Hyperhidrosis Treatment in Kelowna
Hyperhidrosis is a common condition that causes excessive sweating for no physiological reason. The body sweats in order to regular its core temperature to keep it at a constant 37ºC when your body is working harder than it normally does (if it’s hot outside or if you’re exercising) or when it’s under stress (when you are nervous, angry or afraid). Those affected by hyperhidrosis will experience excessive sweating even when they are not doing anything to trigger the sweating. There are two types of hyperhidrosis:
- – Primary Hyperhidrosis – excessive sweating in the hands, feet and armpits
- – Secondary Hyperhidrosis – excessive sweating as a result of other medical conditions such as thyroid disease, medications or menopause.
What Are the Symptoms?
- Wetness of different parts of your body, like hands, feet, scalp, back, etc.
- Sweating in cool temperatures
- Sweating when at rest and in a relaxing environment
- Changing clothes more than once a day because of excessive sweating
What Are the Causes?
Hyperhidrosis simply means you have overactive sweat glands. You have sweat glands throughout your body which means you can end up sweating in the most unlikely of places, like your head, your feet, your hands, your back, etc. There are medical conditions like thyroid or nervous system disorders, low blood sugar and menopause that show up as excessive sweating, this is called secondary hyperhidrosis. It’s important to speak with your doctor to ensure there is no underlying cause of your hyperhidrosis before you start treatment.
What Are the Treatments?
Lifestyle/ Non-Medical Treatments:
If you are experiencing excessive sweating under your armpits, the first thing to try is a stronger antiperspirant. There are several over-the-counter brands that you can try; these products should contain between 10% to 15% aluminum chloride hexahydrate which will plug the sweat ducts. If you’re not sure, speak with your pharmacist or your dermatologist about the products they recommend you try first.
Office Treatments for Excessive Sweating:
If over-the-counter topical remedies don’t work for you, speak with your dermatologist about trying Botox to resolve any excessive sweating issues you might have. Botox will in effect paralyze your nerves so that you don’t sweat as much. Except for a few injections in the area, it doesn’t hurt. However it is important to note that if you prevent sweating from one area (i.e. underarms), you still have to sweat which means it will come out of somewhere else. Learn more about our Botox procedures.
Surgical Treatments:
If Botox isn’t for you, your last option of defense is surgery. Some patients opt for surgery as a more permanent solution to hyperhidrosis. Surgery can be quite effective, however like with any other type of surgery, there are always risks that go along with this type of invasive procedure. Speak with your dermatologist first to get the full scope of options along with risks before making any decisions.
3 Reason to Choose DermMedica in Kelowna, BC as your miraDry provider
