We all sweat. Sweating is the body’s way of regulating its temperature. Most people sweat a little when it is hot outside or while exercising. However, for some people, sweat becomes more than just a minor inconvenience. Luckily, this is not something that one must live with forever. Gold Skin Care Center in Nashville, TN offers treatment options for sweat reduction.
Axillary Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive sweating in one or more areas of the body. The most common areas affected are the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and the underarms. When it affects the underarms, excessive sweating is referred to as Axillary Hyperhidrosis.
Symptoms
Those with axillary hyperhidrosis experience excessive underarm sweating at least once a week. The sweating is noticeable and may soak through the clothing.
Negative Impact
People with axillary hyperhydrosis often feel anxiety when going out in public because they fear that others will notice sweat stains on their clothing. They may worry about body odor. Many people choose jobs and lifestyles that allow them to avoid interaction with others.
They often spend a large amount of time trying to cope with their sweating by changing clothes frequently, washing or wiping themselves down frequently, applying deodorant multiple times per day, and even putting paper towels in their armpits.
Some people experience fungal or bacterial infections in their armpits as a result of the constant moisture.
Sweat Reduction Tips
Here are a few ways to control excessive sweating:
- Use antiperspirant (not deodorant)
- Ask for prescription-strength antiperspirant
- Wear light, breathable fabrics
- Bathe regularly with antibacterial soap
- Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and hot drinks
- Use armpit shields
Treatment Options
Coping with excessive sweat can interfere with a person’s everyday life. When it begins to affect your quality of life, it is time to look into additional sweat reduction treatment options.
miraDry®
miraDry® is a system that uses electromagnetic waves to dissolve sweat glands permanently. This is done by placing a handheld device directly onto the skin under the armpits. A cooling agent is used to prevent the skin from burning.
The treatment takes up to an hour. Some patients will need to repeat the treatment once or twice within a few months. miraDry® is very safe and is approved by the FDA.
Botox
This treatment involves injecting botulinum toxin into the sweat glands. This blocks the nerve signals that cause sweating and keep the glands from producing excessive sweat.
The effects of Botox injections for sweat reduction last about six months. After that, the treatment often needs to be repeated. Many patients find that the effects last longer and longer after each additional treatment.
You Don’t Have to Live With Excessive Sweating
While sweating is a normal part of life, excessive sweating is not. Axillary hyperhidrosis can negatively affect a person’s quality of life by requiring them to spend a large amount of time thinking about and coping with their sweat.
If you are living with axillary hyperhidrosis, contact Gold Skin Care Center in Nashville, TN to schedule your excessive sweating consultation.
