The majority of people sweat while they exercise or when the weather is hot. However, some sweat far more than this. Called Hyperhidrosis – excessive sweating – may be a debilitating condition that significantly impairs one’s quality of life. It can impact relationships and even prevent sufferers from doing daily chores. Others are so humiliated by their excessive perspiration that they are unable to leave the house.
Sweating is a natural physiological mechanism that aids the body in temperature regulation. When we become overheated or engage in physical activity, perspiration evaporates from our skin and acts as a cooling agent. Additionally, some people will sweat when they are concerned or in a stressful circumstance. However, for approximately 3% of persons who have hyperhidrosis, sweating can be nearly continuous.
Hyperhidrosis Is a Medical Issue
Excessive sweating is categorized as Primary Focal or Secondary Generalized. Primary focal hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating which is NOT the result of another medical condition or a side effect of a medication. Primary focal hyperhidrosis is a medical issue in and of itself.
The hands, feet, underarms, face, and head are the most often afflicted parts of the body by hyperhidrosis. However, other locations can be impacted as well. Certain individuals with hyperhidrosis sweat profusely on more than one area of the body.
Individuals with hyperhidrosis frequently sweat in settings where others do not, such as when the temperature is chilly. Unlike primary hyperhidrosis, people with secondary hyperhidrosis experience sweating on larger generalized areas of the body.
Although the exact cause of hyperhidrosis is unknown, it is believed that the nerves that generally trigger us to sweat become overactive. Hyperhidrosis most frequently begins during infancy or adolescence but can begin at any point in life. There is very certainly a hereditary component, as excessive sweating of the hands is frequently inherited.
Excessive Sweating Treatment
Many people who suffer from hyperhidrosis do not seek medical attention because they are unaware it is a medical issue. At Buckeye Dermatology, we offer a number of excessive sweating treatments.
Some treatments for hyperhidrosis include:
- Antiperspirants: Extra-strength antiperspirants to reduce sweating.
- Oral medications: Certain medications limit the function of sweat glands reducing sweating.
- Botox Injections: Botox blocks the nerves that trigger excessive sweating in the underarms. Treatment typically lasts between four and six months, results vary.
- Thermal Treatment: Our dermatologist applies thermal energy to your sweat glands with a handheld device to remove sweat glands in one session.
- Surgery: If any of these treatments aren’t effective, we may recommend surgery. We may either remove sweat glands or cut the nerve that triggers excessive sweating through a surgical procedure.
Contact Buckeye Dermatology
If you think you may have hyperhidrosis, make an appointment with Buckeye Dermatology. Before prescribing a specific course of therapy for you, we will evaluate the areas of concern and make a diagnosis.
Our treatment recommendations will vary according to the area and degree of the sweating. We will offer choices for managing (or eliminating) excessive sweating.
Everyone’s experience with excessive sweating is different. We will explore all your treatment options or combinations of options, adjust techniques, and work with you to find the best solution for your hyperhidrosis.
