Hyperhidrosis & Excess Sweating
Do you suffer from excessive sweating that doesn’t improve no matter what the situation or how much antiperspirant you apply? Then you may be suffering from the medical condition hyperhidrosis. Excessive sweating can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable condition that can lead to feelings of discomfort and helplessness. If you are experiencing excessive sweating in your daily life and you’re wondering what your best treatment options might be, our practitioners at Houston Skin are here to help. With our extensive training and expertise in minimally invasive procedures, we are committed to creating a workable, individualized treatment plan that can give you the comfort you deserve.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is this amount of perspiration normal?” read below for more information on this complex condition and the effective medical dermatology treatment options we offer at Houston Skin Skin.
What Causes Hyperhidrosis?
Sweating is a normal bodily function that is triggered by your nervous system in order to lower your body temperature. Perspiring can also happen with psychological stress, for example, your palms may sweat when you’re nervous. However, if you find yourself sweating outside of typical daily situations, like after a vigorous workout or when the temperature is high, there is a good possibility that you may be experiencing hyperhidrosis. Also called primary focal (essential) hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating is a harmless, yet messy and uncomfortable condition that usually presents as heavy perspiration in one localized area or multiple areas of the body.
The main cause of hyperhidrosis remains unknown, while studies have found that certain genetics do play a role in developing excessive sweating and that, in some cases, it seems to be an inherited condition. Children with a parent who has hyperhidrosis are at a higher risk for the condition.
In addition to primary hyperhidrosis, some people suffer from excessive sweating or secondary hyperhidrosis as a result of a medical condition. While less common, secondary hyperhidrosis is just as inconvenient because it is more likely to cause sweating all over the body. Some of the causes for secondary heavy sweating include:
- Diabetes
- Menopause
- Thyroid problems
- Low blood sugar
- Certain cancers
- Heart attack
- Nervous system disorders
- Infections
Answering Your Excessive Sweating Problem
Most people who sweat excessively may not realize they are actually suffering from a medical condition that can be improved with targeted treatment options. It’s important to have an evaluation with one of our experts at Houston Skin Skin if you experience any of the following:
- Heavy and symmetrical sweating (same amount on both sides of body)
- Uncontrolled sweating that interferes with daily activities
- Experiencing heavy sweating before age 25
- Family history of hyperhidrosis (primarily parents or siblings)
COMPASSIONATE CARE FOR HYPERHIDROSIS
The first step towards finding relief from your excessive sweating is simply undergoing a diagnostic exam with one of our practitioners at Houston Skin. We will help determine the underlying cause behind your condition and create a comprehensive treatment plan to give you long-term relief for your profuse sweating.
During a hyperhidrosis diagnosis exam, a full evaluation will be completed including a detailed analysis of the following:
- The location of your profuse sweating (scalp, hands, feet, armpits, face, or all over)
- When does your sweating occur?
- Is your sweating triggered by specific events or activities?
BOTOX INJECTIONS FOR HYPERHIDROSIS
One of the best, minimally invasive treatments available to manage hyperhidrosis is Botox injections. Botox is a neuromodulator that has the ability to provide considerable relief from overactive sweat glands.
While famous for reducing wrinkles, Botox can be used to block the signals that stimulate muscle movement or gland activity. When used to treat profuse perspiring, Botox is injected into the sweat glands, which greatly reduces sweat production for about 4-6 months.
Botox treatments can provide temporary relief and the option to easily treat multiple areas of the body, including the face, palms, and armpits. Even better, Botox treatments can easily be touched up to help patients maintain their results. Also, at Houston Skin Skin, our practitioners are experts in injection techniques and use very fine needles to ensure the most comfortable treatment possible.
CLINICAL-STRENGTH ANTIPERSPIRANTS
In some cases, clinical-strength antiperspirants consisting of aluminum chloride or aluminum chloride hexahydrate may be all that is necessary to help reduce excessive sweating. Antiperspirants simply block the sweat glands, which sends a signal to the body to no longer produce as much sweat. Topical medications, such as antiperspirants, can be safely washed away every six to eight hours to avoid skin irritation.
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS
Oral medications, such as anticholinergics, may be prescribed to reduce sweating in the whole body. These medications block the nerve signals that trigger excessive sweating, however, patients may experience dry mouth and dry eyes.