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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating. Without proper treatment, Hyperhidrosis can have a great impact on a sufferer's quality of life.
While not a dangerous disorder, Hyperhidrosis is unpleasant and inconvenient. Fortunately, doctors are now learning much more about this condition and how to manage it.
Can Hyperhidrosis be treated?
Yes! There are a number of treatment options available to manage Hyperhidrosis. These range from topical preparations to surgery. To learn more about these treatments visit the various treatment option links on this website or go to the Find a Specialist section and make an appointment!
Plus, everyday, through the work of researchers and doctors around the world we are gaining understanding and treatment options of this unfortunate condition!
The future looks bright!
On another bright note, many of these treatments are covered by medical plans. Your sweat management specialist will be happy to discuss this with you.
How common is Hyperhidrosis?
According to US statistics it is estimated that approximately 2.8 per cent of the American population suffers from excess sweating in a particular area of the body.
What areas of the body are most often affected by Hyperhidrosis?
When sweating occurs in certain places only, it is known as focal Hyperhidrosis. Most often, focal Hyperhidrosis affects the palms, soles of the feet, underarm and face. Underarm sweating is by far the most common with over 50% of the reported cases. When sweating occurs over the entire body, it is known as generalized Hyperhidrosis, but this is less common.
What causes Hyperhidrosis?
Although we’re getting closer to understanding it, it’s true that in most cases, the cause of Hyperhidrosis is unknown. This is known as primary Hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis can also be caused by an underlying condition (e.g. metabolic disorders, menopause, obesity, nerve damage), and by some drugs although this is very uncommon. This is known as secondary Hyperhidrosis.
What are the current treatments for Hyperhidrosis?
The most common ways to treat Hyperhidrosis are:
- Focal injections: interrupting the signal from the nerve to the sweat glands
- Topical antiperspirant treatments: applying aluminum chloride hexahydrate
- Oral medications: treating the underlying conditions
- Iontophoresis: applying low-intensity electric current to affected areas
- Surgery: severing the nerves that cause excess sweating
Which treatment is most effective?
It's important to realize there is no single "right" way to treat Hyperhidrosis. Everyone is different. If you have Hyperhidrosis, you and your doctor need to discuss the option that best suits your situation. How severe your Hyperhidrosis is, where it occurs and how bothersome it is are all factors that have to be considered before choosing a treatment.
A consultation with a sweat management specialist will help you determine the best treatment option for you!
Why should I go and see a Hyperhidrosis specialist?
Hyperhidrosis treatment is an area of expertise, and proper diagnosis is required to ensure that you receive the most effective treatment available.
Only Hyperhidrosis specialists can offer the full range of treatments available in Canada. Click here to find one nearby!
Are the treatments covered by my health plan?
Most treatments mentioned on this website are covered by most private drug plans. The Hyperhidrosis specialists listed on the search page will provide you with the necessary assistance when you have your consultation.
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