Month: February 2019

Sweating is a natural process of the human body. It’s how we are able to cool ourselves off when we get too warm and can be a way for the body to rid itself of toxins. Some people’s bodies go into overdrive when it comes to sweating, causing a medical condition known as hyperhidrosis. On average, a person with hyperhidrosis sweats four to five times as much as an individual who does not have the condition.

Luckily, there are treatments for hyperhidrosis. But what causes excessive sweating in the first place? Learn more about this condition that affects nearly 8 million Americans by discovering the science behind hyperhidrosis.

What causes hyperhidrosis?

Nearly everyone sweats when they’re in an environment that is too warm, after they’ve done physical activity, and when they’re under stress or afraid. Certain nerves tell the body to sweat when you experience these situations. Those with hyperhidrosis will start sweating more than usual for no apparent reason. It’s likely that for these individuals, those same nerves overreact and cause excessive sweating.

Researchers have not found a concrete reason why some people have hyperhidrosis, but they know for certain that it is not a condition that you can catch from someone else. They also know that the two types of hyperhidrosis — primary focal hyperhidrosis and secondary generalized hyperhidrosis — have different causes. About 30% to 50% of people who have primary focal hyperhidrosis have a family history of excessive sweating, indicating that the condition for them is genetic. Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis is a result of another medical condition or a side effect of medications, such as certain antidepressants.

Who is at risk for hyperhidrosis?

One of the biggest difficulties in finding a cause of hyperhidrosis is that it is underreported. Many people feel ashamed that they are sweating constantly, but the only way to find treatments for hyperhidrosis is to know if you are at risk and then speak to a doctor as soon as possible. Researchers know people with a family history of constant sweating may have a genetic predisposition, but if you have any of these medical conditions you may also be at risk:

• Adrenal gland disorders
• Heart disease
• Menopause
• Spinal cord injuries
• Parkinson’s disease
• Hyperthyroidism
• Lung disease
• Infectious diseases, such as HIV or tuberculosis

No matter what the cause for your hyperhidrosis may be, there are solutions for you to control excessive sweating. Contact Hidrex USA today to learn about treatments for hyperhidrosis.

From time to time, we have all known what it feels like to be too warm. The human body reacts to warmth by trying to cool down, so that we do not get overheated. Part of this process of cooling down usually involves perspiration, or sweat. In fact, this is the body’s own cooling system! For the average person, this cooling system consists of between two and four million sweat glands.

For some individuals, however, actually about 1% to 3% of the population, or 8 million people, sweating happens all too frequently. It isn’t just when they are hot…it happens much more often. This excessive sweating, which is known as hyperhidrosis, can be an inconvenience. People with hyperhidrosis actually sweat five times more than the average person.

Trying to control excessive sweating has been a pursuit of medical professionals for years. One area that has been developed is a process known as iontophoresis treatment. Using iontophoresis machines, patients are treated for excessive sweating. Let’s answer three key questions about this process and how it works.

1. What is Iontophoresis Treatment?

Iontophoresis is a treatment alternative for individuals who experience excessive sweating. Helping to control excessive sweating with this technique is a concept that began nearly a half century ago. Since it was introduced as a way of helping to control excessive sweating over 50 years ago, there has been progress made.

2. How Does Iontophoresis Treatment Work?

Iontophoresis a technique of using voltage on the skin to deliver drugs to the system to lessen sweating. Administering drugs through the skin is a process that is called transdermal drug delivery. 

3. What Machines Are Used in Iontophoresis Treatment?

An iontophoresis unit, or machine, is used to administer iontophoresis therapy in helping to control excessive sweating. The sessions for iontophoresis therapy usually take about 10 to 20 minutes to complete.
A new iontophoresis device was approved by the FDA in April 2015 in the United States. It is called an iontophoresis machine. This machine uses a local electrical current to help stop excessive sweating. If the patient’s hands were extremely sweaty, for instance, they may place them palms down on the iontophoresis machine and hopefully find relief. 

For many individuals, deodorants, antiperspirants, and drugs are not completely effective in helping to control excessive sweating. Today, however, there is new hope for individuals with hyperhidrosis, thanks to the developments made on the iontophoresis machine.