Hyperhidrosis (also known as excessive sweating) can be a devastating condition. It has a huge impact on quality of life, and even prevent those who have it from carrying out everyday tasks. It is believed that about 1-3% of the world population suffer from excessive sweating. Living with hyperhidrosis is quite challenging and our goal is to destigmatize this condition. We work on improving the quality of life for hyperhidrosis sufferers by providing support and advice, and continuously advocate for new treatment options.

There is a need to raise awareness of this condition and to make appropriate treatment available to patients. Many people still don’t think anything can be done about it. Secondly, they are still too ashamed or embarrassed to talk about it. Moreover, they frequently report frustrations or problems with things most people take for granted. This involves things like shaking hands, using the keyboard or writing on a piece of paper.

No one with this condition needs to feel alone. It’s important to remember that hyperhidrosis is a treatable medical condition. Therefore, raising awareness is the key if we want to make people feel comfortable enough to come forward to ask for help and advice. 

The goal of Hyperhidrosis Awareness Month

Therefore, the goal of Hyperhidrosis Awareness Month is to promote awareness and communication about the emotional, economic, and life impacts of people with hyperhidrosis. The objectives are to:

› Raise awareness and knowledge about the condition among public and healthcare professionals

› Increase public understanding of this debilitating medical condition

› Provide access to correct information on available treatments that can effectively control sweating and improve patients’ daily life and quality of life

› Advocate for new, effective hyperhidrosis treatments 

As part of our mission, we are continuously working to reduce the stigma of hyperhidrosis. We try to influence the change of attitudes and behavior of other people towards people with sweating problems, so that they do not have to live in shame, isolation and silence.

Here are some suggestions on what we can do as individuals to reduce the stigma of hyperhidrosis:

– Talk openly about hyperhidrosis with family, friends, or using social media

– Educate yourself and others – respond to misperceptions or negative comments by sharing facts and experiences

– Seek treatment and be honest about it – normalize hyperhidrosis treatment, just like other health care treatment.

– Share your hyperhidrosis story in the media but also let them know when they promote stigmatizing content or ideas

– Never use negative or discriminatory terms that would be offensive to the people with hyperhidrosis

– Show compassion and empathy for people with hyperhidrosis

In addition, stigma and lack of public knowledge worsen the impact of the conditions on patients. Therefore, there is a need to increase understanding of this debilitating medical condition among public and healthcare professionals. We are here to provide support and advice while listening carefully to the stories of people with hyperhidrosis.

About iontophoresis

Iontophoresis is a scientifically proven method to treat hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) of the hands, feet and armpits. The method has been around for decades and, if used correctly, it can provide outstanding results. The treatment isn’t painful, but you might feel a slight tingling sensation on your skin during treatment. There are no significant or serious side effects, and the benefits are long-term when you maintain your treatments regularly.

Each treatment lasts 20 minutes. Most of our customers saw first results after only 2 weeks. Later, when you start feeling the effects, you will have to find what treatment regime works best to maintain your results.

If you suffer from excessive sweating, but have never heard of iontophoresis treatment, be sure to check out the iontophoresis page.

Do you live in Sweden and want to try an iontophoresis machine? Keep on reading because now you have a chance to win one for yourself.

Hyperhidrosis awareness month contest – Enter to win a Hidroxa SE 20 iontophoresis machine

We are happy to announce that this November we have teamed up with the Swedish Patient Association for Hyperhidrosis and decided to organize a competition in which you will have a chance to win our Hidroxa SE 20 iontophoresis machine.

This competition may be a great opportunity for you, to put your own effort into tackling excessive sweating. You just have to fill out a quick form and submit your application through this link.

The winner will be announced on December 8 at the 10th anniversary of the Swedish Patient Association.

Who can participate? The competition is open to Swedish people only.

The Swedish patient association for hyperhidrosis

The Swedish patient association for hyperhidrosis has a goal to represent the interest of people suffering from hyperhidrosis, pathological overproduction of sweat. The association was formed in Sweden in 2011 by a group of patients from the Sweat Clinic in Stockholm. 

The purpose of the association is to ensure that people suffering from excessive sweating have the right to funding treatment by the authorities. Most importantly, their goal is to share the knowledge and appropriate information about the condition. In addition, they work to establish contacts among patients and support further research on hyperhidrosis.

Although the patient association is based in Stockholm, it’s open to anyone who suffers from hyperhidrosis, no matter what country you live in.

