subject: Facial Hyperhidrosis Treatment Options [print this page] Facial Hyperhidrosis Defined Facial Hyperhidrosis Defined
Facial hyperhidrosis is a medical term used to define excessive sweating in the facial area. It occurs both in men and women. As a matter of fact, around 3% of the population is affected by hyperhidrosis. There are two types of hyperhidrosis. The first type is primary hyperhidrosis, which is caused by the overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system. This system takes charge of flight-or-fight decisions and is therefore heavily associated with anxiety. The second type is secondary, which is brought by a medical condition such as hyperthyroidism, Parkinson's disease or diabetes.
Keep in mind that while hyperhidrosis might be present, it doesn't mean that one is susceptible to sweating at all times. Most of the time, excessive sweating is triggered by stimulants like nicotine or caffeine, as well as social anxiety. It can also be caused by the slightest fluctuations in humidity and in room temperature.
Treatment
If your sweating is caused by an overactive sympathetic nervous system, particularly the sympathetic nerve trunk portion in the chest cavity, then you're lucky because it can be treated more easily. You need a doctor to diagnose the problem and rule out medical conditions that just might be the cause of your facial hyperhidrosis. Then, one of the four types of treatment, or a combination of them might be recommended - oral medication, topical solutions, Botox injections, and finally ETS or Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy.
With oral medication, antidepressants might be prescribed, especially if the doctor pinpointed social anxiety as the main trigger of your sweating. In some cases, anticholinergics might be prescribed, but this only happens when you experience sweating in other areas such as the feet, palms and armpits as well. Note that these drugs have side effects such as dryness in the mouth and the more common - drowsiness.
Prescription antiperspirants might also be suggested. Usually, they are your basic antiperspirants, only, in higher solutions. Use and amount would vary depending on the concentration. The effects would be noticeable in less than a week.
Now if you want an easy and instant anti-sweat fix, Botox injections might be recommended. However, they are expensive - and you have to do it over and over again, usually every 9 months. They are especially recommended if the area where the sweat comes from is a small spot, like the forehead.
Another option, which is up to now, still controversial is ETS (Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy). It is effective in treating palmar and armpit hyperhidrosis but it is regarded with some reservation in the case of facial hyperhidrosis, as the success rates aren't as high as with treating sweating in other locations. Not to mention the side effect of compensatory sweating.
You are not alone in battling facial hyperhidrosis. The good news is that with the internet, sharing information and solutions about this problem is easier. You will be surprised to know that a simple trip to the doctor or better yet, a mouse click can lead you to a hyperhidrosis primer that will tell you about treatment options you can explore.
by: Mark Montel
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