrosis
Prescription Antiperspirants
If you have mild cases of hyperhidrosis, antiperspirant and deodorant may be enough to control your sweating. These products contain ingredients such as aluminum chloride that block sweat glands, reducing sweating and masking the resulting smell. Since these products only have moisture-wicking properties and don’t prevent sweating completely, you’ll likely need to reapply them regularly throughout the day.
Prescription-strength antiperspirants contain higher doses of aluminum chloride than over-the-counter brands. Your doctor can help evaluate whether these products will work for you and provide you with a prescription.
Nerve Blocking Medications
If over-the-counter deodorants don’t work for you, your doctor may prescribe oral medications that target specific nerves responsible for sweating. These anticholinergic drugs have side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, and bladder problems that may limit their usefulness in some patients.
Botulinum Toxin Injections
Injecting botulinum toxin (Botox®) into your armpits reduces sweating by blocking the sweat glands and preventing them from releasing sweat. Although this procedure is effective for many people, it’s important to note that it’s not permanent, and your sweat glands will eventually resume normal function. However, if done correctly, Botox® injections can last anywhere from 3-6 months, depending on the severity of your condition.
Additionally, Botox® may cause temporary muscle weakness. If you have any underlying medical condition like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, it’s best to discuss it with your primary care doctor before utilizing treatment.
Iontophoresis
This treatment involves passing an electric current through water to increase conductivity and then placing your hands or feet in the water for 20-30 minutes. The electric current helps to reduce sweating by disrupting normal sympathetic nerve transmission and blocking sweat ducts in the stratum corneum. While this treatment method is considered safe and effective, it can take several weeks to see results.
MiraDry
MiraDry is another FDA-approved and CE-marked non-invasive option that can help reduce sweating symptoms associated with axillary hyperhidrosis. Also known as microwave thermolysis, this procedure involves using radiofrequency technology to destroy sweat glands in the underarm area.
During this procedure, your doctor may give you local anesthesia to numb the area and reduce discomfort. After your underarm has been numbed and is ready to be treated, the clinician will apply a treatment template to your arm to outline exactly where to place the miraDry system.
Once the miraDry system is activated, you’ll feel a slight suction as your skin and glands are brought closer to the surface for maximum results. Then the miraDry system will emit radio frequencies that penetrate your skin and destroy the sweat glands underneath. Afterward, your doctor will apply a cooling gel to your underarms to alleviate any discomfort.
This procedure takes around two hours, depending on the size of your underarm. After your miraDry treatment is complete, we recommend you plan to take the remainder of the day to rest. You may notice some swelling or bruising, but this should subside in one to two weeks.
Fight Excess Sweating with Clinique Dallas
At Clinique Dallas, we offer two miraDry treatment options, depending on your needs. Each patient will be asked to fill out an assessment that rates their symptoms on a scale of 1-10. Depending on your score, this will determine whether you need one treatment or two. Most miraDry patients see an 80%+ reduction in sweat after the first treatment, but those who experience severe symptoms may need a second treatment to ensure their desired results are achieved.
Most patients who experience excessive sweating are candidates for this procedure. Some contraindications for miraDry treatments include if you are allergic to lidocaine, have a pacemaker, history of cysts, or naturally formed ingrown hairs.
We understand how challenging it is to live with hyperhidrosis and how much it can impact your life. Our board-certified physicians can help you manage your hyperhidrosis and regain your confidence. Contact us to set up a virtual consultation or visit us in person at our Dallas office.
