With the humidex slowly rising, we’ll all be taking solace in air conditioning and lounging in front of fans. While the city comes to life during the warmer months, the heat has many of us looking for the best products to keep us from sweating through our white tees and cute, cotton dresses. But for some, excessive sweating is part of life year-round, and no amount of deodorant makes a difference. It’s called hyperhidrosis, and if you’ve tried every antiperspirant out there to no avail, these are the best treatments available to help you solve the problem for good…
Mira-Dry
Mira-Dry uses precisely controlled electromagnetic energy to eliminate the underarm sweat glands. It’s a clinically tested, FDA-approved outpatient procedure and the only anti-sweat treatment that provides lasting results without surgery. It comes with a high price tag (roughly $3,000) but you’ll see immediate results without the need for repeat treatments.
Anticholinergic Drugs
When other treatments haven’t worked, your doctor may prescribe an oral anticholinergic drug. These medications work by stopping the activation of sweat glands. However, this method isn’t for everyone as some patients experience blurred vision, heart palpitations, and urinary problems.
Iontophoresis
During an iontophoresis treatment, your hands and/or feet are submerged in a shallow tray of water for around 30 minutes while a low electrical current travels through the water. This technique is thought to work by blocking sweat from getting to the skin’s surface. In order to be effective, several treatments a month are required in order to stop excessive sweating.
Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy
This is the most extreme anti-sweat treatment as it involves a surgical procedure that eliminates sweating in the hands and underarms. The surgery involves two 5mm incisions in the underarm and it permanently blocks nerve impulses to the sweat glands. Patients are released from the hospital 2 to 3 hours after their surgery and the results are immediate. The procedure is completely covered by OHIP, but a referral from your doctor is required.
Botox
When topical medicines can’t control excessive sweating, Botox is a non-invasive treatment option. One course of treatment includes the application of around 15 injections to your underarm area and lasts for approximately six months. The Botox neurotoxin works by blocking the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate sweat glands in the area where the injections are applied. But this treatment isn’t appropriate for everyone, so consult with your doctor before making a decision.
Do you have any tips on staying sweat-free this summer? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.