We wish that every medical condition could be treated with non-surgical methods. In reference to excessive sweating, attempts have been made to treat it with different conservative modalities such as lotions (Drysol), oral medications, electronic devices, and BOTOX® Cosmetic injections. Ultimately, none of the above conservative treatments provide long-lasting solutions. However, that does not make these treatments useless. It is worth using them yourself as every case is different. Before any decision about surgical intervention is made, one or more of the above modalities should be utilized first. One is advised to keep careful records of those attempts for various reasons, including insurance claims.
Understanding Non-Surgical Hyperhidrosis Treatment Effectiveness
The effectiveness of non-surgical hyperhidrosis treatment varies significantly among patients. Topical antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride work by temporarily blocking sweat ducts, providing relief for mild to moderate cases. Oral medications, including anticholinergics, can reduce sweating but often come with side effects, such as dry mouth, hyperthermia, and urinary retention.
Electronic devices like iontophoresis machines use electrical currents to temporarily disable sweat glands, particularly effective for hands and feet. This treatment option requires regular daily use, and some patients are unable to dedicate the time to this treatment.
When to Consider Non-Surgical Options First
Non-surgical hyperhidrosis treatment serves as the recommended first-line approach for most patients. These methods allow individuals to gauge their response to conservative treatments while building a documented treatment history. This documentation proves valuable for insurance coverage and helps establish medical necessity.