Get social – spread the word

Hyperhidrosis leads to negative effects on the quality of life of patients. This results in social and work impairments and emotional stress creating a negative self-image and fear of people’s reactions. However, many people with this condition don’t realize they have this condition, or that it even has a recognized medical name. They even do not know that there are clinics they can go to and get a diagnosis and treatment.

Why? Because there is a lot of shame and embarrassment involved; patients don’t speak up or think it’s not a serious enough problem to mention at all; therefore, hyperhidrosis is under-diagnosed and under-treated.

There are many ways to bring awareness about hyperhidrosis. One way is through engagement on social media.   

This month, help us spread the word about the emotional, economic, and life impacts of this condition by sharing your experiences with your followers on social media.

The more people hear about it, the better! It only takes a few seconds, but it can have a lasting effect.

Spread the word by using the hashtags #HhAwarenessMonth #MyHyperhidrosisLifeStory and #HidroxaSE20. We hope you feel comfortable enough to support this campaign by sharing your hyperhidrosis journey. Tag us on social media too so that we can support you.

If excessive sweating is affecting your life too – you are NOT alone! Together, this month, let’s work on breaking the stigma associated with excessive sweating.

And throughout November be sure to frequently check our website www.hidroxa.com, and our social media to join the conversation online:

• Facebook @Hidroxa
• Instagram @Hidroxa
• Youtube @Hidroxa

Irena Kresic

A digital marketing specialist who aims to spread the word about hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by excessive sweating. And to all those who suffer from hyperhidrosis, I say – gather as much information as possible and find the treatment that works best for you.

www.hidroxa.com

The post Hyperhidrosis awareness month 2021 – win Hidroxa SE 20 appeared first on The Hyperhidrosis Blog.

People suffering from hyperhidrosis are constantly looking for new treatment options that could help them reduce sweating and make life a little easier. For decades, people have used tap water iontophoresis to treat hyperhidrosis.

Although the Internet has helped spread information about this method within the hyperhidrosis community, most patients are still unaware of this method.

If over-the-counter antiperspirants and home remedies do not curb the sweating problem, you might turn to medical treatments. With several options to choose from, iontophoresis is a non-invasive, painless, and relatively inexpensive treatment that is suitable for patients to use at home.

You might wonder if iontophoresis is really effective? Considering the effectiveness that customers got using our device and the research that has been done – the simple answer is yes. But before investing your time and money in iontophoresis, you should know how the treatment works, potential side effects, and what results you can expect. So, let’s dig into this.

What is iontophoresis?

Iontophoresis machines are one of the most efficient ways to treat hyperhidrosis. This treatment is suitable for treating hyperhidrosis of the hands, feet, underarms. If the necessary accessory is available, for example, Hidroxa iontophoresis face mask, treatment of craniofacial hyperhidrosis is possible. Please note that treating craniofacial hyperhidrosis with an iontophoresis face mask is still experimental. Nevertheless, we had satisfied customers that say it helps them to manage their sweating. Many patients have achieved great success, but the truth is that it will require some work until satisfactory results are achieved. 

The positive effect of iontophoresis is seen in reducing uncontrollable, excessive sweating since the 1940s. In recent decades, many international studies and case studies have investigated iontophoresis and its positive effect on the treatment of hyperhidrosis. The treatments tend to be very efficient with minimal side effects. The success rate ranges between 80-90% of treated patients while numerous reviews of our happy customers testify the efficiency of this treatment. 

The main advantages of this method are: 

– the reduction of the excessive sweating 

– it is a non-invasive, needle-free, drug-free method 

– the efficiency of iontophoresis treatment for hyperhidrosis generally ranges between 80%-90% of people treated 

– easy to use & clinically proven 

How does iontophoresis work? 

Iontophoresis is often recommended to people who have tried prescription antiperspirants but without success and need more effective treatment. It’s a medical device that delivers a mild electrical current while your affected body part is submerged in the water. Make sure that the water covers the area you wish to treat and no more than that. For example, the palms of the hands.

Before treatment, you will need to turn on the device and place your hands or feet in trays filled with lukewarm water. To treat armpits/face, keep water-soaked sponge pads placed under the armpits or wear a face mask soaked in water. Then a small current passes through the water. Tap water is used as an electrically conductive medium between the electrode and the skin. Accordingly, the use of tap water-soaked sponge pouches is to avoid direct skin contact with the electrodes and thus achieves a greatly homogenous current flow through the skin. The current is conducted in one direction for a certain time, and then vice versa during the same time. 

