FitSugar

Don't Sweat It: Botox Injections for Excessive Sweating

FitSugar — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 02:30:00 -0700

Sweating is a totally natural process that allows our bodies to stay cool. The floodgates can also start under our pits when we are in certain social situations, due to anxiety and nerves. Some people even have to deal with excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), and while liposuction is one way to deal with it, good old FDA approved botox is another.

If over the counter and prescription antiperspirants don't alleviate the excessive sweat, botox injections just might be an appropriate treatment. A botox injection contains a tiny amount of the botulinum toxin that can stop the release of the chemical transmitter that causes sweating.

Botox is one of the most poisonous substances in the world, but specialists have been successfully using it in very small amounts to smooth out wrinkles by paralyzing the muscles that cause them to form. Botox is also used to treat migraine headaches, eye blinking and twitching, crossed eyes, and certain pain disorders.

It's great that hyperhidrosis can be added to that list as well, since it affects nearly 3% of the U.S. population. Surgery is an option, but it doesn't always work well, and your body ends up sweating in other areas to compensate. With botox injections, it only treats the areas where it's injected, temporarily reducing or stopping sweat production.

The bad news? The effects only last a few months, and you have to have repeated injections to control perspiration. Also, the treatments can be up to a whopping $2,000, depending on the doctor. The good news? Many people have been loving the results, so if you suffer from excessive sweating, talk to your doctor or dermatologist about botox.

Source

Liposuction for Sweating

FitSugar — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 02:30:00 -0700

Maybe you have heard of botox treatments being used to curtail excessive armpit sweating, now a new technique is on the block.

Well, not really a new technique, per se, but an old technique applied for a new purpose. Liposuction techniques have been used by German doctors on 51 patients as a treatment for extreme underarm sweating.

Using just local anesthetic, sweat glands are sucked out of the underarm using lipo techniques. Patients involved in the trial experiment experienced a 75% reduction in sweat, and this reduction created a "huge" improvement in the quality of life.

This new treatment would be offered to the 1.5 % of Western populations that suffer from excess sweating, or "hyperhidrosis" in medical speak. It would be a last resort after other options, like aluminum roll on and medication, have failed to alleviate the problem.

Sounds painful to me, but I hope it really helps people who suffer from this condition. Especially since some folks are so embarrassed they don't leave their homes.

Why Do Some People Sweat More Than Others?

FitSugar — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 09:30:03 -0800

When I'm exercising, whether it is at the gym, in a class, or outside, there are usually people working out around me. I can't help but notice that some people "sweat like pigs," and some are barely glistening. Why is that?

Sweating is your body's way of cooling itself off. And everyone has a different sweating pattern. How much you sweat is affected by gender, genetics, age, fitness level, and environment.

Humans can have between 2 and 4 million sweat glands - it all depends on what you're born with. The more you have, the more you'll sweat.

Women tend to sweat less because they are better able to regulate the amount of water they're losing. They also begin to sweat at higher temperatures compared to men.

Fit people sweat more efficiently by sweating sooner in their workout, when their body temperature is lower. However, a sedentary person doing the same intensity workout as a fit one will get hot a lot faster and possibly will sweat more.

Overweight people sweat more profusely than normal weight individuals because fat acts as an insulator that raises their core temperature.

Fit's Tips: Sweating is a normal body function for everyone. Unfortunately, some people suffer from excessive sweating, a common condition called Hyperhidrosis. Their bodies' faucets turn on and their palms, feet, back, and face become covered in sweat. If this sounds all too familiar, consult your doctor to see what treatment options are available.

Hyperhidrosis

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:20:33 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition in which a person sweats excessively and unpredictably. People with hyperhidrosis may sweat even when the temperature is cool or when they are at rest.

Alternative Names

Sweating - excessive; Perspiration - excessive; Diaphoresis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Sweating helps the body stay cool. In most cases, it is perfectly natural. People sweat more in warm temperatures, when they exercise, or in response to situations that make them nervous, angry, embarrassed, or afraid.

However, excessive sweating occurs without such triggers. Those with hyperhidrosis appear to have overactive sweat glands. The uncontrollable sweating can lead to significant discomfort, both physical and emotional.

When excessive sweating affects the hands, feet, and armpits, it's called primary or focal hyperhidrosis. Primary hyperhidrosis affects 2 - 3% of the population, yet less than 40% of patients with this condition seek medical advice. In the majority of primary hyperhidrosis cases, no cause can be found. It seems to run in families.

