Armpit Sweat Prevention – What Are Your Options
When you have hyperhidrosis, armpit sweat prevention cannot be done by simply putting on an antiperspirant. That just won’t cut it.
When you can take a shower, go to sleep, and wake up in the middle of the night sweating like you just ran five miles. And because of this, changing sheets on your bed has become part of your every day routine.
When you’ve put on so much powder to keep you dry that you feel like a big greasy powdered donut.
When you’ve cried your eyes out or punched a hole in the wall because you are so sick of living in a puddle of sweat day after day, then you truly understand the torture that comes with living with hyperhidrosis.
The good news is that you can end the torture and get on the path to living without sweat.
I’ll walk you through the most common options for armpit sweat prevention. You’ll see the pros and cons of each and I’ll even show you where to find natural solutions.
Option 1
Hyperhidrosis Iontophoresis for Armpit Sweat Prevention
This procedure uses water to conduct a mild electric current though the skin’s surface. The patient places their hands or feet into a tray of water and a mild current is run through the water and into the hands or feet.
The theory behind this method is that the electrical current and the minerals in the water work together to thicken the outer layer of skin. This in turn blocks the flow of sweat to the skin’s surface.
Pros
1. Non Invasive - No drugs or injections are necessary
2. High Success Rate – According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 83% of people who try this for sweaty hands or feet find it effective
Cons
1. Time consuming – The initial treatment takes 20 to 40 minutes to complete. You’ll have to repeat the process every other day for 5 to 10 days until the sweating is reduced to a manageable level.
Depending on your individual situation, you will then be switched to a maintenance schedule. This schedule can range from once a week to once every 4 weeks.
2. Tap water may be to soft for iontophoresis hyperhidrosis to work. – Minerals or electrolytes in the water are needed to conduct the flow of electricity through the water. If they are not present in the water, the treatment won’t be as affective.
An additive such as baking soda or a medicine called an anticholinergic may need to be added to properly condition the water
3. Discomfort during the procedure – Although the current produced is mild, some have complained about being shocked during the procedure.
4. Only practical for hands or feet – Since this method requires putting the affected area in a tray of water, this method isn’t practical for armpit sweat prevention.
Option 2
Hyperhidrosis Sympathectomy – Armpit Sweat Prevention
Hyperhidrosis Sympathectomy is a surgical procedure which involves making tiny incisions in the underarm to install titanium clips that block transmissions from the sympathetic nervous system to the sweat glands. This, in turn will facilitate armpit sweat protection.
Pros
1. Success rate – About 95-98% of patients undergoing this procedure will be able to sustain armpit sweat prevention.
2. Little pain or discomfort – The procedure takes very little time and is virtually painless since it is conducted under anesthesia.
Cons
1. Surgery – It’s surgery so it’s invasive. Most people don’t really like to go under the knife if they don’t have to..
2. Compensatory Sweating – This is the most common side affect. This means that although you may attain armpit sweat prevention, you may sweat more on other areas of the body to compensate for it. While no one knows exactly why this occurs, it seems that almost everyone will experience it to some degree after the surgery.
3. Cost – Using Hyperhidrosis Sympathectomy to gain armpit sweat prevention can be expensive. If you have to pay for it out of your own pocket, it can cost around $7500. If you have insurance, some insurance companies will cover the cost.
Option 3
Does Botox Work to Achieve Armpit Sweat Prevention or Excessive Sweating in General?
Botox injections are also used to help gain armpit sweat prevention. It involves a series of injections in the affected areas.
Pros
1. Duration of Effectiveness – Botox injections can create armpit sweat prevention for as long as 6 to 8 months.
2. Costs Less Than Hyperhidrosis Sympathectomy – Costs can range from $1000 to $2000 per session. If you have insurance, some insurance companies will cover some or all of the cost.
Cons
1. It Hurts! – Each treatment consists of 15 to 20 injections to the affected area. This means 15 to 20 injections to attain armpit sweat prevention.
2. Injections to the Face or Hands Hurt Even More! – Ouch may be an understatement here.
3. Possible Temporary Hand Muscle Paralysis - Who wants to deal with this in any case?
4. Less Common Side Affects Include
– Anxiety
– Hemorrhage
– Flu like symptoms
– Itching
– Fever
– Sweating in other areas
Now if you want to avoid surgical armpit sweat prevention methods and injections…you can. There are things you can do naturally to combat excessive sweating.
About the Author
Learn more about your natural armpit sweat prevention options at http://stopunderarmsweat.weebly.com/.
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