Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition in which an individual experiences an abnormal amount of perspiring activity. The perspiration can manifest anywhere on the body, including the palms of the hands. Depending on the severity of the condition, there are several different ways to structure hyperhidrosis treatment and help the individual to avoid the inconvenience and embarrassment that accompany the condition.
One of the first steps in any hyperhidrosis treatment is to assess the general condition of the patient. This includes investigating the function of the sympathetic nervous system to determine if some underlying health factor is causing the system to trigger excessive sweating. In order to accomplish this task, the attending physician will often run blood work that can reveal thyroid problems or some other cause for hormone imbalances that are leading to the overproduction of perspiration.
After determining the underlying cause for the hyperhidrosis, the physician can move on to the task of design the best treatment for the condition. This is usually a two-pronged approach, in that strategies will be employed to minimize the sweating while the underlying trigger for the activity is also treated. This type of multi-level treatment for hyperhidrosis seeks to give the patient some relief while pursuing a more permanent solution for the condition.
The exact structure of the hyperhidrosis treatment will depend a great deal on where the excess perspiration is appearing. If the extra sweating is taking place under the arms or on the forehead, the physician may recommend the use of any over the counter ointment that contains aluminum chloride. While this does not stop the sweating activity, it is likely to slow down the production of sweat and help prevent the individual from dehydrating.
Hyperhidrosis treatments may require some type of prescription medication, especially if the rate of perspiration is heavy, or the sweating is taking place all over the body. Many of the medications used are aimed at calming the responses of an over-stimulated sympathetic nervous system, a move that will decrease the production of the sweat glands. Drugs such as beta-blockers and sedatives may also provide helpful with hyperhidrosis treatment.
Natural treatment for hyperhidrosis is also possible. The same vitamins and herbs that are used to treat mild depression and anxiety can also sometimes help to calm the overly excited nerves that prompt the excess sweating. Supplements such as passion flower, St. John’s wort, chamomile, the B vitamins, and a balance of calcium and magnesium may help to inhibit the perspiration. However, always consult a physician before using nutritional supplements along with prescription medications, as there may be a negative interaction.
If external forms of hyperhidrosis treatment do not prove effective, surgery may be the only option. This usually involves clipping a small section of the sympathetic nerve to calm the overall function of the system. However, surgery should only be considered after all other options have been tried and have not produced the desired results.