If the sweating occurs as a result of another medical condition, it is called secondary hyperhidrosis. The sweating may be all over the body, or it may be in one area. Conditions that cause second hyperhidrosis include:

Acromegaly
Anxiety conditions
Cancer
Carcinoid syndrome
Certain medications and substances of abuse
Glucose control disorders
Heart disease
Hyperthyroidism
Lung disease
Menopause
Parkinson’s disease
Pheochromocytoma
Spinal cord injury
Stroke
Tuberculosis or other infections

Symptoms

The primary symptom of hyperhidrosis is wetness.

Signs and tests

Visible signs of sweating may be noted during a doctor's visit. A number of tests may also be used to diagnose excessive sweating. Tests include:

Tests include:

Starch-iodine test. An iodine solution is applied to the sweaty area. After it dries, starch is sprinkled on the area. The starch-iodine combination turns a dark blue color wherever there is excess sweat.
Paper test. Special paper is placed on the affected area to absorb the sweat, then weighed. The heavier it weight, the more sweat has accumulated.

The patient may be also be asked details about the sweating, such as:

Location
- Is it on face, palms, or armpits?
- Is it all over the body?
Time pattern
- Does it occur at night?
- Did it begin suddenly?
- How long have you had it?
Triggers
- Does it occur in response to reminders of a traumatic event?
- What other symptoms are present (for example, weight loss, a pounding heartbeat, lack of appetite)?
- Are the hands cold and clammy?
- Is there a fever?

Treatment

Treatments may include:

Antiperspirants. Excessive sweating may be controlled with strong anti-perspirants, which plug the sweat ducts. Products containing 10% to 15% aluminum chloride hexahydrate are the first line of treatment for underarm sweating. Some patients may be be prescribed a product containing a higher dose of aluminum chloride, which is applied nightly onto the affected areas. Antiperspirants can cause skin irritation, and strong doses of aluminum chloride can damage clothing. Note: Deodorants do not prevent sweating, but are helpful in reducing body odor.
Medication. Anticholinergics drugs, such as glycopyrrolate (Robinul, Robinul-Forte), help to prevent the stimulation of sweat glands. Although effective for some patients, these drugs have not been studied as well as other treatments. Side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, and problems with urination. Beta-blockers or benzodiazepines may help reduce stress-related sweating.
Iontophoresis. This FDA-approved procedure uses electricity to temporarily turn off the sweat gland. It is most effective for sweating of the hands and feet. The hands or feet are placed into water, and then a gentle current of electricity is passed through it. The electricity is gradually increased until the patient feels a light tingling sensation. The therapy lasts about 10-20 minutes and requires several sessions. Side effects include skin cracking and blisters, although rare.
Botox. Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) was approved by the FDA in 2004 for the treatment of severe underarm sweating, a condition called primary axillary hyperhidrosis. Small doses of purified botulinum toxin injected into the underarm temporarily block the nerves that stimulate sweating. Side effects include injection-site pain and flu-like symptoms. If you are considering Botox for other areas of excessive sweating talk to your doctor in detail. Botox used for sweating of the palms can cause mild, but temporary weakness and intense pain.
Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS). In severe cases, a minimally-invasive surgical procedure called sympathectomy may be recommended. The procedure is usually performed on patients with excessively sweaty palms. It is not as effective on those with excessive armpit sweating. This surgery turns off the signal which tells the body to sweat excessively. ETS surgery is done while the patient is asleep under general anesthesia. The doctor makes two or three tiny cuts under the arm. The patient's lung is collapsed so the surgeon has more room to work. A tiny camera, called an endoscope, is inserted to guide the surgeon to the appropriate nerve. After the nerve associated with the overactive gland is identified, it is removed or destroyed. The lung is restored to normal, and the wound closed with stitches. The identical procedure is done on the other side of the body. The surgery takes about a half hour. Patients usually go home the next day, but may experience pain for about a week. ETS requires special training. Before having this surgery, make sure your doctor is properly trained. Risks include artery damage, nerve damage, and increased sweating. New sweating occurs in about 50% of patients.

Support Groups

International Hyperhidrosis Society, www.sweathelp.org

Expectations (prognosis)

Aluminum Chloride: Initially a patient may need to use it three to seven times a week. After sweating becomes normal, the person may need to use it only once every one to three weeks. If skin irritation is a problem, a doctor may temporarily prescribe 1% hydrocortisone cream.

Botox: Swelling goes away in a few weeks. The effect of a single injection can last up to a few months. Some patients need additional injections.

