If you’re among the millions worldwide who suffer from excessive sweating, know you’re not alone. Not only is this condition common, but it’s also completely treatable. At Worcester Dermatology Associates in Worcester, MA, we offer customized treatment plans that effectively treat this condition to improve the overall quality of life.
Can Excessive Sweating Be Effectively Treated Through Dermatology?
Excessive sweating, technically known as hyperhidrosis, involves profuse sweating from the armpits, palms, feet, or head, unrelated to activity levels or body heat. The root cause of this condition is linked to the overactivity of the sweat glands due to various factors, but a dermatologist can effectively manage it with specialized treatment options.
Understanding Hyperhidrosis
There are two types of hyperhidrosis: primary focal and secondary hyperhidrosis. Primary focal hyperhidrosis refers to excessive sweating from one or multiple body areas: typically the underarms, hands, feet, or forehead. This condition typically manifests earlier in life but does not trigger sweat overproduction when sleeping.
Secondary hyperhidrosis typically manifests later in life and can result from the side effects of medications or a medical condition. Individuals suffering from secondary hyperhidrosis typically sweat from every area of the body, not just specific regions. Secondary hyperhidrosis can typically be treated by addressing the underlying medical conditions, while primary local hyperhidrosis can be treated with in-office treatment options.
The Available Treatment Options
One problem with hyperhidrosis is that deodorant is never enough to stop the excessive sweating. For that reason, it’s important to undergo the right treatment that addresses the root cause of this condition to experience real and lasting relief. At Worcester Dermatology Associates, we offer two primary treatment options for patients suffering from hyperhidrosis: BOTOX injections and miraDry.
BOTOX Injections
BOTOX is a cosmetic injectable that provides an effective temporary solution for hyperhidrosis. BOTOX is most commonly used for cosmetic purposes to smooth dynamic lines and wrinkles by targeting them at the source: the muscular level. We can also use BOTOX injections to manage hyperhidrosis. This neuromodulator blocks the chemical signals from the nerves so that they can no longer stimulate the sweat glands to produce sweat.
As a result, excessive sweating stops and patients can enjoy temporary freedom from this condition. The effects of BOTOX injections for hyperhidrosis last six to seven months, which is why regular follow-up treatments are necessary to maintain the desired results long-term.
Is There Downtime?
There’s no downtime after a BOTOX treatment for hyperhidrosis. You can resume most of your normal daily activities after the treatment, but you should avoid strenuous activities for the first few days and avoid applying any type of deodorant in the treatment area to avoid irritating the injection sites.
Am I a Good Candidate?
The best candidates for BOTOX injections for hyperhidrosis are patients looking for a quick, non-surgical solution that will effectively reduce excess sweating from the underarms. The treatment process is minimally invasive and fast-acting, and the results are evident within the first two weeks of treatment. An initial consultation at our office is the best way to confirm whether this treatment is right for you.
miraDry
miraDry is an FDA-approved treatment that provides patients with a permanent solution for hyperhidrosis. It’s a clinically proven treatment that’s quick, comfortable, and minimally invasive. The device is designed to address the root cause of excessive sweating from the underarms and uses thermal energy to target and destroy sweat glands, odor glands, and hair follicles in the area.
Patients who undergo this treatment can expect clinically proven results, including an 82% to 89% reduction in odor and a permanent reduction in sweat and hair growth from the underarm area.
Is There Downtime?
After you undergo a miraDry treatment, you won’t have to plan around any downtime. You can resume all your normal daily activities after the treatment is over. To ensure a quick healing, you will need to keep the area clean after your treatment and apply the recommended topical products.
You’ll also need to avoid shaving and using antiperspirant or deodorant immediately following your treatment, avoid strenuous activity for the first few days, and wear loose clothing to avoid irritating the underarm area.
What Kind of Results Can I Expect?
After undergoing a miraDry treatment, you can expect immediate results. The results are also permanent, so you’ll no longer experience excess sweating from your underarm area after completing the treatment process.
Am I a Good Candidate?
The best candidates for miraDry are patients interested in a permanent solution for excessive underarm sweating. It’s a safe and FDA-approved treatment with the added benefit of reducing excessive odor and hair from the underarm area.
Not only will you not have to worry about excessive sweating after the treatment, but you’ll also be able to enjoy the benefits of smooth, odor-free, and hair-free skin. An initial consultation at our office is the best way to determine whether miraDry is right for you.
Learn More
If you’re tired of feeling self-conscious about excess sweating, there is a solution, and you don’t have to suffer from this condition any longer than you already have. We can design the right treatment plan to effectively treat this condition and restore your confidence. Contact us today at Worcester Dermatology Associates in Worcester, MA, to learn more about these treatments and to schedule your initial consultation.
