What remedy have you found most successful for hyperhidrosis?
Topical Applications - Driclor, Odaban etc
41%
[ 49 ]
Oral Medications - Ditropan, Probanthine..
10%
[ 13 ]
Iontophoresis
21%
[ 25 ]
Botox
5%
[ 7 ]
Diet
6%
[ 8 ]
Herbal
1%
[ 2 ]
ETS surgery
7%
[ 9 ]
Other surgery, e.g. liposuction, removal of sweat glands
5%
[ 6 ]
Total Votes : 119
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Pinker Expert User
Joined: May 03, 2005 Posts: 724 Location: England
Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 2:52 pm Post subject: Hyperhidrosis Remedies and information
The secretion of sweat is mediated by a portion of our vegetative nervous system: the Sympathetic Nervous System. 'Specifically, it is the Thoracic Sympathetic Ganglion Chain, which runs along the vertebra of the spine inside the chest cavity'. It is believed that in some people (approximately 1% of the population), this system is working at a very high activity level (over active), far higher than needed to keep a constant temperature. This condition is referred to as hyperhidrosis - excessive sweating. Depending on which part of the chain becomes overactive, different parts of the body become affected.
There are two types: primary/idiopathic HH (unknown cause) and secondary HH (known cause). Secondary HH can arise from various conditions, for example, endocrine disorders such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland), endocrine treatment for malignant disease, menopause, obesity, psychiatric disorders, systemic malignant disease. An over-reactive thyroid gland can be checked for by having a blood test.
Definitions: Sweaty Hands (Palmar Hyperhidrosis), Sweaty Feet (Pedal/plantar Hyperhidrosis), Underarm Sweat (Axillary Hyperhidrosis), Facial (forehead, cheeks, neck), Facial Blushing (Erythrophobia), Flushing and Cold Hands (Raynauds Syndrome), truncal (trunk, buttocks), bromhidrosis (Odour Problems), Gustatory Sweating (sweating on the forehead, face, scalp, and neck in response to eating), CS (compensatory sweating/Reflex sweating), general.
Based on research and feedback from forum members, below is a list of the main ways to combat hyperhidrosis;
*Topical Applications - antiperspirants (For the whole body)
These are the simplest products and often the first line of products to be used by sufferers. For more severe cases they are sometimes not very effective in treating palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis but they are often successful when used to treat axillary hyperhidrosis. Applying the solution to the area every night for a week (use a hairdrier to dry it on) should give noticable results. Most of the roll on applicators contain Aluminium Chloride which is belived to form a 'matrix' in the sweat gland which prevents sweat secretion.
Aluminium Chloride information - http://www.hyperhidrosisuk.org/aluminium.htm
The roll ons and sprays below should halt most axillary sweating after a few applications, unless in severe cases. When applying these, apply at night before bed (The body is suppost to sweat less when lying down), do not overapply and use a hairdrier to dry the solution otherwise the area will become itchy and inflamed. It has been suggested roll-on applicators may become ineffective over time as the body builds up a resistance to the total blockage after a few years of use.
30% Aluminium chloride solution (or stronger)
On prescription and made up by a dermatologist or pharmacist.
Odaban*recommended
A spray - noted to be less irritation than driclor & the other roll on applicators and no gradual resistance from the sweat glands. Primarily for facial and underarm HH.
http://www.odaban.com/
*Alternative/Misc Topical Remedies (For the whole body)
Products in the form of wipes or containing some chemicals other than aluminium chloride.
Secure Wipes (topical glycopyrrolate) *recommended
These are like a tissue or pad which are wiped across the area. The glycopyrrolate prevents synaptic transmission as the "messenger" acetylcholine is inhibited from stimulating receptors on the sweat glands.
Order online: http://www.pharmacy.ca/
Positive responses to the wipes: http://www.esfbchannel.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=2387&
'Sweat-stop' (bodyspray and lotion in Forte and Forte plus+) *recommended
A spray and a facial lotion used for excessive perspiration.
http://www.sweat-stop.com/en/
WARNING: "treatment with Ditropan XL®(i) (oxybutynin extended-release or ER), caused significant memory deterioration. Importantly, the individuals receiving oxybutynin ER failed to notice the change in their memory function. These findings were presented during the 2006 Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA)."
Article - http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-05/k-nds052306.php
Beta Blockers (Propranolol)
'Beta-blockers (e.g. propranolol) may be helpful when history indicates that symptoms are precipitated or exacerbated by stress.
*Iontophoresis*recommended
(For hands & feet, also underarms and trunk area)
This involves placeing the hands and/or feet into shallow trays filled with water, while a small electrical current is passed into metal plates and the water. After 5-10 initial treatments dryness can last up to 3 weeks in applied areas. The idrostar, i2ma, iomax 4, Drionic, idromed 4 and IONTEX machines also enable the armpits to be treated and also the trunk and buttocks in the case of the Drionic.