Iontophoresis: Sweating may be reduced after six to 10 sessions. After that, the person may need treatment once every one to four weeks.

Complications

Some of the causes of hyperhidrosis can be serious. Always consult a doctor if you have excessive sweating.

Calling your health care provider

There is prolonged, excessive, and unexplained sweating.
Sweating is accompanied or followed by chest pain or pressure.
Sweating is accompanied by weight loss or most often occurs during sleep.
If sweating is accompanied by fever, weight loss, chest pain, shortness of breath, or a rapid, pounding heartbeat. These symptoms may indicate an underlying problem, such as hyperthyroidism.

References

Haider A, Solish N. Focal hyperhidrosis: diagnosis and management. CMAJ. 2005 Jan 4;172(1):69-75.

Hornberger J, Grimes K et al. Recognition, diagnosis and treatment of primary focal hyperhidrosis. J Am Acad Dermatol 2004; 51: 274-86

Fitzgerald E, Feeley TM, Tierney S. Current treatments for axillary hyperhidrosis. Surgeon. 2004 Dec;2(6):311-4, 360.

Solish N, Benohanian A, Kowalski JW. Prospective open-label study of botulinum toxin type A in patients with axillary hyperhidrosis: effects on functional impairment and quality of life. Dermatol Surg. 2005 Apr;31(4):405-13.

Review Date: 5/18/2007

Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Pediatrics and Psychiatry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_007259

Iontophoresis

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:21:06 -0700

Overview

Definition
Description
Indications
Risks
References

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Iontophoresis is the passage of an electrical current onto the skin. Iontophoresis has a variety of uses in medicine. This article discusses the use of iontophoresis to turn off a particular sweat gland.

Description

Depending on the area to be treated, you place your hands or feet into water. A gentle current of electricity passes through the water. A technician carefully and gradually increases the electrical current until you feel a light tingling sensation.

The therapy lasts about 10-20 minutes and requires several sessions.

How iontophoresis works isn't exactly known, but it's thought that the process somehow plugs the sweat glands and temporaily prevents you from sweating.

Indications

Iontophoresis may be used to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) of the hands and feet. Iontophoresis has been effectively used to treat such sweating since the early 1950s.

Risks

Side effects are rare but may include skin cracking and blisters.

References

Thomas I. Palmoplantar hyperhidrosis: a therapeutic challenge. Am Fam Physician. Mar 1 2004; 69(5): 1117-20.

Goetz, CG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2003.

Review Date: 5/25/2007

Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_007293

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:21:05 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Description
Indications
Risks
Expectations after surgery
References

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is surgery to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), usually of the palms or face.

Alternative Names

Sympathectomy - Endoscopic thoracic

Description

ETS surgery turns off the nerve the signals the body to sweat too much. The procedure is done while you are asleep under general anesthesia.

The surgeon makes two or three tiny cuts under the arm. Your lung will be collapsed so the surgeon has more room to work. A tiny camera, called an endoscope, is inserted to guide the surgeon to the nerve associated with the overactive sweat gland. The surgeon removes or destroys the nerve, and returns the lung to normal. The wound is closed with stitches. The identical procedure is done on the other side of the body.

The surgery takes about 30 minutes.

Indications

The procedure is usually performed on patients with excessively sweaty palms. It may also be used to treat extreme facial sweating. It is only used when other treatments have failed. It does not work as well on those with excessive armpit sweating.

Risks

Surgeons who perform ETS must receive special training. Before having this surgery, make sure your doctor is properly trained.

You may not be able to have this surgery if you have heart, lung, or thyroid disease.

Risks of the procedure include artery damage, nerve damage, and increased sweating.

New sweating occurs in about 50% of patients.

Expectations after surgery

Most patients usually go home the next day. You may have pain for about a week.

References

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis. Ann Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2006 Apr;12(2):81-2.

Review Date: 5/29/2007

Reviewed By: James Lee, M.D., Department of Surgery, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_007291

Review: Secret Clinical Strength Sport Antiperspirant

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 08:00:00 -0700

Products marketed toward female athletes always pique my interest. Plus it is great to know that somebody out there knows we exist and like gear! When I saw a new antiperspirant by Secret with the word "sport" as well as the phrase "designed for athletes" on the front of the package, I was curious to try it. It was really the name of the sport fresh scent "marathon" that hooked me. Maybe if I wore this clinical strength formula I could run a marathon - only kidding.

