The Benefits of Using Iontophoresis for Sweaty Palms

The Benefits of Using Iontophoresis for Sweaty Palms

If you have sweaty palms, then you know how difficult hyperhidrosis can be to treat. Sure, you can try a few remedies, but they only work temporarily. Treating a sweating problem for the long-term isn't easy. The effort can be a waste of time and money if you're not careful. On the other hand, surgery and BOTOX injections aren't for everybody. Surgery carries risks and injections cost money.

There is one affordable solution that can provide long-term results: Iontophoresis.

Iontophoresis is the only main treatment that is safe, effective, AND affordable. During this type of treatment, your hands are placed in a bowl or plate filled with fluid, which is usually water mixed with sea salt. The bowl is connected to an electrical device. When turned on, a current is sent to your hands.

Each procedure lasts for about 20 minutes, during which time the electrical current and electorytes from the water “thicken” the outer layer of the skin. The extra thickness prevents excessive sweat from surfacing.

Is this treatment right for you? Here are the benefits of using Iontophoresis for sweaty palms:

• Even though the process should be repeated a few times a week for 3 weeks, it still delivers promising results. You can finally achieve your goal of having fresh, dry hands if you follow the instructions. The number of treatments and the amount of time for each depends on the type of machine you use.

• Some insurance companies cover Iontophoresis and some don't. Even if yours doesn't, you can still order your own device. Another option is to turn it into a DIY project and to build your own machine. They are fairly easy to build, and instructions are available online. The parts don't cost much money at all.

• As long as the procedure is administered properly, there are no side-effects or complications. If you want to administer the treatment yourself, be sure to get a good set of instructions. Just to be on the safe side, you should have a health care professional present when you do the first treatment.

• One of the best benefits of Iontophoresis is that it is non-invasive. Even though it requires sending a small volt of electricity to your skin, it's still non-invasive when compared to surgery and injections. The process doesn't even need to be done at a hospital or clinic. Since it's non-invasive, you won't have to worry about complications or infection risks.

• It's not painful or all that uncomfortable. At most, you will feel a slight jolt or tingling. This isn't anything to worry about, especially when compared to the discomfort you would feel with injections or surgery.

• Iontophoresis is more effective and offers better results than holistic treatments. While herbal remedies can be very helpful for some sufferers, they don't work for everybody. Iontophoresis has helped many sufferers of palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis. The technology for this treatment has been around since in the 1950s and has helped many people. It's even more safe and effective now than it was then.

• You don't need to use any special fluids. Tap water is all you really need, although some people add sea salt to enhance the results. Dry devices have been used in experiments, but the results weren't very promising.

• There is no compensatory sweating to worry about. One of the side-effects of surgery is that it can cause compulsory sweating in another part of the body. For instance, if you were to have surgery to prevent excessive palm sweating, you might end up experiencing a sweaty back afterwards. This isn't the case with Iontophoresis.

If you have tried just about everything to keep your hands dry, and still experience excessive sweating, then Iontophoresis is something you might want to consider.

Author Bio:

Jason Ellis has been helping excessive sweating sufferers for years by providing self esteem lessons and positive thinking exercises, all with the benefit of decreasing anxiety induced sweating.

7 Simple Home Remedies to Reduce Palm Sweating

7 Simple Home Remedies to Reduce Palm Sweating

Are your hands always wet and gross? Palmar hyperhidrosis is a very uncomfortable problem. You do many things with your hands: shake hands, type, write, play instruments, etc…, so when they are constantly wet and slimy, you have a hard time doing the simplest of tasks.

There are some simple home remedies you can try to reduce palm sweating! A lot of research has been done on palmar hyperhidrosis over the past few years. While it’s an uncommon condition, it’s not as rare as you might think.

Just know that you’re not alone in your suffering, and that there are simple things you can do to control the sweat.

Here are 7 simple home remedies to get you started:

1. Baking soda and baby powder are both good remedies for mild hyperhidrosis. Dissolve some in warm water and dip your hands in the solution for ten minutes. The alkaline property in baking soda reacts with the sweat and keeps the hands dry. Baby powder helps prevent odor.

