Everyone has experienced stains on their clothing caused by underarm sweating. This is a very common occurrence when someone is not dressed appropriately for hot weather or intense physical activity. The body needs to sweat in order to prevent it from becoming overheated when confronted with such stimuli. In fact, if the body did not sweat, we could be in trouble.
While everyone sweats and it is a perfectly normal and healthy function, there are some people who are forced to deal with excessive sweating issues. When the body sweats more than what meets the physiological needs of the body, it becomes a medical concern and is referred to as hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis can affect different parts of the body, including the back, face, palms and feet.
Most people suffer from axillary hyperhidrosis, which is when the underarms sweat excessively. It is possible that perspiration will literally drip from these areas and this can cause people much discomfort and embarrassment.
Drug store products are simply not effective as they contain very minimal amounts of aluminum chloride, which is the main functioning ingredient.
Doctors who diagnose a patient with axillary hyperhidrosis are likely to recommend one of the following treatments:
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Topical Treatments
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Surgical procedures
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Tap Water Iontophoresis
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Medications
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Botox Treatments
While tap water iontophoresis is successful in many cases, people tend to shy away from this method of treatment, as it is very time consuming and can become expensive. It is also difficult to apply to areas higher up on the body, such as the underarms.
Topical treatments contain a higher level of aluminum chloride than products that are purchased from stores, but their results are very temporary. The treatments need to be applied frequently and will only keep an area dry for a brief period of time.
Surgical methods are invasive and are usually not necessary. Botox injections offer an effective alternative to such surgery and are a highly recommended way to deal with the effects of axillary hyperhidrosis.
Unlike topical creams, Botox injections work by getting underneath the skin to the route of the problem. The treatments will deactivate overactive sweat glands by blocking the release of acetylcholine, a chemical that acts as a transmitter between the body and the sympathetic nervous system, signaling it to start sweating.
Each visit to a Botox clinic will render results that last up to 6 month, meaning that treatments are only necessary once or twice a year, depending on the individual. These injections are offering a cost-efficient way for sufferers of axillary hyperhidrosis to function normally in the world.
To find out if Botox injections will work to treat your excessive underarm sweating, talk to your physician.