What is hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating?

Focal hyperhidrosis (or also called primary) is a chronic genetic disorder, usually hereditary; generalized hyperhidrosis (or secondary) can be linked to certain diseases such as diabetes, menopause, or anxiety, among others, or can be caused by certain drugs or treatments.

The focal does not cure but the symptoms can be treated to improve the quality of life. Generalized hyperhidrosis can disappear when the pathology is treated. Both types can be treated.

Hyperhidrosis is usually gets worse in hot weather. And that is when many patients are encouraged to seek a quick solution, increasing the number of consultations in aesthetic medicine clinics.

How to treat focal hyperhidrosis?

There are aluminium salt deodorants that reduce the sweat gland ducts, blocking the outflow of sweat. For certain specific cases with hyperhidrosis of recognized origin, medication may be useful. If these options do not solve the problem, the patient can also be treated with other therapies such as:

Iontophoresis: often used for palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis. Hands or feet are placed in a shallow tub of tap water. A special device emits a low electric current through the water, blocking the sweat glands over time. Each treatment lasts 10 to 20 minutes. Several sessions may be needed.

Microwave therapy: This is a high-tech device (called MiraDry® ) that is placed on the affected area. The device emits thermal energy (heat), which destroys the sweat glands permanently. The therapy can last about 40 minutes to an hour or so. It is a slightly painful technique that may require the administration of local anaesthesia in the treated area.

Botulinum Toxin (Botox): they manage to interrupt the hyperactivity of the sweat glands when injected into the affected area. Any of the areas can be treated. The session lasts about 20-40 minutes, and the results are maintained between 5 and 9 months, depending on the patient’s metabolism.

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy: It is the surgery of the nerves that control sweating. It is only indicated when medical treatment has failed, or the results are not as expected. It does not require hospitalization and will be applied to the most severe cases.

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