Treatment: Conservative Methods

Nowadays there are two groups of methods in the treatment of groundless increase of sweating. The most widespread of them are conservative methods.

— Diet

Foodstuff containing correctors (coffee, spices, high-seasoned, salty dishes, etc) can provoke the manifestation of increased sweating. Therefore, if patients exclude these products from their ration, it can contribute to their amelioration, especially in patients suffering from mild hyperhidrosis.

— Psychotherapy

The method of psychotherapy can certainly improve to some extent the psychological state of patients and boost their confidence, but it cannot decrease sweating. The use of antianxiety drugs and tranquilizers contributes to the decrease of sweating, but their constant deleterious effect upon body and general psychological state does not allow a wide use of these preparations.

— Radiotherapy

The use of radiation treatment in small doses in the problem areas can temporarily decrease the secretion of sweat glands. Nevertheless, the possibility of short- and long-term radiation complications makes this method unacceptable for the treatment of increased sweating.

— Electrophoresis

This method has already been used for 50 years. It presupposes the use of low-voltage currents produced by special devices. Electrodes are wrapped in wet napkins and applied to problem areas. Patients feel some pain. The procedure lasts for about 20 minutes and must be repeated 3-4 times a week during 2-3 weeks. The effect of moderate drying lasts, as a rule, only at the time of treatment.
Some positive effect is also marked especially in patients suffering from palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis. Unfortunately, such complications as skin irritation, allergic reactions, blistering, skin itch and dermatitis narrow down its potentialities.

— Antiperspirants

In search of effective solution of their problem, the majority of patients have tried all possible and available antiperspirants. A lot of new preparations appear from day to day, but their effectiveness for ill people still does not increase. Moreover, the use of antiperspirants leads to skin irritation and other allergic reactions.

— Botulinum Toxin A Administration

This method has been used for the last 7-8 years. It presupposes intradermal introduction of botulinum toxin A preparation microdoses. The preparation blocks sweat gland innervation. The effect becomes visible in 3-6 days and lasts from 3 to 6 months. The duration of preparation effect is individual. A number of people can be insensible to the preparation. It is mostly observed in male patients.

The procedure of botulinum toxin injections is painful, that is why, if patients suffer from palmar of plantar hyperhidrosis, it can be performed under nerve block anaesthesia. In case of axillary hyperhidrosis, local refrigeration anaesthesia can be used.

Among possible complications of palmar hyperhidrosis is a temporary muscle weakness, especially the one of the thumb. Fortunately, in the course of time this phenomenon passes on its own.

Before the procedure of botulinum toxin injections Minor’s test is to be held. It gives the opportunity to determine the limits of sweat hyperproduction with the following targeted introduction of the preparation.