Medical Treatments

Why treat primary hyperhidrosis?

Primary hyperhidrosis may affect a person's quality of life, interfering with work and social activities. It may cause embarrassment and lead to social isolation. It is psychologically debilitating, can cause discomfort and skin irritation, which can lead to bacterial and fungal infections.

How is primary hyperhidrosis treated?

With Botulinum toxin type A (Botox). A dilute concentration of this neurotoxin is injected intradermally by the physician into the axillae to decrease sweating. Areas to be treated may include the scalp, palms, soles of feet, under arms, face and groin. Effects last from 4-12 months. Patients are generally very pleased with the results. The treatments are very safe, effective and consistent, with only minimal discomfort.

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition affecting the bottom of the foot. It is a common cause of heel pain and is sometimes called a heel spur.

What does plantar fasciitis feel like?

The symptoms include pain along the inside edge of the heel near the arch of the foot. The pain is worse when weight is placed on the foot. This is usually most pronounced in the morning when the foot is first placed on the floor. Prolonged standing can also increase the painful symptoms. It may feel better after activity although most patients report increased pain by the end of the day. Pressing on this part of the heel causes tenderness.

Treatment

Botulinum toxin A, otherwise known as Botox has been used to treat plantar fasciitis. The Botox is injected into the area where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel. Botox has direct analgesic (pain relieving) and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies performed thus far have not demonstrated any side effects to this treatment.

Migraine headaches can successfully be treated with the use of Botox®. In the largest study on the subject thus far, 80% of headache sufferers reported that their migraines were less frequent, less severe, or both. Most of these patients had tried numerous other headache therapies prior to using Botox®.

In the treatment of migraines, Botox® is injected into the muscles of the forehead, the temples, as well as the muscles at the back of the neck and base of the skull.

Typically, the effects of a treatment last four to six months, although; many patients experience longer periods of symptom relief after two or three successive treatments.

Most third-party medical plans cover or partially cover the cost of this treatment.

Plantar warts are caused by a virus which damages the outer layer of the skin. Conventional treatments consist of application of Podophyllin preparations or treatment with liquid nitrogen. Both of these treatments require frequent follow-up visits with your doctor, often with only moderate success.

The treatment of plantar warts using an Nd-Yag laser has been found to be more effective, allowing fewer treatments and quicker resolution.

Treatments are usually scheduled two to three weeks apart and, depending on severity, resolution may occur in as few as two treatments.

Despite numerous available medical treatments, many people continue to struggle with acne. At South Central Laser, we offer Levulan® and Blue light treatments which provide patients with a safe alternative to conventional, systemic treatments.

Treatment consists of application of the Levulan® solution to the affected area. Following an incubation period, the levulanic acid solution is activated using a Blue light source. This results in the eradication of acne-causing bacteria as well as free radicals in the skin.

Treatments are repeated at three-weekly intervals. Two thirds of patients experience an 80% improvement after three to four treatments.