Hyperhidrosis is a serious condition that afflicts about 8 million Americans. It equally afflicts both men and women and normally shows up between the ages of 25 and 64. There is a genetic component to this disorder, as about 30% to 50% of those who have hyperhidrosis will have another family member who also suffers from it. There is naturally a lot of interest in how to treat hyperhidrosis, and several effective treatments are available.
What Is Hyperhidrosis?
the primary symptom of hyperhidrosis is simply excessive sweating. While it is normal for anyone to sweat if they get hot or do a lot of exercise, those suffering from hyperhidrosis will commonly sweat 4 to 5 times as much as average. The average person has approximately two to four million sweat glands. These glands are the body’s natural cooling system, and without it we would quickly overheat and die. Those with hyperhidrosis, however, have far too many sweat glands, and the most common cause of excessive sweating is primary focal hyperhidrosis.
Why Is Hyperhidrosis a Problem?
The reason sufferers are so interested in how to treat hyperhidrosis is primarily because of the emotional and social difficulty that the disorder brings. Almost all hyperhidrosis patients are emotionally affected by their condition, and most say that they feel less confident because of it. For some people, the condition even stops them from taking part in daily activities.
What Can Be Done for Those Who Sweat Excessively?
There are several possibilities about how to treat hyperhidrosis. For a few people who have the problem, lifestyle changes may be effective. These can include wearing leather shoes and changing shoes from day to day, wearing socks that are moisture-absorbent and changing them out twice a day, and wearing loose-fitting clothes to minimize sweating. For those with an excessive sweating problem, a drugstore pharmacist may also be able to give further advice on how to treat hyperhidrosis. These suggestions may include foot powders, gentler soap substitutes, and stronger antiperspirants. However, many people with the condition cannot control excessive sweating through these methods.
How to Treat Hyperhidrosis
Fortunately, for those whose condition is not helped by lifestyle changes or stronger antiperspirants, there are other options available. One of the best treatments for hyperhidrosis is iontophorensis. Iontophorensis therapy has been used for over 50 years as a treatment for this condition and is quite effective. The treatment involves sending a weak electrical current to the sweat glands, which shuts them down. At the beginning, a person may need iontophorensis treatment two or three times each week, and most people will see relief after six to 10 sessions. Each treatment takes between 10 and 20 minutes.
Hyperhidrosis can cause embarrassment and even psychological problems for person. It can interfere with an active social life, interfere with daily activities, and keep a person from developing the self-confidence and assurance they need for work, social activities, and every other part of life. If you or someone you love is sweating constantly and is unable to find relief, consider finding out whether iontophorensis treatments could be the right choice. This effective way of treating hyperhidrosis might just give you back your life.