Hyperhidrosis affects more than 4% of the population, according to new reports. And thankfully, there are various treatments that dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons, and other medical professionals recommend if you’re suffering from “the night sweats.”
“Clinically diagnosed axillary hyperhidrosis affects over 4% of the population and up to 21% of the population is bothered by sweat,” Carolyn Jacob, M.D., director of the Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology center in Chicago, said.
Dermatology Times reports that there are at least 10 new devices being implemented and studied for treatment of hyperhidrosis, including microwave, radiofrequency, ultrasound, and laser technologies.
More than 90% of patients suffering with hyperhidrosis report that their emotional state is directly affected by the disease.
“People hate to sweat,” Dr. Jacob said. “They need to know there is a treatment for it — especially, if they have clinically significant sweating, which impairs the quality of daily activities and work.”
One of the more beneficial treatments — microwave technology — can also reduce hair and issues with odor.
“Microwave technology shows an 89% typical reduction of sweat after two treatments, spaced two months apart,” Dr. Jacob stated. “This technology has the most clinical patients studied to date.”
There is more research being done regarding treatment settings and parameters for new technologies that best treat hyperhidrosis. Researchers are looking at the potential for palmar hyperhidrosis treatments through microwave technology.
According to Family Practice News, new antiperspirant treatments containing aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex are less irritating than previous hyperhidrosis treatment methods.
Dr. David M. Pariser told Family Practice News that although the new treatments are less irritating, patients seeking more permanent treatment should still elect microwave thermolysis. “The most common side effects are swelling and tenderness in the treated area, which can last up to a few weeks,” Dr. Pariser said.
The advancement in treatment — and increased amount of knowledge — for hyperhidrosis is changing people’s lives for the better. The treatments “lead to greater improvement of a patient’s quality of life,” Dr. Pariser said, “more than treatment of any other dermatologic disorder.”