I wore Clinical Strength Secret ($8) on a couple of runs and experienced absolutely no underarm sweating, and received no post-run comments about my stink factor from my 3-year-old. Then I read the fine print: this deodorant isn't really for female athletes. It was designed for women who suffer from excessive sweating, know as hyperhidrosis in medical speak. Secret recommends applying this clinical strength antiperspirant at bedtime, to allow for the active ingredient aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex Gly to dissolve into your pores effectively plugging the sweat ducts for 24 hours. Honestly, the formation of "plugs" in my armpits while I sleep creeps me out a bit. I don't need 24-hour protection from sweating.

Although this product has a girly "sport fresh scent," its "prescription strength wetness protection" is overkill for me. However, it is truly effective and if you sweat regularly due to stress or physical exercise this could be the underarm protection you need. You can find it at DrugStore.com.

Have any of you tried Clinical Strength Secret? Tell me what you thought in the comments section below.

Botulinum toxin type A (Injection)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:58:04 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Botulinum Toxin Type A (BOT-yoo-li-num TOX-in type A)

Treats uncontrolled muscle spasms or paralysis in your neck (cervical dystonia), your eyelids (blepharospasm), or around your eyes (strabismus). Also treats excessive underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis). Also used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles between the eyebrows.

Brand Name(s)

Botox Cosmetic, Botox

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to botulinum toxin. You should not receive this medicine if you have an infection of your skin where the shot will be given.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. For neck disorders, this medicine is given as a shot into a muscle on the side of your neck. For eye disorders the shot is given into your eyelid or into a muscle around your eye. For excessive sweating, you will receive up to 15 injections at one time into your underarm. For wrinkles, the shot is given along your eyebrow.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
You may be given medicine to numb the area where the shot will be injected. If you will receive the medicine around your eyes, you may be given eye drops or ointment to numb the area. After your injection, you may need to wear a protective contact lens or eye patch.
If you are treated for excessive sweating, shave your underarms but do not use deodorant for 24 hours before your injection. Avoid exercise, hot foods or liquids, or anything else that could make you sweat for 30 minutes before your injection.
This medicine works slowly. For neck disorders, you should have improvement within 2 weeks after your injection and peak improvement at 6 weeks. Eyelid disorders should improve within 3 days after your injection, with peak improvement at 2 weeks. Strabismus should improve within 1 or 2 days after injection, and this improvement should last for 2 to 6 weeks. Once you reach peak improvement, the effects of the medicine will slowly decrease. For excessive sweating, you will need repeat injections when the effects of the medicine wear off.

If a dose is missed:

Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using amikacin (Amikin®), atracurium (Tracrium®), gallamine (Flaxedil®), gentamicin (Garamycin®), kanamycin (Kantrex®), neomycin, netilmicin (Netromycin®), pancuronium (Pavulon®), streptomycin, tobramycin, tubocurarine (Tubarine®), or vecuronium (Norcuron®).
Tell your doctor if you have received botulinum toxin for any reason in the past several months.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Tell your doctor if you have heart disease. Make sure your doctor knows if you have a nerve or nerve-muscle disorder, such as myasthenia gravis, ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), Lambert-Eaton syndrome, or Parkinson's disease. Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing.
Your doctor needs to know if you have had any swelling, infection, surgery, or unusual pain or weakness on the body area where your shot will be given.
This medicine is made from donated human blood. Some human blood products have transmitted certain viruses to people who have received them. The risk of getting a virus from medicines made of human blood has been greatly reduced in recent years. This is the result of required testing of human donors for certain viruses, and testing during manufacture of these medicines. Although the risk is low, talk with your doctor if you have concerns.
Your doctor may need to check your progress at regular visits during your treatment. Be sure to keep all appointments.
If you are receiving this medicine for dystonia and you have been inactive, be careful to resume your activities slowly.
Rarely, serious reactions have been reported within days or weeks after receiving this medicine. If you start to have muscle weakness or trouble swallowing, talking, or breathing, call your doctor right away. In some situations, these problems could be life-threatening.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Bleeding, bruising, or swelling in or around your eye.
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
Eye pain, redness in the whites of your eyes.
Irregular heartbeat, chest pain.
Severe trouble swallowing, breathing, or speaking.
Unusual weakness in other muscles (not where the shot was given).

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Double vision, trouble judging depth or distance.
Drooping or swelling of your eyelid, dry eyes, watery eyes.
Dry mouth, nausea.
Increased body sweating.
Mild skin rash.
Redness, pain, tenderness, bruising, swelling, or weakness where the shot was given.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_0981