Thank you to Etna Interactive for sponsoring this post.

Those who suffer from hyperhidrosis will be happy to know that permanent and semi-permanent cures exist! It’s more than just an embarrassing issue. It truly is a life altering condition that can have mental and social impact on your life. A dear friend of mine suffered from this and because of it, he avoided many activities that would put his condition on display. That is, until he chose to try one of the treatment options explained below. It was life changing for him! I am a full advocate of treating this condition – it will change your life! 

Up to 3% of Americans experience it, but nobody talks about it. Excessive sweating can be embarrassing and difficult to bring up — even with your doctor. Thankfully, medical science has an array of unexpected treatments for the condition, ranging from quick in-office treatments to surgery.

Excessive Sweating

Everyone sweats. It’s simply our bodies’ natural way of cooling us off when we’re exercising or the weather is warm. But sweating crosses the line from “normal” to “excessive” when you sweat a lot, even if you’re not exerting yourself. This kind of sweating is actually a medical condition called hyperhidrosis. In extreme cases, hyperhidrosis can be indicative of an underlying disorder, such as an endocrine condition, but most people with hyperhidrosis are just “big sweaters.” Hyperhidrosis tends to affect the underarms, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet, but the human body is covered head to toe with millions of sweat glands — so it can be present anywhere. Where clinical strength deodorant falls short, targeted treatments can address the sweat glands directly.

Hyperhidrosis Cures: Treatment Options

BOTOX® (Semi-Permanent)

Everyone knows what BOTOX can do for wrinkles, but its medical indications are actually much more versatile. The product, which works by blocking nerve signals within the body, can halt the muscle movement that causes wrinkles and the spasms that cause overactive bladder. In the same way, it can be used to treat excessive sweating by blocking the nerve signals that activate sweat glands, keeping perspiration in check. BOTOX for excessive sweating is only FDA-approved for use on the underarms.

The treatment is relatively simple, performed in a physician’s office in just a few minutes. A physician or other qualified medical professional injects the product into whichever area you choose, and you can return to your regular activities immediately. Like BOTOX for wrinkles, though, results aren’t permanent. Repeated injections are needed once every few months.

Liposuction (Permanent)

While it may seem a little extreme to undergo liposuction just to treat hyperhidrosis, it is a nice ancillary benefit if you’re already planning on a little nip or tuck. Liposuction comes in several different iterations, but the one most associated with sweat reduction is SAFELipo®, a patented 4-step process created by Shreveport, Louisiana-based plastic surgeon Dr. Simeon Wall, Jr. SAFELipo is different from many other forms of liposuction because the surgeon takes extra care to smooth out the thin layer of fat that remains after suctioning the unwanted fat, making the process generally safer and reducing the risk of lumps, bumps, and other contour irregularities.

After performing chest or arm liposuction, with SAFELipo, Dr. Wall noticed that many of his patients reported a significant reduction in underarm sweat and odor. This is because the process of SAFELipo actually disrupted the function of these sweat glands, turning them off and helping patients stay dry. Unlike BOTOX, SAFELipo’s sweat-reducing effect is permanent.

miraDry® (Permanent)

MiraDry® is a noninvasive option for sweat reduction. It uses carefully directed microwave energy to destroy underarm sweat and odor glands. Once the glands are destroyed, they don’t grow back. Using a local anesthetic, a doctor or other medical professional delivers the energy to underarm sweat glands via a large hand piece. The procedure is performed in-office and takes about an hour to complete, although some people may require multiple treatments to see full results. The outcome is typically permanent.

If you suffer from hyperhidrosis, a choice to try one of these options will change your life. Hopefully this encourages you and gives hope that your chronic embarrassment can one day disappear!