2. Tomato juice is very beneficial for the skin. It prevents sweating and keeps the skin clean. Start drinking tomato juice once a day for a whole week. You will notice a reduction in palm sweating. One of the causes of excessive sweating is mineral or vitamin deficiency. Many vitamins and minerals, such as potassium and magnesium, are found in tomato juice, so drinking it every day will keep your hands fresh and dry.

3. Carry a rosin bag with you and squeeze it whenever your hands start to feel sweaty. Everyone from baseball pitchers to violinists use rosin bags to keep their hands dry and to give their grip some strength. It’s basically a soft pouch that is filled with rosin powder, which is a substance derived from tree sap and beeswax. Fresh rosin powder can last for up to eighteen months!

4. Zinc is a very important mineral that is needed for overall health. Two of its benefits include perspiration reduction and bad odor prevention. You can either take 30 to 50 mg of zinc supplements a day, or rub zinc oxide powder onto your hands every morning. If you do take zinc supplements, be sure to eat foods rich in copper since zinc can deplete the copper supply in the body.

5. Rosemary is an herbal remedy that strengthens the nervous system. With a strengthened nervous system, your sweat glands won’t be out of control. Rosemary is also a mild sedative. If you’re able to stay calm during the day, you won’t sweat as much.

Rosemary can be found in just about anything: supplements, aromatherapy oils, candles, food seasoning, shampoos, etc. If you don’t like to take pills, you can simply carry around a vial of rosemary essential oil. Inhale it whenever your hands start to feel sweaty.

6. Another simple home remedy is witch hazel. The leaves and bark of this plant are extracted into an astringent which can be applied onto the skin. It’s actually an active ingredient in many lotions and oils. Every morning, apply a thin layer onto your palms with a cotton ball. Witch hazel extract can be found at any drug store. It’s like a natural deodorant that restricts the pores.

7. Sage is a safe and effective natural antiperspirant. In the 1920s, sage tinctures were poured on tuberculosis patients to help control their sweating. Even though it’s no longer used by physicians, you can still use it to prevent hand sweating. It regulates the secretion of perspiration from the sweat glands. It also helps to regulate the nervous system, which is responsible for the production of sweat.

You can take sage extract in supplement or tincture form, OR brew the leaves in tea. Most people like the taste of sage tea. Just drink two cups a day for a few days and you should notice a reduction in sweat.

Simple home remedies really can be useful when it comes to reducing palm sweating. Give these a try and you should find at least one or two that work for you!

Author Bio:

Jason Ellis has been helping girls and guys with low self esteem for years with strategies. His tips for helping low self esteem have helped many children and adults improve their self image and go on to live more fulfilling lives.

5 Fast Hand Sweating Treatments That Last for Days

5 Fast Hand Sweating Treatments That Last for Days

Are you having problems with sweaty hands? It's hard to get through the day when you're constantly worried about wet, clammy hands. Simple tasks that some people take for granted, such as typing, playing a musical instrument, writing, or shaking hands become difficult. There are treatments and solutions, but many of them are only temporary.

Fortunately, there are a few simple treatments that can last for a long time! They might not be permanent, but they can still last for a while. Any type of relief you can get will be helpful.

With that said, here are 5 quick and easy hand sweating treatments that will last you for a while.

1. Activated charcoal is a little known remedy that can really help prevent excessive sweating. It comes in different forms, including tablets and powder. Taking a small amount of charcoal on an empty stomach twice a day, for one or two days, should keep your sweat at bay for at least a week.

It works by absorbing toxins out of your gastrointestinal tract. When your stomach and intestines are cleansed of toxins, your body won't produce as much perspiration. Just make sure you drink plenty of water with it.

2. Sage tea is one of the best natural remedies for palm sweating. It contains astringent properties which dry out oils and prevent excessive moisture from escaping the skin. It's best to use fresh sage leaves. Prepare about five leaves in hot water and let it steep for about ten minutes.

You can either drink it or soak your hands in it. If you prefer to drink it, you can add some honey or orange peel to sweeten the taste. If you want to soak your hands in it, keep them in the bowl for at least 20 minutes. You'll notice a reduction in sweat almost instantly!

