Laser Hair Removal for Hyperhidrosis
When you’re working out at the gym, it happens all the time.
When you’re going on that post-work run, it’s inevitable, especially in the spring, summer, and fall.
When you’re playing pickup basketball, you might need to bring another shirt because it happens almost instantaneously.
And it doesn’t happen only during physical activities. If you’re stressed. If you’re anxious. Heck, if you have a big project or even a doctor’s appointment, it might happen.
If you haven’t figured it out yet, we’re talking about sweat.
Everybody sweats. It’s completely normal, and it shouldn’t be a cause of shame. It’s part of everyday life for any person.
But did you know for some, a workout or stressful event isn’t the catalyst for sweat? Some sweat due to a condition known as hyperhidrosis.
Many solutions address hyperhidrosis, including medication, but another method some may not have considered is laser hair removal.
Today, we’re happy to tell you how laser hair removal can be a proper choice to help with hyperhidrosis. Read on to find out how.
What is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a common condition in which excessive sweating takes place, usually unrelated to heat or exercise.
In most cases, it’s not just a little sweat on a part of the body; it’s sweat that will soak through clothes or drip from your hands.
The most common areas for hyperhidrosis include the underarms, hands, feet, face and chest, neck, and groin.
There is no threat or risk to one’s health with hyperhidrosis.
What can cause hyperhidrosis?
No direct cause is known for hyperhidrosis. However, if there is an abnormality to account for, it would be the part of the nervous system that controls sweating. This is known as primary hyperhidrosis.
A condition known as secondary hyperhidrosis occurs when there is an identifiable cause for the excess sweating.
The cause for secondary hyperhidrosis can be from:
*pregnancy or menopause
*anxiety
*various medications
*low blood sugar
*overactive thyroid gland
*infections
…common areas for hyperhidrosis include the underarms, hands, feet, face and chest, neck, and groin.
How can laser hair removal help address hyperhidrosis?
Near the hair follicles are the eccrine glands, which are responsible for sweat production.
According to the Journal of the Academy of Dermatology, decreased perspiration following multiple treatments for underarm laser hair removal has been reported.
One study was conducted with five subjects over 40 weeks. The subjects would get laser hair removal treatments every four weeks in addition to a monthly follow-up visit. At the study’s conclusion, a 100% reduction of sweating in the treated area was determined.
How does it work? The laser targets the follicle and compromises its growth cycle. Repeated treatments will result in smooth, hair-free skin. For most laser hair removal clients, that’s the desired result.
But in the case of those who have hyperhidrosis, in addition to hair-free skin, they’ll enjoy the relief that comes with a significant reduction in excess sweating.
I would have never guessed laser hair removal could help with hyperhidrosis.
It’s a pleasant surprise, for sure. But it’s yet another example of the benefits of laser hair removal.
As always, talk with your doctor about the best course of action to address hyperhidrosis. It may be the one element missing for keeping your skin dry and hair-free.