What Is Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is a common disorder that affects many Americans. The most common areas of the body to experience excess sweating is the underarms, palms of hands, and soles of feet. While this condition can be very embarrassing, it can also stain clothes, and make it difficult to perform everyday activities. With the dermatologists at Minars Dermatology, help is nearby. We offer many hyperhidrosis treatment options in Hollywood, Florida.
Dr. Todd Minars has a special interest in the treatment of hyperhidrosis; in fact, he treats himself for this condition. In addition, he is the dermatologist for, and helped to create the Memorial Hyperhidrosis Center. This was a team of physicians based at Memorial Regional Hospital, who specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of hyperhidrosis. The team included nurse practitioners, dermatologists, neurologists, and surgeons who offered a unique multi-disciplinary approach to this condition and provided a variety of medical and surgical options. (*UPDATE – Memorial Hyperhidrosis Center closed a few years ago – but we still treat Hyperhidrosis every day at Minars Dermatology.)
Hyperhidrosis Treatment in Hollywood, FL
Uncontrollable sweating is embarrassing, but it is common and it is TREATABLE. Many people suffer needlessly because they are not aware of available treatments. The condition is called hyperhidrosis (literally, “excessive water”). Depending on your needs, treatments may include one or several of the following:
Prescription Strength Anti-perspirant
If over-the-counter antiperspirants and deodorants are not effective in controlling your sweating, our doctors may prescribe a stronger antiperspirant. Applied to the hands, feet and/or underarms, these antiperspirants contain ingredients which temporarily block sweat ducts and reduce moisture.
Starch Iodine Test showing treated hand vs untreated hand one week after Botox (sweat shows up as purple)
Botox
When prescription anti-perspirants do not provide relief, Botox® is a highly effective treatment option for hyperhidrosis in the armpits, hands and face.
What Is Botox, Exactly?
For years, dermatologists have safely used Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) to treat many conditions – wrinkles, most notably. While it is common parlance in the world of dermatology, patients often wonder what it is and how it works so well to treat so many conditions.
In a nutshell, Botox is a natural, purified protein which interrupts the chemical messages released by nerve endings. When used to treat hyperhidrosis, a Botox injection temporarily blocks the chemical secretion that stimulates the body’s sweat glands.
Through years of experience and expertise, we have perfected the art of using Botox to treat hand and armpit hyperhidrosis, and are proud to say that our patients have had superb results.
How It’s Done
Botox is injected into the area with a tiny needle, directly underneath the skin. The number of injections will vary depending on the size of the affected area. Within less than a week, the sweating will stop.
How Long Does the Treatment Last?
Typically, this treatment is effective for up to six months, and in some cases even longer. So while Botox is a very successful way to treat hyperhidrosis, it does not cure the condition. For many patients, follow-up injections are necessary approximately 6 months after the initial treatment.
Is This Treatment Covered by Insurance?
Botox injections for hyperhidrosis is currently not covered by most insurance providers.
Iontophoresis
Our number one treatment weapon for tackling hyperhidrosis in feet, iontophoresis is also an alternative to Botox for treating excessive sweating in the hands. Both areas experience up to a 50% decrease in sweat production through this treatment.
How It Works
During iontophoresis, a medical device delivers mild electrical currents to hands or feet that are submerged in a shallow pan of water. The currents block your sweat glands temporarily. You may feel a slight tingling during the procedure, but that is it. This procedure has been performed since the 1940s and is perfectly safe. Recent upgrades in the machines used to deliver the current make it a simple, easy procedure to perform at home. These machines are sometimes covered by insurance.
Oral Medications
Certain medications may be prescribed by our doctors to prevent the stimulation of sweat glands and limit sweating. Symptoms usually improve in two weeks, but there may be undesirable side effects, such as dry mouth. The side effects are temporary and reversible so that a person can choose when to use the medications and when to discontinue them.
Iontophoresis
The next option, iontophoresis, is administered at home using a machine that works by immersing the affected areas into tap water and then passing a small electrical current through the skin to temporarily disrupt sweat production. This treatment is most appropriate for hands and feet and on average decreases sweating of the treated area by 50%.
Surgery
When other medical treatments fail to control excessive sweating, surgery may be an option. Dr. Minars does not perform this surgery. Patients who require and are appropriate for this procedure are referred to the surgeons of the Memorial Hyperhidrosis Center who offer a highly advanced, minimally invasive outpatient procedure called endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS).
Contact Us!
If you want to learn more about our Hyperhidrosis treatment options, call our office and we’ll be happy to answer your questions. At Minars Dermatology in Hollywood, Florida, we’re committed to helping stop your excessive sweating so you can enjoy your life without worry.
Botox for Hyperhidrosis: Patient Testimonial
“Hi Dr. Minars, I wanted to thank you so much for recommending the botox for Sxxxx’s* hyperhydrosis problem. After one week she was able to wear tops without the worry of perspiration marks. To say she’s elated is an understatement! She is so happy and her level of confidence & self esteem has risen exponentially. I only wish I would have done this for her years ago. Sxxxx* is at USF this fall and she said it is brutally hot up there but she’s not sweating!
Thank you for everything!”
Sxxx Gxxxx*
View more reviews on Google
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