We don’t known exactly how iontophoresis treatments work, but there are several theories: 

• Electric current and mineral particles in the water work together to thicken the outer layer of the skin, blocking the sweat
• The current can interrupt the normal transmission of the nerve, can disrupt the functioning of your sweat glands 
• It decreases the pH value in the sweat gland, which makes it more acidic and reduces the amount of sweat produced

Iontophoreisis treatment

There are no confirmed hypotheses about how iontophoresis treatment works. What we do know is that this treatment significantly reduces excessive sweating. Usually, you need to perform treatments several times a week (preferably every day). Some of our customers saw the first results after only two weeks.

Once the patient achieves the desired effect, maintenance treatments will occur. At that point, treatments need to be performed less frequently, usually about 1-2 times a week or before important events, such as appointments or a date. In some cases, it can even completely eliminate sweating, and dryness can last up to a month. The treatment works within a relatively short period, but it is very individual and depends on a lot of factors, so you will have to be patient.

What is the difference between the constant current and the pulsed current?

Hidroxa iontophoresis device has a choice of constant (CC) and pulsed current (PC). From our experience, most patients prefer pulsed current over direct because the treatment is more comfortable, although the constant current is generally considered more effective.

So, you’re probably wondering, which should I choose, constant or direct current? It depends. Not all patients will find constant current uncomfortable, but in any case, we recommend using PC at the beginning. If the patient performs iontophoresis and feels discomfort with direct current, switching to pulsed current would make the treatment much more comfortable. This way people can tolerate higher current values. This means that you will not achieve results if you cannot tolerate the current, so PC would be more effective in the long run. If the PC is not effective, then it is usually recommended to switch and try CC as a last resort.

The current strength should be adjusted according to your comfort level. In case you are an adolescent, have sensitive skin, or secondary skin conditions, choose a pulsed current. This setting will provide results with minimal discomfort but might take longer to achieve results. Using a pulsed current is essential when treating excessive sweating of the face.

Collaboration with Oslo University Hospital (Oslo universitetssykehus)

This method to tackle excessive sweating has been used by healthcare professionals in hospitals, clinics, and dermatology departments around the world. Hidroxa supplies many hospitals in the Nordic region with iontophoresis machines. Among them is the University Hospital of Oslo, which encourages its patients to try iontophoresis and see for themselves the effects of iontophoresis.

You can carry out the treatment yourself, in the privacy of your own home, without any medical supervision. The thing is, some people want to see how to perform treatments and whether it works for them before they buy their iontophoresis device.

Our iontophoresis machine has the CE mark and is completely designed for home use. The machines we sell at hidroxa.com are the same devices that use professionals in hospitals, clinics, and dermatology departments. You don’t need a prescription for using iontophoresis. If you buy our #HidroxaSE20 iontophoresis machine, we offer 50 days money-back guarantee. That means you can try iontophoresis at home and if you don’t get satisfactory results, you can easily return it. (See our return policy).

Does it work for everyone?

Nothing works 100% for everyone. In the majority of cases, this treatment is effective with significantly drier hands and/or feet after only 2 weeks. Each treatment lasts approx. 20 to 30 minutes. 

There is no magic wand that will tell you what works for you and how many treatments need to be done for some serious results. Initially, we recommend performing one treatment every day for two-three weeks. After this, when you start feeling the effect, you will need to repeat the sessions as needed weekly/monthly. It needs to be repeated regularly to remain effective.

In the beginning, using an iontophoresis machine can seem to be overwhelming. So, it will require some work and you have to be consistent until you reach your satisfactory level of dryness.

Is iontophoresis safe? What are the potential side effects?

Generally, iontophoresis is a safe procedure, especially when you compare it to other hyperhidrosis treatments, such as anticholinergics or surgery. You will not feel pain from the treatment, but you may experience a mild tingling sensation on the skin during the treatment. Additionally, the electric current is not strong enough to cause any serious damage to your skin or a harmful shock. 

Anti-sweat machines are a proven method for managing hyperhidrosis with minimal side effects. Excessive dryness or mild skin irritation are the most common complaints. 

Some people can also experience: 

• Itching of the treated area shortly after treatment.
• Skin blisters, redness can occur if the intensity of the current was too high or its duration was too long
• You may feel a slight burning sensation if you touch the electrodes
• Feeling of electric shock if you remove your arms or legs from the trays halfway through the treatment
• Moderate skin thickening as a cause of frequent treatments, which means you should do them less often
• If you have eczema, it can make the condition worse. Always being wet from hyperhidrosis could cause eczema, so make sure it is under control before starting iontophoresis

There are no long-term side effects. Proper device operation and following instructions that come with the device are essential to minimize the occurrence of these problems. Before you commence the session, don’t forget to take off all metal jewelry before the treatment. Avoid removing the electrodes or disconnecting the cables until you turn off the device. You should also avoid touching the metal plates that are in the baths, as this may result in a burn.

