Help requested with taking the next step in treatment....

JAH46 · Newbie User Joined: May 08, 2008 Posts: 2

Ok, I'm seeking some assistance. I'm 25 y.o. male who has experienced axillary (underarm) hyperhidrosis since my teen years.

I started with certain-dri, that worked for a short amount of time, and has never worked since.

I then tried a prescription anti-perspirant, which also worked at first, for a few weeks, but never worked after that.

I then went to a dermatologist, which suggested trying a Drionic device (that's iontophoresis, correct?) but my research online has shown this doesn't work as well for axillary hyperhidrosis, plus it's something that needs often repeat treatment.

I've since ordered odaban during the winter, and used it and the first time it worked well, and mad my underarms hurt from dryness and redness for days... then it never worked again.

I'm 25, it's getting to be summer, and looking at a finding a new job after my post-college first real job. Most will require much more social interaction, and I'm sick and tired of this fooling around with different topical treatments and I want to try something more drastic. Evil or Very Mad

That appears to be either 1.) Botox injections or 2.) Excision by either curettage or liposuction. How do I go about the "next step"? How do I find out if my insurance company will cover or partly cover either of these? Do I simply call and ask? If they don't, can I "apply" for them to cover it? Do I schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to discuss the possibility of these two procedures? I'm ready to take a more drastic step, just not sure where to start. FWIW, although I know all insurance plans are different, mine is with Anthem. Healthkeepers. Any help or advice is appreciated.

HH · Newbie User Joined: Jan 07, 2008 Posts: 89

I think your next logical step is a iontophoresis device-I use the idromed 4 GS for my hands but they also do a device for the underarms as well which might be better than the Drionic underarm device, google it and see what happens. You might just have to come up with the money to buy one if your insurance is going to be a hassle.

With any iontophoresis device you have to give it time to work and don't give up after two treatments or whatever-I think this is where many people fail. Yep iontophoresis needs to be repeated often (once/twice a week) which is a hassle but if it gives relief then its worth it.

Botox is very expensive and the liposuction may be a bit drastic at the moment, this is probably last resort option.

teandtoast · Intermediate User Joined: Feb 19, 2007 Posts: 105

I would give botox a go if u can get it for not to expensive (is free in uk on nhs) ...works well for a while I found