Hyperhidrosis Treatment Options

If secondary hyperhidrosis is diagnosed, the underlying disease should be treated to eliminate it. In the case of primary, fortifying agents are often prescribed, it is also recommended to use disinfecting, drying powders and strong antiperspirants. Sometimes treatment by a psychotherapist is also required. If these methods do not work, a more complicated therapy is recommended.

Iontophoresis

This method has worked well for hyperhidrosis of the palms and legs. To do this, the hands and feet are immersed in warm water through which a weak electrical discharge is passed. In this case, painful sensations do not arise. To noticeably reduce sweating, two to four procedures for half an hour are enough to overcome excesisve sweating.

Botox or Dysport

These preparations containing botulinum toxin are widely used in cosmetology to remove wrinkles on the face, due to their ability to block neuromuscular transmission. They have proven to be effective in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. They are injected into the areas of increased sweatingto block the nerve endings that activate the sweat glands. Usually, several injections are required, but their effect lasts for a certain period (about 6 months), after which the course will have to be repeated.

Anticholinergics

These drugs are widely used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and spastic paralysis. It turned out that they also help with hyperhidrosis by blocking nerve impulses sent to the sweat glands. The positive effect occurs two weeks after the start of the therapy, but they should be taken with caution in hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart, liver and kidney problems.

Endoscopic sympathectomy

When the previous methods do not work, you can decide on a surgical operation – endoscopic sympathectomy, in which the surgeon removes the nerves that conduct electrical signals to the sweat glands. This method can only be used in relation to hyperhidrosis of the palms, armpits and face, moreover, it has many contraindications.