Are there any topical therapies for hyperhidrosis?

Practical Treatment ApproachesContextual KnowledgeSkin Carehyperhidrosisarmpitaxilla

Are there any topical therapies for hyperhidrosis?

In this video, Mr Usman Jaffer shares the different topical therapies available for hyperhidrosis, which is usually recommended as first-line therapy. This includes antiperspirants and topical agents with aluminium compounds. However, sometimes they may cause skin irritation but there are ways to reduce this.

Comments

What is Horner's syndrome and why do you sometimes get it in sympathectomy?

In this video, Horner's syndrome is explained by Mr Usman Jaffer. Horner's syndrome has many different causes, and involves drooping of the eyelid and dilated pupils. It occurs when sympathetic outflow to the eye is disrupted and can occur as a complication of sympathectomy. However, this risk is reduced by ablating the sympathetic chain lower down.

Topical therapies for hyperhidrosis

Sympathectomy or Botox for palmar hyperhidrosis?

Mr Usman Jaffer discusses both sympathectomy and Botox in the context of treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis. Sympathectomy is a highly effective procedure but there is a risk of compensatory sweating, i.e. excessive sweating in other body parts. This procedure is often more beneficial in those with more severe symptoms. Botox is also a very effective treatment but may need to be repeated, sometimes as often as every 3-6 months. Furthermore, Botox injections can be painful and may weaken or paralyse small muscles in the hand. A third option is tap water iontophoresis, which is effective but requires multiple treatments. Therefore, this option may have lower compliance but is worth considering.

Are there any drugs you can use for hyperhidrosis?

This video by Mr Usman Jaffer is about the drugs available to treat hyperhidrosis. Anticholinergic drugs block hormones which transmit signals across the nerves supplying the sweat gland, thus reducing sweating. Some potential issues are other anticholinergic effects in different parts of the body, including constipation, double vision, dry mouth, etc. This limits its usefulness in patients but as with all treatments and therapies, the best option depends on the individual.