Hyperhidrosis treatment

What is Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a common medical condition characterized by excessive sweating affecting up to 4.8% of the global population. Those who suffer from the condition can sweat 4-5 times more than the average person!
It is often referred to as the “silent handicap”, as people rarely talk about the condition nor seek medical help, which leaves many to suffer in silence. There are a lot of misconceptions about hyperhidrosis. In fact, many do not even realize that excessive sweating is a recognized, treatable medical condition. Some do not even know that there is a word for it!

 
Primary Hyperhidrosis

Primary hyperhidrosis is a chronic condition that has no known cause (idiopathic). Research indicates that it may be hereditary and linked to an overactive sympathetic nervous system.
Primary hyperhidrosis is generally present and diagnosed in childhood, and almost always before young adulthood. It is localized, meaning it affects one or more specific areas of the body. The most commonly affected areas are the hands, feet, and underarms. When more than one area is affected, it is referred to as multifocal hyperhidrosis.
While this condition is non-life-threatening, it can have a serious impact on an individual’s occupational, physical, emotional, and social life. The condition can take a significant toll on its sufferer, leading them to live and plan their life around the condition, even leading them to completely avoid social interaction and gatherings.
Fortunately, highly effective treatment is available. Iontophoresis is a highly effective non-invasive, needle-free, and drug-free treatment option. 

Secondary Hyperhidrosis

Excessive sweating can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition or can be a side effect of a medication. If that is the case, then it is referred to as secondary hyperhidrosis, as it is not of primary origin. It is generalized, meaning it usually affects the whole body. The best course of treatment for this type of hyperhidrosis is to consult a medical professional in order to identify and treat the root cause.

Tapwater-Iontophoresis

It is an electrotherapeutic treatment method. It is based on the displacement of electrically charged particles. The electric charge migration during treatment creates the beneficial effect.

Some key points about iontophoresis treatment:

• The use of tap water ensures uniform treatment over the targeted areas.
• Providing an adequate level of current on the targeted area will reduce sweat in most cases.
• The treatment’s success partly depends on the current strength that is used.
• Higher current strengths are more efficient and should be used for severe sweating.
• The treatment strength should be changed in accordance with skin sensitivity.
• Hands and feet can tolerate a higher current strength than underarms.
• Following the initial treatment phase, results must be maintained by following a treatment schedule.
• The frequency of treatments is dependant upon the severity of the hyperhidrosis.