The Hyperhydrosis Botox? Treatment is a popular therapy that may be used to reduce excessive sweating. The Botox? injections work by blocking the production of acetylcholine, which is a substance that activates the glands that produce the sweat. The botulinum toxin in the Botox? injections will also relax the muscles, and this will result in less sweating. There are procedures similar to this treatment, such as:
Sympathectomy
Sympathectomy is a surgery that can effectively cure excessive sweating. The surgery will inhibit the sympathetic system and the sympathetic nerves. The sympathetic system and nerves control the production of sweat. The treatment may be applied in all problem areas, but may have a side effect worth considering: the patient will not sweat in the treated areas, but will compensate by sweating in other areas.
The sympathectomy surgery will have permanent effects, unlike to Botox? injections, which will have to be applied every 6 to 9 months to prevent excessive sweating.
Axillary Suction Curettage
The axilliary suction curettage is a liposuction procedure that involves removing:
- Parts of subcutaneous tissue
- Apocrine glands
- Eccrine sweat glands
The procedure is recommended for patients with axillary excessive sweating and has been proven effective in over 70% of patients treated. The procedure cannot be applied for facial, feet or palm sweating. Even if the Botox? treatment has only been approved to reduce under arm sweating, the injections may be applied for problem areas such as the chest, palms or feet.
The axilliary suction curettage is a permanent solution, while the Botox? injections will need to be periodically reapplied, so that the patient won't suffer from excessive sweating.
Antiperspirant Products for Hyperhidrosis
Antiperspirant products such as lotions, creams, powders or deodorants may be used to reduce excessive sweating. However, these products may not work for all patients.
If effective, the antiperspirant products will only have a temporary effect. Facial sweating may be difficult to control with antiperspirant products, and presently there are no creams or lotions that can effectively reduce facial excessive sweating.
Medication Treatment
Medication treatment may be applied in patients that suffer from hyperhidrosis due to an underlying medical condition such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes or menopause. A doctor will establish the right type of medication to regularize the production of hormones and reduce the excessive sweating.
Nutritional Counseling
Some patients suffer from excessive sweating due to a weight problem or due to eating different foods that trigger hyperhidrosis. Nutritional counseling can help the patient avoid foods that may cause sweating (i.e. spicy foods or sweets) and may also help him lose some weight.
Stress Management
Stress management treatments such as counseling, working out or yoga can be useful in reducing excessive sweating. Many patients can suffer from excessive sweating due to stress and stressful situations. Managing stress can be a good solution to prevent sweating.
These treatments are non invasive and may take longer to be effective, but may reduce hyperhidrosis.
