Excessive sweating, also know as hyperhidrosis is a true embarrassing health condition that starts as early as puberty. This annoying “sweat” actually is designed to regulate body temperature. This abnormal condition; which is actually overactive, can cause a person to sweat four to five times more than necessary; causing uncomfortable, anxiety-inducing situations that effect a person’s personal and professional life.
This problem affects men and women and starts at adolescence. Hyperhidrosis can come in several forms, but the three main types are:
1. Underarm Sweating: Axillary Hyperhidrosis
2. Hand Sweating: Palmar Hyperhidrosis
3. Foot Sweating: Plantar Hyperhidrosis
Fortunately, excessive underarm sweating is a treatable condition where many
remedies and treatments are available to help stop this problem. This is where the confusion and frustration begins! There are so many products on the shelf that claim “clinical strength” or “prescription strength”; makes it very hard to choose one that is appropriate for your specific situation.
If you are suffering, the best antiperspirant needs to have the most active ingredient. There are usually two forms: aluminum chloride and aluminum zirconium. These aluminum formulations have been proven to block overactive sweat glands; ie, preventing sweat. Of these two, aluminum chloride is the strongest and provides added benefit over zirconium.
Of all the OTC (over-the-counter)
There are numerous websites offering “instant cures” and other options to stop excessive sweating. The main thing to remember in your research; if they are making claims to cure your problem; then you already know the answer—STAY AWAY. Also; apply your antiperspirant as directed by the manufacturer and be consistent with use. If you feel like your quality of life is still suffering there are other options. One is iontoporesis and/or Botox®.
According to dermatologists interviewed for this article, they will try a product like Mon Ray® before Botox®. Their are two reasons: 1) they have great success with Mon Ray® Antiperspirant and 2) Insurance. Insurance requires options like Mon Ray® before insurance will consider payment. Also, remember Botox® will only last up to six months and does require an office visit with a medically trained dermatologist who has received training for Botox® and hyperhidrosis. So remember this can get quite costly.
Remember, don’t get caught up in all the marketing associated with excessive sweating. It’s just that---marketing. Compare products on active ingredients and don’t forget: excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis is a medical condition.
For more information about antiperspirants, visit SweatLINKS.com at http://sweatlinks.com; the non-biased information site specifically designed for excessive sweating information. Melissa Yearwood is a contributing author for SweatLINKS.com