3. A concoction of raw honey and apple cider vinegar will keep your hands dry. Take two teaspoons of AVC and honey three times a day right before meals. If you don't like the taste of AVC just rub the concoction over your hands and leave on for fifteen minutes or so. After a couple of days, you should notice a difference.

Apple cider vinegar contains acids that deter the growth of bacteria in the body. It also improves the absorption of iron, which is an essential mineral for your overall health. With enough iron in your body, you won't sweat as much. Honey is also a cleansing tonic with antioxidant properties.

4. Use a hand antiperspirant to block the sweat glands. An extra strength antiperspirant contains ingredients such as aluminum chloride. Make sure that you use a product that contains at least 10% aluminum chloride. That way, you'll only need to apply it once every few days. Hand antiperspirants come in different forms: gels, lotions, sticks, roll-ons, and wipes.

They can be applied at night before bedtime. Before applying any on your hands, take a hot shower. The steam should open the pores up on the hands, thus allowing the formula to seep into the sweat glands.

5. Iontophoresis is a safe and effective way to stop excessive sweating of the hands. You can either have a doctor administer the treatments or order your own machine. You could even make your own machine with the right set of instructions!

This process is fairly quick, and the excessive sweat production disappears for a period of time. During the treatment, the outer layer of the skin is thickened through a microscopic process. Mineral particles in the water and the electricity temporarily stop sweat production. Some people find iontophoresis to be more effective with baking soda added to the water.

Give these 5 treatments a try and you should see a reduction in the amount of sweat produced on your palms!

Author Bio:

Jason Ellis has been helping people overcome their anxiety and panic for years. His expertise deals with controlling the symptoms of stress and anxiety by applying proven, time-tested treatments, showing your how to cure a panic attack in minutes. He has also helped many of his readers by showing them natural herbal remedies for panic attacks.

Why do I sweat even when it’s cold outside?

With Fall upon us in the Midwest, we are getting lots of questions from people who find it strange that they are sweating just as much as when it's hot and humid. We have compiled some information to help explain this annoying facet of hyperhidrosis:

Ever ask why some people perspire even when the air conditioning is on full blast? Or how about those who sweat profusely even during the winter months? The answer is hyperhidrosis.

Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis in medical terminology, is more common than you think. Estimates show that approximately 2%-5% of the population is afflicted by excessive sweating. Sweating so severe, that these people consider undergoing surgery or botox injections over topical anti-perspirant to solve their sweating problems.

Hyperhidrosis is caused by the hyper-activity of the sympathetic nervous system. This part of the nervous system is responsible for the secretion of sweat in our bodies. People normally associate hyperhidrosis with excessive sweating of the armpits. Other parts of the body such as the palms of the hands, on the face, bottom of the feet, thighs and torso are also possible areas where hyperhidrosis can occur. Some people’s sympathetic nervous system is just much more active than the average person.

The cause of hyperhidrosis is still unknown. It is often (incorrectly) regarded as a result of anxiety especially when subjected to a stressful situation. Notice how we sweat during job interviews? Such case is more of situational in nature. We sweat as a result of stress. Hyperhidrosis, on the other hand, persists with or without being subjected to stress.

According to a study conducted by Dr. Richard G. Glogau, “there’s an unusual hybrid sweat gland with both eccrine and apocrine elements which is found in patients with axillary hyperhydrosis, and which is capable of a secretory rate of 10-fold higher than normal eccrine glands.” Eccrine and apocrine are sweat glands found in the armpit area. The eccrine gland is located deep in the skin and responsible for the watery consistency of the sweat. The apocrine gland, on the other hand, is located on the surface of the skin producing a protein-like secretion.

People afflicted with such unusual condition live each day worrying about the embarrassment caused by excessive sweating. Regular anti-perspirants and topical sprays bring temporary relief that stop the sweating for a few hours but lose their efficacy after a while. To cite an example, a man named Brandon Burg suffered from hyperhydrosis. He would sweat through his shirt within fifteen minutes. He even placed Kotex under his armpits to absorb the excessive sweating of his armpits! Imagine the emotional stress he has to go through every single day. Hyperhidrosis is not only a medical problem, it also affects our social life, more so our self-esteem.

