Sweaty hands/feet - iontophoresis treatment

If you have sweaty hands or feet, this is the homemade process for you. These are 2 demonstrations you can try on your own before going for the real iontophoresis treatment that is the topical introduction of ionized drugs into the skin using direct current (DC).

Iontophoresis, the topical introduction of ionized medications into the skin using direct current, can be very effective for most people who have a sweat problem. Iontophoresis is usually used for people who sweat a lot from their hands and feet. A small direct electronic current is passed through the skin. Tap water is usually used, but sometimes anticholinergic subjects are added. Iontophoresis may work by "plugging" the sweat ducts or by inducing an electrical change in the sweat gland that breaks up the order of secretion.

Fischer MD-1a galvanic unit (RA Fischer Co)

Side effects:

Local dysthesias or burning sensations
Erythema (skin redness) and urticarias (hives)
Electrical stinging
Electric burns on uncovered skin defects such as, small paper cuts
Requires daily or several times per week treatment
Can be time consuming
Cost - C$1,200 for each device

Many devices are available for the administration of iontophoresis.This machine has antisurge protection in the patient circuit, which helps prevent sudden changes in current flow that can occur if patient contact with an electrode or water bath is interrupted. Once it is clear that the patient can tolerate therapy, the patient is instructed to purchase a galvanic unit for home use.

secure wipes - wipes the sweat away!!!

The first topical solution I want to introduce, that I personally recommend, is called:

Secure wipes, offered only on pharmacy.ca.





This little container has 30 thin pads you can use anywhere, from your face to your toes. It is a little pricey for 45$ canadian, but it is well worth it.

This little miracle worker definitely will reduce your sweating. I use one pad on my face and it works well for the next 24-36 hours. You have to be able to put it on a time when you can leave it on for at least 4 hours without any water touching that area. This should be put when you are going to bed.

I have heard that some people can use up to 3 pads but I never had to do so.

You may use it every day, but I use it more when I go out clubbing or some special outing.

All in all, this product was very satisfactory for me. If you have tried it and have something to add, please comment about it.

Side effects: none.

Everyday General Treatments

What you should be doing in general everyday:

* Choose air-permeable clothing. Wear natural fabrics, such as cotton, wool, and silk, which allow your skin to breathe. When you exercise, you might prefer high-tech fabrics that take moisture away from your skin.

* Blazers! Winter, summer, fall, spring, doesn't matter, no matter what time of the year, my best friend has become my blazer. Usually I wear something very thin under or even sleeveless, tank tops and so on, and if it is something that shows my sweat stains, I simply wear my blazer. I believe I have about 15 of them! Although not fool-proof, works most the time...lol It is what I call my protection shield!

* “Dress shields”, small pads that go under your armpits to absorb sweat, may be an option for you. You may also want to keep an extra shirt with you for emergencies.

(You can try something like Garment Guard, never tried it, so if anyone has, please leave a comment.)

* Clean your clothes and/or change your shoes/clothing often.

* If you have trouble with sweaty feet, rotate your shoes. Your shoes may not dry out overnight, so try not to wear the same pair two days in a row. Also, try inserts that help to absorb and dissipate sweat.

* Baby powder. You may also try to put baby powder in your shoes, of course if they are closed shoes only. Could help reduce the slipping within the shoes when wearing heels or shes with no socks.

* Wear the right socks. Moisture-wicking athletic socks are a good choice. These may be made of merino wool (which doesn’t itch) or a synthetic blend sometimes called “polypro”.

* Change your socks often. Change socks or pantyhose once or twice a day, drying your feet thoroughly each time. Women should try pantyhose with cotton soles.

* Air your feet. Go barefoot when you can, or at least slip out of your shoes now and then.

* Avoid hot beverages (such as coffee), alcohol, and spices, which can make you sweat.

* Try relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or biofeedback. These can help you learn to control the stress that can trigger perspiration.

* Change your diet. Make note of any foods or beverages that cause you to sweat more than usual. Consider eliminating caffeinated drinks (like coffee and cola) from your diet as well as alcohol, certain “hot” spices, and foods with strong odors, such as garlic and onions.

* Drink more water to lower your body temperature.

* Drink Green Tea or Sage Tea at night. Tea contains an astringent property which will dry out oils and prevent excess moister from escaping the skin. It essentially drys you from the inside out. In addition to helping your complexion, green tea will neutralize many of the toxins that create the pungent odor in sweat.

* Try a Sage Tea Soak

There’s something called a Sage Tea solution, these are the steps :
1. Buy Sage Tea from your supermarket
2. Fill a large bowl with room temperature water
3. Put the sage tea bags in the bowl
4. Let the tea dissolve a bit.
5. soak your hands or feet for 15 minutes.

Sage Tea will act as an astringent to dry the skin and prevent excessive sweating for many days to follow. Do it everyday for 5 days straight (15 minutes at a time) and you’ll see great results.

If your hands tan from the tea, just wash them in the sink with antibacterial soap. The residue will come off easily.

*Do you have an everyday solution/suggestion that would be helpful to other hyperhidrosis sufferers?

If yes, leave a comment and I will add it to the post.
Thanks

About Hyperhidrosis

So what is Hyperhidrosis?
Well, this term came to life just a few years ago, it's a fancy way of saying, that I sweat too much! I, myself, have a huge sweating problem. I have made a lot of research to find ways to stop this very inconvenient but not harmful issue.

Hyperhidrosis is in other words, a condition that is interpreted by perspiring excessively at a normal body temperature. Basically, excessive sweating.

There are several touched areas that are more specified, such as:

• Palmar: excessive sweating of the hands.
• Axillary: excessive sweating of the armpits.
• Plantar: excessive sweating of the feet.
• Facial: excessive sweating of the face.
  
• Cranial: excessive sweating of the head, more around the hairline.
• General: Overall excessive sweating.

Are you part of the many people that are afflicted by any of these mentioned areas? Maybe you are one of those that have all these areas affected? Well, if you said yes to any of these questions, I definitely feel the pain you are going through, since I am affected by all of the above. People who do not have this problem, never will understand what we go through, so we have to find ways to help ourselves.

Yes I too walk around with my arms down all the time because I am paranoid that people around me may notice the huge sweat stains dripping down on the sides of my body.

Why do we sweat so much?

Since the time humans have existed, this issue has been known, yet til this day, no one has found the real reason why we over-sweat. One speculation is that it is a overactive sympathetic nervous system, although many other factors can be a cause of your sweating, such as some kind of unusual brain function. Moreover, the most common element that seems to be frequently said amongst people, is anxiety.

I agree with this theory, anxiety does usually make me sweat, then it gets worse because you realize you are sweating which therefore, causes you even more tension. Guess what this does? Yup, more wetness to endure!

Treatments you ask?

Yes, we have come to the good part. This whole blog will be dedicated to the many treatments we can have to HELP our hyperhidrosis obstacle. Remember that this problem is not totally curable, but can be maintained with a lot of attention to detail.