Perspiration Guide - Hyperhidrosis Treatment Methods
There are different treatment options, in order to come to grips with excessive perspiration. Conservative (non surgical) treatments have to be distinguished from surgical (invasive) treatments.
Before surgical measures are considered, the application of antiperspirants and other conservative treatment options must have been fully exhausted.
Conservative treatment options:
- Antiperspirants
- Iontophoresis
- Botulinum Toxin
- Psychotherapy
Surgical treatment options:
- Local sweat gland removal
- Sweat gland suction
- Surgical nerve block (sympathectomy)
Before deciding in favor of one of these treatment methods, simple preventive measures should be taken, as these frequently provide for a considerable improvement. If these measures are not successful, then an external treatment method may be approached. The application of antiperspirants is especially suitable for this purpose. They are highly efficient (a success rate over 95%), at the same time completely safe to use, cost-efficient and easy to apply.
Thus it is to be recommended to proceed against increased perspiration as follows:
- Try out recommended preventive measures
- Try out antiperspirants
- Consultation for further clarification
Pros & Cons - Overview
Advantages | Disadvantages | |
---|---|---|
Suction | High rate of adoption | Surgical risk, high costs, recurrence of slight perspiration after some time |
Antiperspirants | Very effective, perspiration is ceased (90-100%), applicable on any part of the skin, low procurement costs, simple and risk-free application | Application on a regular basis, time the product takes to soak in |
Botulinum Toxin | High rate of adoption, Fast reduction of perspiration | Numbing nerve poison, therefore controversial (can lead to death in case of oral consumption) high costs, treatment must be repeated every 6 months |
Excision | Initially good results | Surgical risk, adverse effects, recurrence of slight perspiration after some time |
Iontophoresis | Good results with slight to intense hyperhidrosis, gentle procedure | High time involved (20 minutes every 2-4 days), circumstancial procedure, only appropriate for hands and feet |
Pharmaceuticals | Easy to take | Proof of success uncertain, only few respond to treatment, high adverse effects, only with medical supervision |
Psychotherapie | No physical strain of any kind at all | Low rate of adoption, proof of success uncertain |
Sympathectomy | High rate of adoption | Surgical risk, healing of wound can be problematic and scarring can occur |