Be sure to rest hands and feet on the plastic grills (if supplied) otherwise a direct connection will be made with the metal and not through the water. Remove any metal such as watches, belts or earings.
"Maintenance treatments" should be carried out weekly or monthly as required to maintain constant dryness or 'sweat relief'. "Complete abolition of sweating was found to last one to two weeks and sweating quickly returned without maintenance therapy." - ets & reversals forum
http://www.sweathelp.org/English/PFF_Treatment_Iontophoresis.asp http://www.sweathelp.org/English/HCP_Treatment_Iontophoresis.asp
The water in your area can affect the effectiveness of the treatment. Hard water contains more minerals which is an important factor. To increase effectiveness with 'soft water', baking soda (Bicarbonate of soda) or Sea salt can be added to water to aid electrolytes (tiny particles that help the electric current travel through the water and into the skin).
Map of hard and soft water regions in the uk:
http://www.dwi.gov.uk/pubs/hardness/index.htm#4
You may want to custon build your own trays, for example use a deep container so the whole foot can be treated and not just the soles of your feet. You may want to use a small container just large enough to treat your hand, so if you are using glycopyrrolate solution you do not have to use excessive amounts. All that is needed is the tray and a stainless steel/aluminium metal strip to act as the electrode. Search ebay for "aluminium plates" or stainless steel.
This solution is used as an alternative when tap-water iontophoresis is not fully effective at reducing palmoplantar sweating. Glycopyrrolate is an anticholinergic*. The solution can be re-used a few times.
It is ordered on prescription.
Nova Laborotories Ltd in England make glycopyrrolate solution. Their contact number is 0116 2230100.
If you are treating both hands and feet, you may need to treat each side on a separate day if the side effects are intense. Possible short term side effects include a dry mouth and throat, nose, eyes, muzzyness, urinary retention and blurred vision.
Other possible side effects include; Abdominal pains, headaches, rapid heartbeat, rash, constipation, vomiting, impotence. These side effects are more likely with tablets or strong concentrations which contain higher doses of the drug.
Water can be mixed in to reduce side effects, but this also reduces effectiveness. See post 11 for my experiences.
*Anticholinergics are a class of medications that act by preventing acetylcholine from stimulating receptors on the sweat glands. In this way, anticholinergics shield the sweat gland from the action of acetylcholine. One anticholinergic, glycopyrrolate, is unlike the most others in that it does not cross the blood brain barrier and is therefore less likely to produce certain side effects. http://www.sweathelp.org/English/HCP_Treatment_Topical_Anticholinergics.asp
Note: you can also crush robinul/avert tablets and add to water instead of using this solution, however this may not be as effective due to undissolved particles.
i2m machines can be bought from STD Pharmaceuticals, England. People buying i2m iontophoresis machines through treatment on the British NHS may have the cost subsidised when the machine is purchased from STD Pharmaceuticals.
I reccommend buying rechargable batteries with a power rating of 1500 - 2700mAH for the battery powered machines.
Botulinum toxin injections. Specifically for axillary hyperhidrosis. *recomended
The responses have been as long as 1 year, but in most cases the anhidrosis effect begins to weaken in 4 months. It is usually very expensive unless covered by insurance. It may be used on the hands and feet but with less effect than the armpits. Injections in the hands and feet have been reported to be painful. Slight numbness of the thumb has been reported (caused by injection or diffusion of molecules into thenar muscle). This can account for a slight loss of grip.
International HH society article: http://www.sweathelp.org/English/PFF_Treatment_injections.asp
Article: http://www.beautybeforeage.com/botox/botox_nosweat.htm
Electrolysis is used for permanent hair removal. A needle is inserted into into the skin and an electrical current destroys the follicle, but the sweat gland can also be destroyed itself. The drawback of this method is sweat glands are very numerous especially in the hands, so it may take a long time to destroy enough to notice a difference.
http://www.socialphobiaworld.com/postp144697.html#144697
Diet
Try experimenting by cutting out certain foods. Certain foods and drinks, nicotine, and smells can trigger a response. Caffeine in tea and coffee will trigger sweating, possibily even in small amounts (e.g. caffine in chocolate). Check if you are hypoglycemic:
http://www.esfbchannel.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=936
Electrical stimulation of the sympathetic nervous chain
A proposed method of treating palmar hyperhydrosis by 'applying an oscillating electric field to the stellate ganglion'.
http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/6356786-fulltext.html
Stem cells
Growing stem cells to repair the damaged sympathetic nervous pathway in ETS patients who suffer with negative side effects.
*Surgery
ETS surgery
Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy. The last resort. This is a procedure that generates conflicting opinions due to a very diverse range of possible side effects. In general terms ETS does not offer a true cure for hyperhidrosis, but usually moves sweat from one area to another - referred to as reflex sweating. But side effects may be much more serve than this as told by post-ETS patients (see ETS & reversals forum link below).