So what are the available treatments for hyperhidrosis?

There are several options to treat excessive sweating. In lighter cases of hyperhidrosis, the first approach is to use topical antiperspirant containing aluminum chloride. The aluminum chloride constricts the pores so that sweating would be minimized. Other treatments include iontopherosis which means subjecting the axillary area under battery-powered electric current and psychotherapy but only to treat secondary hyperhydrosis, a side effect of another disorder in the case of obesity and endocrine disorders.

If the light treatments do not alleviate the problem of excessive sweating, there are surgical options to consider. One is the surgical removal of the sweat glands wherein the sweat glands are scraped in the underarm skin and another would be botox injections. The chemicals in botox prevent the glands from releasing bodily salts and water also known as sweat.

Before considering serious surgical procedures, it is advisable to get yourself a full assessment of a qualified dermatologist to diagnose the cause of the excessive sweating.

Before undergoing any surgery or radical treatments, the patient should try a Surefoot spray, a Handspray or an Antiperspirant like Klima Antiperspirant. Klima has been shown to nearly eliminate the problems associated with hyperhidrosis for thousands of people, without any detrimental side effects.

Sweating to the Oldies: An Encounter with Mr. Stinky

Traffic was a bear, so I got to the gym later than I had planned. Even though the spinning class I wanted to take didn’t start for half an hour, it was important – REALLY important – that I reserve a good spot in the spinning room. Yesterday had been the pits – literally speaking.

“Mr. Stinky” and his smelly underarms are class regulars, you see, and if I get to the gym late I might get stuck downwind of him in the biking studio. You know the guy, right? He’s the hairy one with the excessive underarm perspiration and the really strong body odor. The puddle surrounding his bike at the end of class is truly spectacular.

I feel both sympathy and revulsion simultaneously for Mr. Stinky. He’s a pleasant enough guy to speak to and his looks aren’t bad, but his old stained exercise shirt and his plumbing issues are a pretty big turnoff. …He probably looks in the mirror in the mornings and wonders why women aren’t interested.

Unfortunately, this guy is not an isolated case, and sweating problems aren’t just found in men. It seems that hyperhidrosis is an equal-opportunity ailment.

Body of Evidence
Following a scientific survey conducted by Dr. Dee Anna Glaser, a professor in the Department of Dermatology at St. Louis University, it was projected that about 8 million people in the United States have this condition. In her survey, that worked out to be about 2.8 percent of the population, based on a 150,000-household representative study. Of those individuals, females were afflicted as often as males – suffering from overly sweaty hands, feet, underarms and torso.

Dr. Glaser’s study statistics showed that 90 percent of those who had hyperhidrosis said they suffered social embarrassment because of their condition, and 95 percent said their problem interfered with daily activities. Three-quarters of sufferers reported a loss of confidence because of sweating with more than half of those people saying it made them depressed or unhappy.

Unfortunately, only 38 percent of those with excessive sweating had talked to a health care professional about the condition, according to Dr. Glaser’s study results, which appeared in the August 2004 Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

DOA – Socially Speaking

The negative social stigma for excessive sweat and bromhidrosis (foul body odor) is quite profound in our western, first-world culture. It has ramifications at the office, on the social scene, in the bedroom, and at the gym.

As a group fitness instructor, I KNOW sweat. I personally have a trigger-happy sweat response and have to be vigilant about managing it and odor. So, I do empathize with my odiferous acquaintance in the spinning room; however, he has to do his part. While I know he can’t really help the waterworks, he can do a few things to diminish the negative response from those around him at the gym…and help himself while he’s at it.

Just Say “N-O” to “B.O.”

