Do I have hyperhidrosis?

I am a 16 year old male. I have had sweating problems under my arms for quite some time now probly 2 years or so. I have tried every anti-persparnt in the booka and have tried certain dri with not much resualts. Do I have hyperhidrosis? When you go to the doctor how do they check if you have it? I mean I have to have something cause I sweat so sos much. It is getting to the point where it effects my social and school life.





thanks please help me

Do I have hyperhidrosis?
yes, i would say you do. I have it as well. It was absolutely out of control for a while when i was in high school. I went to a dermatologist and explained my situation. He prescribed me something called "Drysol". It's this stick that applies some kind of liquid medication to the area that sweats a lot. You're supposed use it once, then use it again a couple days later, then you should be good for about 2 weeks. I applied it under my arms at night, after showering, let it dry under my arms, wore a shirt to bed, and when you wake up, you will literally have dry underarms for a week to two weeks. Then just apply again when it starts to stop working. It's awesome, and works really well. It doesn't creat eany health problems either. Look into it. I was sick of constantly drenching my shirts in sweat. Drysol worked pretty well for me.
Reply:yeah it sucks doesn't it? Put certain dri on right before you go to sleep. Make sue your underarms are completely dry first. Then cover it with plastic wrap and sleep that way. Do that every night for 3-4 nights until it starts to burn your skin, then use 2-3 times a week. Also sounds wierd but maybe you could shave your armpits (i mean if no one would notice) because it works better for me right after i shave. Also there is a prescription anti perspirant you can get but it's the same thing as certain dri....doesn't work any better. Just make sure you do it at night. Thats what makes it work.
Reply:The doctor will tell if it is or not by the symptoms you describe. They can describe you prescription anti persperants that you put on at night and wash off in the morning, it stops the sweating (although not in all cases). You can get botox injections under your arms to prevent sweating and surgery can also be used. Hope that helps.
Reply:The cause is unknown. In very rare cases, hyperhidrosis of the palms and soles is thought to be inherited as an autosomal dominant genetic trait. Treatments may include - Antiperspirants. Medication - anticholinergics drugs, such as glycopyrrolate (Robinul, Robinul-Forte), help to prevent the stimulation of sweat glands. Although effective for some patients, these drugs have not been studied as well as other treatments. Side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, and problems with urination. Beta-blockers or benzodiazepines may help reduce stress-related sweating. Iontophoresis - This FDA-approved procedure uses electricity to temporarily turn off the sweat gland. It is most effective for sweating of the hands and feet. The hands or feet are placed into water, and then a gentle current of electricity is passed through it. The electricity is gradually increased until the patient feels a light tingling sensation. The therapy lasts about 10-20 minutes and requires several sessions. Side effects include skin cracking and blisters, although rare. Botox - Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) was approved by the FDA in 2004 for the treatment of severe underarm sweating, a condition called primary axillary hyperhidrosis. Small doses of purified botulinum toxin injected into the underarm temporarily block the nerves that stimulate sweating. Side effects include injection-site pain and flu-like symptoms. If you are considering Botox for other areas of excessive sweating talk to your doctor in detail. Botox used for sweating of the palms can cause mild, but temporary weakness and intense pain. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) - In severe cases, a minimally-invasive surgical procedure called sympathectomy may be recommended. The procedure is usually performed on patients with excessively sweaty palms. It is not as effective on those with excessive armpit sweating. This surgery turns off the signal which tells the body to sweat excessively. ETS surgery is done while the patient is asleep under general anesthesia. The doctor makes two or three tiny cuts under the arm. The patient's lung is collapsed so the surgeon has more room to work. A tiny camera, called an endoscope, is inserted to guide the surgeon to the appropriate nerve. After the nerve associated with the overactive gland is identified, it is removed or destroyed. The lung is restored to normal, and the wound closed with stitches. The identical procedure is done on the other side of the body. The surgery takes about a half hour. Patients usually go home the next day, but may experience pain for about a week. ETS requires special training. Before having this surgery, make sure your doctor is properly trained. Risks include artery damage, nerve damage, and increased sweating. New sweating occurs in about 50% of patients.


You would be advised to consult your doctor for a diagnosis and any necessary treatment.


I add two links with details of this subject, and a link to the Society, where you may make more enquiries.











http://www.ucsfhealth.org/


adult/medical_services/vas/


hidrosis/conditions/hidrosis/


signs.html








http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/


articles/article.aspx?


articleId=1643











International Hyperhidrosis Society, www.sweathelp.org








Hope this helps


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