Sympathectomy is performed through small keyhole incisions in the underarm area under general anesthesia. Certain sympathetic nerve ganglia are cut/burned/cauterised/severed at the 'T1'-'T5' levels in the thoracic cavity depending on the type of hyperhidrosis in question, thus interrupting the nerve signals which ordinarily would stimulate the body's fight-or-flight response. ETS is generally more successful for hand sweating than for plantar hyperhidrosis and facial blushing. Sufferers with widespread HH have an increased risk of compensatory sweating. Compensatory sweating can almost be expected because ETS does not solve the problem of excessive sweating but relieves it from the area being treated. Another method is ESB/ETS C (endoscopic sympathetic blockade, or sympathectomy clamping method) - clamping the nerves instead of destroying them. This method is to theoretically allow the nervous chain to be restored to its origional state by removing the clamps if undesirable effects develop, or reconstructing the nerve in the future. After quite a short period of time people have reported the sympathetic chain cannot be restored regardless of removing the clamps.
In 2003, ETS was banned in its birthplace, Sweden, due to overwhelming complaints by disabled patients. In 2004, Taiwanese health authorities banned the procedure on patients under 20 years of age.
From wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endoscopic_thoracic_sympathectomy
CT Fluoroscopy
This procedure involves the use of needles to make a puncture through the upper back, using CT guidance a phenol-based medication is injected. This interrupts the nerve tracts and nodes that transmit signals to the sweat glands. It involves two injections in the third vertibrae for the hands and two in the lombar region for the feet to destroy the nervous pathway. It has been branded by some as 'chemical Sympathectomy'. This is a dangerous procedure like ETS and should be used as a last resort as the effects of destroying nervous pathways can be difficult to reverse to this date.
Article: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=34310
Discussion on the procedure: http://p069.ezboard.com/fetsandreversalsfrm13.showMessage?topicID=236.topic
Excision (Skoog Procedure), curettage, Axillary Liposuction (Underarms)
"Curettage and Liposuction are similar. With curettage the sweat glands under the skin are removed by scraping. Liposuction removes glands by suction. Curettage is more effective than liposuction as many of the glands are left behind by suction and grow back within 6 months".
The Skoog procedure involves incision and dissection to expose the glands on the underside of the skin. The glands are surgically removed using fine scissors under magnification. The surgeon can see where glands have been removed, and where they have not. The scars are more noticeable with this procedure but it seems to be more effective in making sure all the glands are removed.
Information on procedures: http://www.emedicine.com/plastic/topic530.htm
Doctor's website: http://www.sweaty-armpit.com/bromhidrosiscure.html
Surgical techniques should be the very last option due to the associated risks and the fact that the procedures are difficult to reverse. ETS should be the very last option and should try to be avoided. In my opinion, the best and safest treatments for hyperhidrosis are:
Posted: Thu May 18, 2006 9:42 pm Post subject: Re: w00p
Enilesav wrote:
aha!! sooo happy i found your post i got driclor aaages ago but didnt know you had to hairdry it and got all inflamed and had to give up haha. yey!
Hey that's great! I hope it works for you
Also remember not to use too much, light applications every night for a few days will give you the best results. Then you don't have to use it as often.
Last edited by Pinker on Fri Sep 22, 2006 6:25 pm; edited 1 time in total
Here's some notes on the idrostar (iontophoresis) machine which I use.
- Initially carry out 10-15 treatments over a few weeks to reach dryness in the area.
- I treat one hand and one foot together for around 10-15 minutes, then reverse the polarity and do the same. Repeat this for the other hand and foot (Total treatment length 40min-1 hour).
- Fill the trays quite deep (over most of your fingers) to reduce irritation and stop compensatory sweating on top of the fingers.
- I use a current of around 10-13 mAmps
- On setting '1' the red cable is +ve.
- If you are unable to tolerate the current keep it moderately low and increase time to compensate.
- Apply vaseline to any cuts or eczema if it stings. Starting on a low current and working up helps. The pain decreases over time as your skin gets used to the treatment.
- Remove any jewelry and metal.
- Add bicarbonate of soda/effervescent salt to the water to increase conductivity if need be.
- Once dryness has been reached maintenance treatments are carried out to maintain dryness.
With the idrostar I use 4 rechargable batteries of rating of 2700mAH (the highest rating). Do not mix different ratings.
Glycopyrrolate solution is a stronger alternative to tap water. Report is on the top of page two.
Last edited by Pinker on Mon Apr 07, 2008 5:47 pm; edited 32 times in total
It's a Homeopathic cure for HH. I am going to buy this, I was looking over the web but I didn't find any views about these drops. Do you know anything about it ?
It's a Homeopathic cure for HH. I am going to buy this, I was looking over the web but I didn't find any views about these drops. Do you know anything about it ?
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