Here are some tips I can offer from my years as a gym rat:

Shower frequently. New sweat has little if any odor. It’s when the bacteria on your body get busy that the B.O. kicks in. There is no excuse for negligent hygiene. Use a good antibacterial soap at least once a day. Use a washcloth and lather up under the arms, between your toes, and around the groin. Let the soap sit for at least two minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
See a doctor. Make sure you have had a thorough physical to rule out secondary causes of hyperhidrosis or excessive body stench. While some cases are thought to be inherited, others can be caused by hyperthyroidism, endocrine diseases, obesity, diabetes, central nervous system disorders, menopause (although not in Mr. Stinky’s case), liver disease and the use of antidepressants and other medications. Odor-causing fungal infections can accompany skin issues like psoriasis or eczema too, so see a physician.
For Pete’s sake, wash your gym clothes! It is NOT OK to hang your sweaty tank top on a hook in a gym locker so you can wear it again tomorrow. Take it home and wash it in the hottest water it can withstand. Better yet, buy white cotton shirts and use some bacteria-killing bleach each time you wash them. Although pricey, you can try buying exercise clothes featuring one of the new, high-tech antibacterial fabrics.
Keep a hand towel with you at all times. Two if necessary. Keep one draped around your neck to wipe your hands and face of excess sweat. Use the other one to wipe up your bike and any wetness you leave behind on weights or machines. Sweat is corrosive to metal equipment, plus it’s rude to leave your personal calling card on the weight bench. Some gyms supply paper towels and disinfectant spray, so use them!

Consider a bandana and absorbent wristbands. I know that sweat bands seem a little retro, but they will help you keep your grip on a barbell or the handlebars on your spinning bike. Take your bandana and tie it pirate style to decrease some dripping and bump up your fashion quota.
Park your sweat-prone self by a fan. It will help dry out the monsoon and cool you off at the same time. Ask gym management about keeping the gym and its studios properly air-conditioned and dehumidified.
Wear loose-fitting exercise clothes. Avoid tight synthetic materials, unless specifically designed to fight odor.
Eat a healthy diet. An eating plan with lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and water is essential. Limit onions, eggs, garlic and too much protein. Include zinc-rich foods in your diet to fight strong body odor. Try spinach, cucumbers, oysters, prunes, string beans, fortified cereals, parsley and collards.
Use a strong antiperspirant and a good deodorant. Apply your antiperspirant at least once a day as directed on the bottle to underarms, hands and feet. Keep an antiperspirant / deodorant in your gym bag and use it liberally. Products like Klima Antiperspirant, a powerful compound perfected by the Dermatology Institute in Europe, are shown to give relief. Not all products work for everyone, especially if you have allergies or other medical conditions. It may take some trial and error to get it right. Do some antiperspirant comparisons and find the best deodorant for you. Sometimes it takes a combination of products. Not all scents smell good on every person, so find a fragrance that works with your body chemistry.

Join a support group. Having over-active sweat glands can be personally disheartening, but don’t let your condition define you. You are SO much more than your pores! Please don’t give up. Find others who can relate to your dilemma. Share some stories, exchange some tips, arm yourself with information, and take some action.

For more information, visit the International Hyperhidrosis Society’s website at: http://www.sweathelp.org/English/ and check out the information and remedies at http://www.klimadeodorant.com.

Thank you,
Guy Kitchell
Klima Deodorant

Botox injections for Hyperhidrosis - Do they stop the sweat?

Have you heard the latest? People are injecting a chemical found in rotten chicken with salmonella poisoning into their armpits to stop hyperhidrosis!

Although this over-simplification may seem hard to believe, it’s not much different than taking penicillin, which is made from the extracts of moldy bread. Of course, both of these treatments are done by a physician using sterile and safe compounds.

What is Hyperhidrosis? Hyperhidrosis is the medical term used to describe excessive sweating or extreme sweating in an individual, in certain parts of the person’s body. This affliction affects 3%-5% of the population to a degree than makes normal life nearly unbearable, and may affect up to 50% of the population to a point that makes certain daily interactions not only difficult, but embarrassing.

How does Botox work?
Botox works in the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis (underarm sweating) by injecting the liquid under the skin in the armpit which blocks the body’s release of acetylcholine, which is a natural chemical produced in the body that stimulates sweat production. Sometimes patients will need more than one injection if the needle misses the targeted area.

Botox is used to treat multiple skin functions like perspiration, wrinkles or hair growth. It works by blocking the nerve endings in the sympathetic nervous system that controls how much sweat is produced. Only about 22 countries approve the use of Botox to combat severe sweating in the treatment of hyperhidrosis, due to the side effects which can be dangerous and unpleasant.

