Hyperhidrosis
IF YOU HAVE HYPERHIDROSIS, PLEASE SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH ONE OF OUR ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALISTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
What is Hyperhidrosis?
Excessive sweating, known as hyperhidrosis, extends beyond normal body temperature regulation. It commonly affects areas like the palms, soles of the feet, underarms, and face, impacting daily activities and causing social discomfort.
Although the precise cause remains unclear, hyperhidrosis is often attributed to overactive sweat glands that react excessively to triggers such as heat, stress, or emotions. Diagnosis involves a physical examination and tests like the starch-iodine test to identify areas of heightened sweat production.
Treatment options vary from topical antiperspirants and medications to more invasive therapies such as botulinum toxin injections or surgical procedures to remove sweat glands. Each treatment aims to minimize sweating and enhance the quality of life for individuals with hyperhidrosis, addressing specific symptoms and their severity.
Hyperhidrosis Treatment Options
Hyperhidrosis treatment focuses on reducing excessive sweating and enhancing quality of life for those affected. Non-invasive options include using topical antiperspirants with aluminum chloride, which diminish sweat gland activity when applied to areas like the palms, soles, or underarms.
In cases that persist, healthcare providers may prescribe oral medications such as anticholinergics to block chemical signals that stimulate sweat production. Botulinum toxin injections are another effective method, temporarily halting nerve signals to sweat glands, particularly in the underarms or palms.
For severe instances resistant to other treatments, surgical procedures like sympathectomy or sweat gland removal (curettage) may be recommended. These interventions aim to permanently reduce sweat production by modifying nerve signals or eliminating sweat glands altogether.
Decisions regarding treatment depend on symptom severity, their impact on daily activities, and the specific areas affected by hyperhidrosis. Healthcare professionals customize treatment plans to meet each patient’s needs, ensuring optimal outcomes and symptom control.
Treatment Risks
Hyperhidrosis treatments, while effective, carry potential risks that patients should consider. Topical antiperspirants with aluminum chloride can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, especially in sensitive areas like the underarms or face.
Oral medications such as anticholinergics may lead to side effects like dry mouth, blurred vision, or constipation due to their systemic effects on the body’s nervous system. Botulinum toxin injections, though generally safe, can cause temporary muscle weakness or pain at the injection site.
Surgical interventions like sympathectomy or sweat gland removal carry risks such as infection, scarring, or compensatory sweating in other parts of the body. Additionally, any surgical procedure poses inherent risks related to anesthesia and surgical complications.
Patients should discuss these potential risks with their healthcare provider before starting treatment for hyperhidrosis. It’s essential to weigh the benefits against the risks and choose the most suitable treatment option based on individual circumstances and preferences.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK TO AN ORTHOPEDIC HAND AND WRIST SPECIALIST IN DALLAS, FORT WORTH, OR THE LONE STAR STATE, GIVE US A CALL AT 817-697-4038, OR CONTACT US OVER THE WEB. TELE-MEDICINE APPOINTMENTS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE.
