If you suffer from excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, the mere thought of summer may make you perspire. Although sweating is the body’s normal mechanism of regulating temperature, it should not interfere with your daily life.
We’re the dermatologists at Park Avenue Dermatology, and we want you to know you’re not alone. We help many patients effectively manage this condition, so contact us for more information.
Do You Suffer from Excessive Sweating?
Here are some clues that you have hyperhidrosis:
- Your shirt is frequently soaked with sweat.
- You avoid wearing certain tops because you know they will reveal your excessive sweating.
- When you wake up, your sheets are frequently soaked from sweat.
- You bathe or shower more because of your sweating.
- You feel ashamed or embarrassed by the amount you sweat.
- You sweat even when the weather is cool.
Did You Know There Are Different Types of Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is categorized as:
- Primary focal hyperhidrosis
This form of excessive sweating often starts at adolescence. The underarms, face, head, hands, and feet are commonly affected.
- Generalized idiopathic hyperhidrosis
This is a medical condition involving large areas of the body. Oral medications may be prescribed to control this form of sweating.
- Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis
This type of excessive sweating also involves large areas of the body. It frequently occurs during sleep. Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis is most often caused by another medical condition, like menopause or an overactive thyroid. There are a number of treatments available.
How is Excessive Sweating Treated?
Initially, you may want to try one of the over-the-counter antiperspirants containing aluminum salts. Antiperspirants specifically for excessive sweating often recommend application of the product at night before you sleep. The active ingredient in these products is aluminum chloride hexahydrate. If you follow the antiperspirant directions and you are still frustrated by excessive sweating, it is time for a consultation with a dermatologist.
The type of treatment your dermatologist prescribes will be based on the underlying cause of the excessive sweating. Botox injections are frequently used to curb the sweating. The dermatologist will inject diluted concentration of the Botox into your underarms, palms of your hands, or soles of the feet. This treatment lasts between four and eight months, and then the injections will need to be repeated.
Other treatments for hyperhidrosis include oral medication, laser treatments, Iontophoresis, and as a last resort, surgery. WebMD explores all aspects of hyperhidrosis, including diagnosis and treatment.
Excessive Sweating Doesn’t Have to Ruin Your Summer
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition. Although it may rarely cause serious physical problems, excessive sweating can be very inconvenient and stressful.
If left untreated, hyperhidrosis does not usually go away on its own. There are treatment options, so if you are suffering from excessive sweating, don’t let it ruin your plans. Schedule an appointment with Park Avenue Dermatology today.
