There’s sweating, which is a normal physiological process crucial for body heat regulation; and then there’s excessive sweating, aka hyperhidrosis, which is an abnormal increase in the number of sweat-producing glands. Additionally, there’s another one known as Osmidrosis, which not only leaves your armpits wet and stained but produces an acrid odor, giving you extreme social embarrassment. And as the mercury continues to rise, those who have these excessive sweating conditions seem to have it pretty bad because the amount of sweat seems to double up. If you fall into this category or close, then don’t give up hope yet because there are different excessive sweating treatments, from Botox to Osmidrosis surgery.
Although excessive sweating seems to be a common condition, according to a recent global research, 85% of excessive sweating patients wait 3+ years to discuss their problem with a healthcare professional, and 50% of patients wait over 10 years to do so (we understand; it’s embarrassing but it’s not life-threatening).
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Excessive Sweating Treatment
According to Dr. Chandra Bose, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Zulekha Hospital in Dubai, when it comes to treating Osmidrosis, one can go for surgery. During this procedure, he explains, a very thin layer under the surface of the skin is removed using special instruments, thereby removing the excessive sweat glands. “This surgery targets only a specific area (axilla) as a part of the treatment and the rest of the body parts continue to sweat normally.” The procedure is fairly safe and straightforward and the recurrence of the condition is seen in as little as 10% of patients.
“The simple Osmidrosis procedure is able to relieve patients of any anxiety they may feel in relation to excessive sweating so that they can go about their daily lives worry-free,” notes Dr. Bose.
About the Osmidrosis procedure
The Osmidrosis procedure is usually a one-time outpatient procedure where you are discharged the same day. “It would be very rare for you to undergo a second sitting if the symptoms persist,” says Dr. Bose. Post-surgery, there is no special precaution needed, other than having a padded dressing on the operated area for five days, and removed on the sixth day. “The only thing you have to do is to wash the area with soap and warm water twice a day.”
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Hyperhidrosis on palms and feet
If you are suffering from excessive sweating of the palms and feet, your best option for treatment would be Botox injections, which would give significant relief that lasts for more than six months.
Osmidrosis and hyperhidrosis, which affect both sexes, is a common problem; and no-one should feel ashamed if they are suffering from it. And if you live in a climate where the temperatures are high, the issue is more prominent than if you were living in a cooler region.
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