Is iontophoresis the right treatment for me? Rule out underlying medical conditions

Sometimes, hyperhidrosis occurs due to an underlying medical condition. If it happens for no reason – it is called primary, otherwise, it is secondary hyperhidrosis. If you have a proper treatment for the underlying medical condition, it often helps reduce your sweating. So, before you opt for iontophoresis, always first consult your doctor who will identify any possible underlying medical condition that may be the cause of excessive sweating. 

You should not use iontophoresis if you fall into any of these categories, as this may increase the risk of side effects and complications:

• Women who are pregnant
• If you have a pacemaker or ICD (implanted cardioverter defibrillator)
• Having metallic implant such as a metal-containing IUD (intrauterine device), screws, plates, or wires within the possible current path.
• If you suffer from cardiac conditions or epilepsy
• If the body parts you wish to treat suffer from malign tumors, thrombosis, diabetes, impaired sensitivity, inflammation, uncovered skin defects, fresh wounds, or vascular disorders

The risks of tap water iontophoresis in pregnancy are unknown. However, it is safe if you are breastfeeding. Children under the age of 5 should wait until they get older, but most children tolerate this treatment well. Performing treatments on children under the age of 12 should be supervised. It should be agreed with their doctor that they are suitable for iontophoresis treatment.

How to make iontophoresis more effective?

If you can undergo iontophoresis and notice that you have cuts and scratches on your skin, it helps to apply a thick layer of Vaseline before the treatment. In this case, the damaged skin has lower resistance, due to which the current is higher in this area. This will protect open wounds from irritation and itching during treatment. 

Many patients will experience great results just by using tap water. In case your skin resistance increases in the course of treatment due to the drying skin, we recommend adding a teaspoon of salt. This will regulate the pH level of the water and ensure that the proper milliamperes are achieved. If the resistance of the skin becomes higher after a while, making it impossible to perform a treatment, this is a good thing. It means you have received an effect. Try and wait a few days before performing the next treatment. 

If performing iontophoresis with plain tap water or tap water with added salt does not help you achieve the desired dryness, then you might want to combine prescription medication. You can add anticholinergics such as Robinul and Glycopyrrolate to the water. In most cases, this makes iontophoresis therapy effective. 

Sometimes the skin dryness can occur and if it happens to be cracked or fissured, you can apply a moisturizer after each session. 

Conclusion

Decades of clinical experience and research show a significant reduction of palmar/plantar hyperhidrosis using iontophoresis devices as a safe and effective solution. Iontophoresis is not a permanent solution to your problem, and further maintenance treatments are required. Compared to other potential solutions, this treatment is appropriate and cost-effective that can significantly reduce excessive sweating. Some people think it’s too much of a hassle. But others enjoy the independence of managing therapy and achieving excellent results on their own and whenever they need it. It is up to you to decide.

If you have any questions, please take a look at our FAQ and don’t hesitate to contact us via email at [email protected] or our online chat anytime.

References/Web links to further information:

1. How effective is iontophoresis
2. Information for patients
3. Hyperhidrosis treatments

Irena Kresic

A digital marketing specialist who aims to spread the word about hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by excessive sweating. And to all those who suffer from hyperhidrosis, I say – gather as much information as possible and find the treatment that works best for you.

www.hidroxa.com

The post Iontophoresis treatment for hyperhidrosis – does it really work appeared first on The Hyperhidrosis Blog.

What happens when sweating takes over your life

Hyperhidrosis (also known as excessive sweating) affects patients’ quality of life, resulting in social and work impairment and emotional distress. This often leads to a negative self-image and fear of people’s reactions. Furthermore, it has a negative effect on the mental health of sufferers, especially its youngest sufferers. They are constantly worried about noticeable sweating. Hyperhidrosis affects their ability to participate in school activities, have fun, pursue a career, engage in relationships, and more.

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

– Maya Angelou

However, there are many people out there in the world who are struggling with excessive sweating just like you. According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, there are nearly 5% of the world’s population suffers. However, many are too embarrassed to speak up and seek help. They frequently report frustrations or problems with things most people take for granted. This often involves things such as shaking hands or missing out on social gatherings. The condition does interfere with almost every aspect of their lives, from clothing to career choice.

