Sweaty armpits: All you need to know

We have heard over and over again that sweating is good for your body, especially when you are exercising. Sweating is actually a means by which the body is cooling itself.
Excessive sweating means producing as much as five times more sweat than is needed and it usually occurs when a person’s cooling system is kicked into overdrive. This medical condition is called Hyperhidrosis.
To learn more about the condition, we spoke to Dr. Inas Musa, a specialist in dermatology and aesthetics, and an expert in treating various skin conditions with modern cosmetic procedures at Obagi Medispa in Dubai. Read on to find out about the treatments available to help you sweat less — and live more.

What is the medical definition of excessive underarm sweating?
This term is used to describe excessive sweat production in the underarm areas. Medically, it is called Hyperhidrosis, which is a condition where a person excessively sweats more than what is required to regulate body temperature.

How common is it?
This condition is quite common in both males and females. A lot of people who have this condition do not seek medical help either because they are embarrassed or they think that this condition is not treatable.

Does it have anything to do with one’s lifestyle and diet?
Yes it does. There are several medications and food supplements that can cause what is known as secondary Hyperhidrosis. In general the patient feels excessive sweating mainly when during physical efforts or even emotional stress.

Do deodorants help?
There are several medical deodorants such as aluminum-based antiperspirants that help to reduce the sweating level. It usually should be applied under doctor’s supervision as it causes irritation due to long-term use. General deodorants have an effect on limiting the odor of the sweat but do not help in reducing the sweating itself.

Are antiperspirants and deodorants harmful?
Until now there is no scientific evidence that authorized antiperspirants are dangerous and we advise medicinal deodorants to be prescribed or used under medical supervision.

Tell us about the Botox injections. What role do they play, how often can someone use them and how safe are they?
This treatment was one of the best that relieved many patients from the problem of excessive sweating. It has to be repeated approximately twice a year as its effect is temporary.

What about laser?
There aren’t any laser techniques that can be used for the management of Hyperhidrosis.

Tell us more about the newest treatment MirarDry.
This machine utilizes microwave technology that is applied on the skin. It affects only the lower part of the skin where the sweat glands are located while keeping the epidermis intact. Sweat glands do not regenerate, so if destroyed, the excess sweat glands are permanently disabled.

How often can one use it? How long does it last?
The patient should undergo two sessions within a gap of three months. Approximately 82 percent reduction in the sweating level is noticed and this effect is permanent.

Is it dangerous at all to block the sweat from coming out of the body?
Sweat glands that are located in the underarm contribute to only 3 percent of the total sweating capacity all over the body. And losing this 3 percent does not affect the body’s thermal balance.

Is this treatment good for both men and women?
The treatment can be used effectively and safely for both men and women.
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