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Sweating is a natural way for your body to cool itself as well as rid itself of toxins. Though natural, many people have a condition called hyperhidrosis, and excessive sweating. In fact, it is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans suffers from excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis.
When you have hyperhidrosis, there are topical medications, oral medications, injections, and treatments with devices available to decrease the amount you sweat, but which one is right for you? That is where Haute Beauty expert Dr. Cameron Rokhsar comes into the mix. Here Haute Beauty asked Dr. Rokhsar a range of questions regarding hyperhidrosis and the treatment available to you.
Who makes a candidate for each treatment?
Topical medications all contain aluminum. These are great for people who have mild sweating. Another topical medication for underarms is glycopyrrolate wipes which can be used on the underarms. Oral glycopyrrolate can be used for people who suffer from generalized sweating. Botox injections can be done for sweating in the underarms, hands, feet, face and scalp. Lastly, treatment with the MiraDry device is a treatment that can drastically reduce underarm sweating in a permanent way.
Which is the most popular?
Although Botox injections remain popular, the results typically last 3 to 9 months. The treatment with the MiraDry procedures for underarm sweating is very popular because of its long-term results. Patients report improvement on the order of 80 to 90 percent after two sessions of MiraDry. The difference is that these results are permanent.
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Is there one that provides the quickest results?
Results are quick with Botox injections (usually seen within a few days) and MiraDry (usually seen immediately).
What is the best treatment for excessive sweating?
The best treatment for underarm sweating is MiraDry. MiraDry uses microwave technology to selectively heat the sweat glands in the treatment area and destroy them. The results are permanent with this procedure. A typical treatment takes about an hour, where the patients come with their underarms shaved, then marked and numbed, and then treated for about half an hour in each underarm. For best results, the treatment is repeated in 3 months. Patients report an 80-90 percent reduction in underarm sweat and odor after 2 treatments with this device. The best treatment for hands, feet, and facial sweating remains Botox. Although it remains an off-label treatment, I have successfully treated a few patients with groin sweating with MiraDry.
How can you control sweating naturally?
Sweating can be controlled naturally by wearing cool clothing. There is natural anti per spirants as well, which, unfortunately, are not that effective.
Is there a certain deodorant you suggest using?
If you are looking for a medicated deodorant, Drysol is a good start.
Haute MD
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