treatments for hyperhidrosis

The Science Behind What Causes Hyperhidrosis

Posted on by Hidrex USA

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.

control excessive sweating

Iontophoresis: A Way To Control Excessive Sweating?

Posted on by Hidrex USA

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.

4 Common Myths About Hyperhidrosis You Need To Know

Posted on by Hidrex USA

Hyperhidrosis can be an embarrassing and frustrating condition sometimes. If you don’t know how to stop excessive sweating and have been struggling with this condition, there may be a few myths you’ve heard from other people or might even believe yourself. However, myths about hyperhidrosis can keep people from getting the treatment they need. Here are some of the top myths about constant sweating and the truth behind them so you can stay informed.

Myth: Sweating a lot is normal.

Fact: It can be easy to write off your excessive sweating as normal, especially if you’ve been dealing with it for a long period of time. However, it’s important to remember that most people don’t deal with issues on a daily basis due to excessive sweating. If you’ve noticed that your sweating is preventing you from performing certain tasks, you may be dealing with hyperhidrosis.

Myth: All you need is deodorant.

Fact: When you’re sweating excessively as a result of hyperhidrosis, deodorant might not be enough to properly manage it. Generally, deodorant and antiperspirants are designed to handle underarm sweat, but often hyperhidrosis causes excessive sweating elsewhere in the body, and deodorant won’t help.

Myth: The only way to control excessive sweating is with medication.

Fact: Not everyone with hyperhidrosis will be able to take medication to manage the condition. For those already on other forms of medication, this form of hyperhidrosis treatment might not be possible. Additionally, medication can have side effects that some patients with hyperhidrosis would prefer to avoid.

Myth: There’s no cure for sweating constantly.

Fact: A variety of hyperhidrosis treatments exist, even if you can’t take medication. Iontophoresis devices use electricity to help reduce sweating short and long term, making hyperhidrosis more manageable. This treatment method needs about six to ten treatment sessions to shut down the sweat glands. For those trying to figure out how to stop excessive sweating, iontophoresis may be able to help.

Understanding the reality of hyperhidrosis can help people get the treatment and help they need to manage this condition properly. For more information on how to stop excessive sweating and what hyperhidrosis treatments are available, contact Hidrex USA today.

4 Tips for Using Your Iontophoresis Machine

Posted on by Hidrex USA

iontophoresisHyperhidrosis is among the primary causes of excessive sweating problems. While this might seem like a minor annoyance, it can have a large impact, especially on quality of life. In fact, of hyperhidrosis sufferers, 90% say that it has a large effect on their emotional well-being and their confidence. Fortunately, there exist tools to help combat this issue.

Iontophoresis is a system in which electricity is used to stop hyperhidrosis. Invented over 50 years ago, this amazing tool has been instrumental in the lives of many. Still, for those just recently diagnosed, it can seem alien.

In order to better facilitate your use of an iontophoresis, we’ve compiled four handy tips that will keep your treatment on track.

  1. Set Expectations: One of the most important things to remember is that there is no magical cure. While iontophoresis is remarkably effective, it also takes time before it can work fully. In fact. It can take up to 10 treatments before you begin to see a result. So don’t sweat it if you end up waiting for your treatment to take effect.

  2. Stick to Your Plan: It might seem silly to state, but you’d be surprised how often people give up on their iontophoresis treatments, or how unattentive they are to their set schedule. Regularity of your treatment is an incredibly important factor in determining its success, so make sure you undergo treatment at the right time and the right duration.

  3. Troubleshoot: If you aren’t seeing the results you want after a certain amount of time, then you should try mixing up your routine — in a controlled way. Experiment with the electrical current you are using or the length of your session to see if it is possible to obtain better results while making only minor adjustments.

  4. Keep a Dairy: Maintaining a diary not just of your treatment information but also about its effectiveness is a helpful way to optimize your iontophoresis treatments. It will help you better spot trends of improvements over the long run.

Iontophoresis machines are a powerful tool for someone trying to understand how to stop hyperhidrosis. But the machine alone may not be enough to help reduce excessive sweating. By following the tips above, you can better empower yourself to beat chronic sweating and regain your confidence and quality of life.