AT Home with Dr Chris Steele - September 2011 - (Page 145)

| AND FINALLY| NO SWEAT Q IS HYPERHIDROSIS EXCESSIVE SWEATING RUINING YOUR LIFE? IF SO, THERE ARE SIMPLE WAYS TO EASE AND SOLVE THE PROBLEM { { Don’t suffer in silence with hyperhidrosis – talk to your GP says Dr Chris Steele. All , the cures mentioned here are worth a try (another aluminium antiperspirant is Anhydrol Forte) plus there’s a surgical option: a sympathectomy to sever the sympathetic nerves linked to the sweat glands Help! I sweat uncontrollably a lot of the time, even when doing the most unenergetic of everyday activities and it's damaging my self-esteem. What can I do about it? Gemma Foster, 32, Cardi SYMPATHETIC RESPONSE For the six-packed hulk at your local gym, the sweat pouring from his brow – and every other part of him – is a sign of pride. ‘Look how hard I’ve worked!’ it shouts. But sweating profusely while you’re sitting at your desk, going to buy a pint of milk, or relaxing in front of the TV points to an underlying problem where your personal cooling system is going into overdrive. There are two main types of excessive sweating (also called hyperhidrosis): focal and generalised. The focal sort a ects only certain parts of the body, such as the palms of the hands (palmar hyperhidrosis), the soles of the feet (plantar hyperhidrosis), the armpits (axillary), the face, head, groin and back. While not serious, medically speaking, it can seriously a ect self-con dence. Those with hyperhidrosis of the feet can rot their shoes in a few weeks, while people who sweat constantly from the armpits may have to change their clothes during the day. The good news is that there is a variety of e ective treatments now available. NOW YOU’RE HOME AND DRY The correct treatment can help you get some relief from this embarrassing problem AT LEAST 3% OF THE GLOBAL POPULATION SUFFER FROM EXCESSIVE SWEATING HOT STUFF IONTOPHORESIS WORDS: Terri Doyle | PHOTOGRAPH: Getty Images Usually a professional therapy – although pricey machines for home use are available – it uses electrical stimulation to block the sweat glands and is very effective for hyperhidrosis of the palms, soles of the feet and armpits. A low electrical current is passed through a container of water, creating a sensation of pins and needles in the body part being treated. You’ll require three sessions a week, each of 20-40 minutes, although that number could reduce to just one a fortnight. ALUMINIUM ANTIPERSPIRANTS DRUGS These plug the pores, thus partially blocking the sweat glands. They tend to work best on the armpits, although there are special creams and powders designed especially for troublesome hands and feet. If you’re looking for a non-invasive remedy and wish to buy one of these specialist antiperspirants, try ODABAN’s 30ml antiperspirant spray £8.49, www.odaban.com Ditropan, glycopyrronium bromide and propantheline are available on prescription, although they’re not often recommended, as they can have many side effects including blurred vision. BOTOX This procedure consists of small injections just under the skin of the affected areas. Effective for armpit sweating, Botox blocks the nerves that control the sweat glands. Treatment is needed every six to 12 months. www.athomemagazine.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2012 | 145 http://www.odaban.com http://www.athomemagazine.co.uk

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AT Home with Dr Chris Steele - September 2011

EDITOR’S LETTER
A DOCTOR’S WELCOME
NEWS UPFRONT
SAVE THE DATE
A SENSITIVE TOUCH
UNDER THE HOOD
CELEBRITY HEALTH SECRETS
THE BIG INTERVIEW
TV HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT A MARVEL
OUCH, THAT HURTS
A HAPPY HEART
WAVE GOODBYE TO SMOKING
EYE SEE!
AN EARFUL
THE LOWDOWN ON DIABETES
HARD TO STOMACH?
GUT REACTION
ARTHRITIC AND UNDER 30?
SHRINK ME
FIGHTING FIT
BREAST CANCER
BOOST YOUR BONE DENSITY
TRYING TO CONCEIVE?
VEIN HOPE
ON THE BALL
CAN HE BREAK HIS PENIS?
TIME FOR A TOP UP
ULTRA SWIFT SUPPERS
SO, YOU THINK YOU’RE EATING RIGHT?
GLUTEN-FREE FOODS ON TEST
AGE-PROOF YOUR FACE
PEARLY WHITES
COSMETIC SURGERY
COMING SOON
TOP HEALTH TIPS
WORK WELLNESS
DON’T SWEAT IT
PLANNING AHEAD
STAYING MOBILE
LAST WORD

AT Home with Dr Chris Steele - September 2011