What is the Best Treatment Option for Excessive Sweating?

Everybody sweats. We have as many as 4 million sweat glands working as the body’s coolant system to protect it from overheating. However, some of us sweat more than others. The 8 million Americans suffering from hyperhidrosis happen to sweat four to five times as much as the average person, causing them to feel embarrassed and less confident as a result.

Fortunately, there is a way to control excessive sweating. Though there are a number of different therapies used by medical professionals today, iontophoresis treatment is highly regarded as the most effective method for combating hyperhidrosis.

Iontophoresis, known as a “no-sweat machine,” shuts down the sweat glands in about six to 10 treatment sessions. It is a quick process, as one session lasts only 10 to 20 minutes the original source. It is also non-invasive, comes with few risks, and can be done in the comfort of your own home.

Other Tyes of Hyperhidrosis Treatments

1. Hyperhidrosis Sympathectomy
   This is a surgical procedure that involves making small incisions in the underarm for the installation of titanium clips, which block transmissions from the nervous system to the sweat glands to stop the production of underarm sweat.

   While as many as 98% of patients who undergo this procedure experience successful results, it is an invasive procedure. Additionally, compensatory sweating is a common side effect. This means that while you may no longer produce sweat in your armpits, other areas of your body may sweat more to make up for it. Almost every patient experiences this side effect following hyperhidrosis sympathectomy surgery. Finally, this procedure is particularly expensive, costing around $7,500 in out of pocket expenses.

2. Botox
   Botox injections can be used to control excessive sweating. Though injections cost less than hyperhidrosis sympathectomy, each session can range from $1,000 to $2,000. Botox injections are also known to be quite painful and sometimes cause temporary paralysis of the injection site. Less common side effects include anxiety, hemorrhage, flu-like symptoms, itching, fever, and compensatory sweating.
3. High potency antiperspirants
   Strong antiperspirants are usually the first method hyperhidrosis patients try to cure their excessive sweating; however, they are not always quite so effective. Though they are the cheapest treatment option, they are not ideal for stopping sweating on the palms and soles of the feet, often requiring a complementary treatment such as iontophoresis. Possible side effects include irritation, burning, and stinging.

Have you tried any of the hyperhidrosis treatments described above? How did they work for you? Feel free to post in the comments section below.