Hyperhidrosis awareness

Hyperhidrosis really doesn’t have the awareness that it should have, considering how many people are living with it. Our aim is to spread hyperhidrosis awareness to help people find more support through sharing their stories so that excessive sweating can be taken seriously and given the research and treatment development it deserves. It is also important to spread the word that there are many treatments available and the symptoms of excessive sweating can be effectively treated. 

Living with this condition can make you feel isolated, depressed, confused, and alone, but we want you to know that you are not alone and you are so much more than your diagnosis. It takes a lot of courage to go through life as a sweater and even more to speak about hyperhidrosis.

Giuseppe’s story

Today, through the eyes of a young man Giuseppe Gabriele, here’s a glimpse of the impact hyperhidrosis has on the quality of his life. He is now 19 and discovered this problem 4 years ago.

1. When did you first realize that your sweating was excessive?

Answer: I realized that my sweating was excessive when, even though we were in the middle of winter, my hands and armpits were always sweaty.  Unlike my friends, I often had sweat stains on my T-shirts despite the fact that it was cold, not hot. I often avoided wearing T-shirts or sweaters in bright colors so that others would not notice anything.

2. Which body areas are affected by hyperhidrosis and have you tried any treatments before?

Answer: The areas affected by hyperhidrosis are my hands and armpits. I tried some healing creams and deodorant before, but nothing really seemed to work for me.

3. What is the most challenging thing about living with HhS and how does it affect your life? (interference in daily life, technological issues)?

Answer: Hyperhidrosis interferes with my daily life whether it involves going to the gym and being much sweatier than others, shaking someone’s hand and apologizing for wet or damp hands, going to work, and trying to look always clean and tidy making sure to change my shirts several times.

4. Did you try to hide your sweating and did you develop any of the compensated behaviours (for example, did you avoid certain situations, handshaking, carried handkerchiefs, often changing socks, etc.)?

Answer: I try to hide my sweating especially from people I don’t know. What makes living with hyperhidrosis more difficult is the fear of not always being able to hide this discomfort, the fear that others will judge me badly as if I were dirty and did not take care of myself or they might think that I don’t have perfect hygiene.

5. When did you hear of iontophoresis as a treatment option for excessive sweating?

Answer: I started hearing about hyperhidrosis thanks to my doctor who, after having a question? “Doctor, why do I always have sweaty hands and armpits even if I haven’t exercised and it’s not hot?” He examined me and explained at length what hyperhidrosis is and how it manifests. Then I started researching online about different options and available treatments. It is helpful for me to read various stories of people who have had the same discomfort.

6. Are you sceptical to try iontophoresis and will you update us on your results?

Answer: At first, I was a little skeptical but now I’m ready to change my mind and count on Hidroxa for possible positive changes in my life. I started the treatment a few days ago thanks to my sister who, after various researches, decided to entrust herself to Hidroxa. At the moment, I am working hard to follow instructions on how to achieve the best possible results using an iontophoresis machine. I will keep you informed of the results.

Hyperhidrosis in children

After hearing his story, our goal is to educate people that hyperhidrosis can happen at any age and children are no exception. During childhood and adolescence, we form and develop our personalities. Because of hyperhidrosis, they might come across as shy even though they are really not or they might withhold from answering questions in the classroom because they don’t want to raise their hands to show a sweaty armpit or they overall don’t enjoy too much attention.

“In the long run, hyperhidrosis might change their behaviour and who they are in an unwanted way. In some countries, a patient must wait until they turn 18 before their hyperhidrosis can be treated with botox or iontophoresis. This can be devastating for the individual. These treatments are safe with few adverse effects. Children should be allowed treatment when the sweat starts to have a negative impact on their lives. If that treatment should be aluminium chloride, botox or iontophoresis, is up to them and their doctor to decide. But hyperhidrosis is definitely a paediatric disease and mustn’t be neglected. There is no reason not to help these children.”

Sandra Eriksson Mirkovic, MD.

If excessive sweating is affecting your life too – know that you are NOT alone. And remember, together we can make a difference.

Have you already entered our GIVEAWAY? Read our giveaway blog post and find out how you can get the chance to win our Hidroxa SE 20 iontophoresis device.

If you want your story to be heard, contact us via email at [email protected] or Facebook/Instagram. We are grateful to Giuseppe Gabriele for sharing his story with us!

Irena Kresic

A digital marketing specialist who aims to spread the word about hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by excessive sweating. And to all those who suffer from hyperhidrosis, I say – gather as much information as possible and find the treatment that works best for you.

www.hidroxa.com

The post Living with Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating): The story of Giuseppe Gabriele appeared first on The Hyperhidrosis Blog.