Summary: Do you suffer from hyperhidrosis? It may seem like a losing battle, but you have a number of treatment options available.
If you suffer from hyperhidrosis, it’s important for you to know that you aren’t alone. In the US alone, 2.8% of the population suffers from hyperhidrosis. That may not seem like a huge number, but 2.8% of the US population translates into 7.8 million people. Further, because of the stigma or because it isn’t often taken as seriously as the condition actually is, studies have indicated that hyperhidrosis isn’t talked about or brought to the attention of a medical practitioner as often as it could be. Statistically, only 47.5% of women and 28.6% of men are likely to discuss their condition with a health professional. This means there could be significantly more cases out there, and hyperhidrosis is most likely affecting more than those 7.8 million Americans who’ve documented it.
It’s also important to know that hyperhidrosis can occur in different parts of the body. For instance, 50.8% of those who have been diagnosed with hyperhidrosis suffer from axillary hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating of the underarms. However, other areas can also be affected, like the palms of hands, the soles of feet, and even the face. That means it isn’t uncommon for those who suffer from hyperhidrosis to go through shirts, shoes, and gloves quickly, or to give cold, wet handshakes and ruin papers. This is also problematic because hyperhidrosis is most prevalent among those between the ages of 25 and 26—which is the prime working-age population.
What are your options?
If you suffer from hyperhidrosis, you don’t have to resign yourself to a less client-facing career or an overabundant amount of excess daily laundry. There are solutions available to you, including both medical and over-the-counter options.
Love to shop for these products. I have used these shields for at least forty years. thank you for staying in business. It is amazing how many people do not know about these products to save their clothes.
PATRICIA
Medical Options
Iontophoresis – Low electrical currents are administered as you sit with your hands, feet, or both in a shallow tray of water to prevent your sweat from reaching the surface of your skin. The procedure takes between 20-30 minutes and needs to be repeated a few times a week at the start. Once sweating stops, it may only need to be re-administered a couple of times a month. There are purchasable machines available for more regular use at home.
Botulinum toxin – Botox injections can help with more than just wrinkles; they can also be used to treat excessive underarm sweating by preventing the release of a chemical that triggers your sweat glands to activate. Some doctors may also use it to treat palms and soles. The results can last up to a year.
Anticholinergic drugs – An oral drug that stops the activation of sweat glands may be prescribed by your doctor if you are a good candidate who isn’t at risk for side effects.
Surgery – There are a few surgical procedures that will allow your doctor to physically remove or permanently damage your sweat glands to prevent them from activating, but this should only be used as a last resort when all other treatment options fail.
Over-The-Counter Options
If you aren’t looking for something as drastic as a medical procedure to resolve your hyperhidrosis problem, you can always turn to a few over-the-counter products. For instance, antiperspirants wipes can be used on more than your armpits, and you can even purchase antiperspirant wipes to use on your hands and feet. There are also numerous disposable underarm pads and sweat-resistant undergarments that can be worn under clothing to prevent excessive sweating from becoming noticeable or damaging your clothing. For more information about these options, visit kleinerts.com.