What are the side effects of Botox?
10% of patients experience flu-like symptoms, fever, inflammation of the throat and headache, pain and mild bruising. Some patients report respiratory trouble, although rare. Before using Botox, patients must undergo a Physician’s examination and evaluation to determine if it will be safe. Breastfeeding or pregnant women should not use Botox. You may be able to get insurance reimbursement for Botox injections.

Perhaps the worst side effect from Botox injections to treat hyperhidrosis is compensatory sweating. This is where the body will stop producing sweat in a certain area (like the underarms), but it will then transfer the output of sweat to another spot on the body. Often the thighs or back will begin to sweat uncontrollably.

The upside to Botox injections is that the patient may realize relief for up to 6-9 months before needing another injection.

Is Botox a cure for sweating?
The short answer is no. Because of the need for repeated injections for the rest of your life, Botox is a treatment (not a cure), just like deodorants and antiperspirants.

Does Botox cure sweating on other parts of the body?
Palmar hyperhidrosis (sweating of the hands) and plantar hyperhidrosis (sweating of the feet) are not approved for the use of Botox to stop sweating.

What’s the alternative to Botox?
Over the counter deodorants and antiperspirants may not do enough to stop your sweating – especially if you have severe or extreme sweating. Patients should try a prescription strength antiperspirant like Klima Deodorant which is made to an exacting standard in Europe. These “super deodorants” are much more powerful than the mass produced ones made in the USA. It may take about a week of use for these products the become 100% effective.

Natural remedies are always another option, but these rarely work well for people who sweat a lot.

Another alternative is Surgery (lumbar sympathectomy), which of course, can be risky.

The game plan:
For those who suffer from sever odor and wetness, they should start with a natural remedy or a regular over-the-counter deodorant or deodorant/antiperspirant first. If these don’t work, they should try a stronger prescription strength antiperspirant like Klima Antiperspirant. If this doesn't work, they should talk to their doctor about botox. If botox doesn't work, they should talk to their doctor about iontophoresis (electrical pulse therapy). And finally, if iontophoresis doesn't work, they may want to discuss surgery.

Are there different types of Hyperhidrosis?

There are two distinct categories of hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary. Primary hyperhidrosis in commonly believed to be a medical condition linked to a specific set of genetic traits that are passed from one or both parents to the offspring. The onset of primary hyperhidrosis in adolescence may last well into adulthood or it might subside through the normal stages of puberty.

Secondary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating linked to an underlying primary medical condition such as thyroid disease, pituitary disorders, diabetes, and so on. The excessive sweating is a secondary side effect of the primary medical condition, hence the designation. Secondary hyperhidrosis can also be associated with drug-related reactions or allergies in addition to environmental factors such as infections and mercury poisoning.

In addition to the primary and secondary categories of hyperhidrosis, there are several sub-classifications that are used to describe the physical location where the excessive sweating occurs on the body, or focal areas. The most common sub-classifications are:

Axillary Hyperhidrosis (armpits)
Facial Hyperhidrosis (face).
Palmar Hyperhidrosis (hands)
Plantar Hyperhidrosis (feet)

Three less common sub-classifications of hyperhidrosis are also in general use to describe their particular traits:

Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis: generally associated with emotional stress, and is usually localized in the palms or soles.

Gustatory Hyperhidrosis: an overreaction from eating hot or spicy foods or foods and beverages high in caffeine content.

Generalized Hyperhidrosis: triggered by conditions that would normally make you sweat except that you sweat profusely, i.e. during exertion or in hot, humid weather.

Of the four common sub-classifications of hyperhidrosis, two of them carry with them the additional symptom of body odor: Axillary and Plantar hyperhidrosis. Body odor occurs on protected areas of moist skin where naturally occurring odor-causing bacteria can flourish. The armpits are a natural haven for the bacteria, and feet, wrapped in damp socks shielded from air circulation by shoes, are the next best thing.

Thank you,
Guy Kitchell
President
Klima Deodorant
http://www.klimadeodorant.com/