Hyperhidrosis

Definition of Hyperhidrosis
-In some people, the bodys mechanism for cooling itself is overactive so overactive that they may sweat four or five times more than is necessary, or normal. When sweating is this extreme it can be embarrassing, uncomfortable, anxiety-inducing, and disabling. -It can disrupt all aspects of a person's life, from career choices and recreational activities to relationships, emotional well-being, and self-image. This kind of excessive sweating is a serious medical condition. It's called hyperhidrosis and it afflicts millions of people around the world (approximately 3% of the population) but because of lack of awareness, more than half of these people are never diagnosed or treated for their symptoms.

Oral Medications
-Oral or systemic prescription medications are sometimes considered by physicians for the treatment of hyperhidrosis. -Some of the medications that have been tried are anticholinergics, beta blockers, and clonidine hydrochloride (specific drug names include Propantheline, Glycopyrronium bromide, Benztropine, Diazepam, Diltiazem, Indomethacin, Oxybutynin, and Glycopyrrolate/Robinul.) - Theoretically, these medicines could help treat excessive sweating because they prevent the stimulation of all sweat glands and thus may limit overall sweating, but long-term use is not recommended because of serious side effects. - In fact, many physicians are not convinced that systemic anticholinergic drugs and other oral medications are appropriate for the treatment of primary focal hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating that is not linked to another medical condition and is localized to the hands, feet, face, and/or underarms).

How to Use Anticholinergics Effectively

As mentioned above, many experts do not think that anticholinergics or other oral medications have long-term usefulness for the treatment of excessive sweating thats localized to the hands, feet, underarms, and/or face. This is because the drugs frequently have serious side effects such as: Dry mouth Blurred vision Impaired speech, taste, chewing, and swallowing

 Urinary retention Constipation Heart Palpitations There is one promising use for anticholinergics, however. Some physicians and their patients have had great success treating sweaty palms and sweaty feet by adding a crushed anticholinergic tablet to the water used during iontophoresis.

Iontophoresis
Iontophoresis uses a simple device to treat excessive sweating of the hands (palmar hyperhidrosis) and feet (plantar hyperhidrosis). -It is particularly useful for people whove tried prescription strength antiperspirants but find that they need a stronger treatment. - Used correctly and adjusted to individual situations, iontophoresis has proven to have a very high success rate (83% according to the American Academy of Dermatology) for people with sweaty palms and sweaty feet. Iontophoresis uses water to conduct a mild electrical current through the skins surface. - Its not entirely understood how or why iontophoresis works, but its believed that the electric current and mineral particles in the water work together to microscopically thicken the outer layer of the skin, which blocks the flow of sweat to the skins surface. - Once this sweat output is blocked or interrupted, sweat production on the palms and soles is, often suddenly and dramatically, "turned off".

How to Use Iontophoresis Effectively

-During iontophoresis, patients sit with hands or feet, or both, immersed in shallow trays filled with water for a short period of time (20 to 40 minutes) while the device sends a mild electrical current through the water. -The process is repeated every other day for five to ten days or until sweating is reduced to a comfortable level. - Once the desired dryness has been achieved, patients are switched to a maintenance schedule, ranging from once per week to once every four weeks, depending on the individual.

- To maintain dryness, iontophoresis must be repeated as soon as sweating begins to return. -Sometimes, tap water in certain geographic locations may be too soft for iontophoresis to work. That is, it doesnt contain many minerals or electrolytes (tiny particles that help the electric current travel through the water and into the skin). Adding about a teaspoon of baking soda to the trays of water will take care of this. If iontophoresis with plain tap water or tap water with baking soda doesn't produce the desired dryness, a prescription medicine called an anticholinergic may be added to the water. In the majority of cases this works and causes the palms and soles of the feet to stop sweating.