Don't Sweat It!! Treat Your Hyperhidrosis!

Do you have excessive sweating from your hands, feet, head, and/or underarms? You know, the kind that soaks through your clothes or drips from your face. You may have a condition called hyperhidrosis.

What is Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is abnormal sweating, even when you’re not overheated by the environment or exercise. It’s caused by overactive sweat glands and according to the American Academy of Dermatology, it affects approximately 3% of the population around the globe

Those with this condition may feel embarrassed by their sweating hands and/or soaked clothing, leading to social withdrawal. According to an International Hyperhidrosis Society survey, 90% of hyperhidrosis sufferers reported they had received negative or cruel comments about their sweating.

It isn’t constant, but hyperhidrosis causes EXCESSIVE SWEATING instead of the amount the average person would perspire when triggered by environmental or psychological stimuli. 

Types of Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is diagnosed as one of two types: primary or secondary.

Primary hyperhidrosis, the most common form, is caused by the sweat glands being overstimulated by the nerves that control them.  

Common triggers include:

• Hot weather or high humidity
• Public speaking
• Job interviews
• Meeting new people
• … or nothing at all!

Secondary hyperhidrosis results from another medical condition or as a side effect from taking (or stopping) a medication.

For example:

• Diabetes
• Thyroid problems
• Nervous system disorders
• Infections
• Menopause
• Opioid withdrawal

How is Hyperhidrosis Diagnosed?

Your dermatologist will perform a physical examination of the areas of the body that are sweating. He may also run labs to determine if your hyperhidrosis is being caused by an underlying medical condition such as hyperthyroidism or hypoglycemia.

Your provider may also conduct a “Sweat Test” to determine the severity of your hyperhidrosis. Examples include skin conductance, thermoregulatory, and iodine-starch tests.

How is Hyperhidrosis Treated by a Dermatologist?

There are a variety of treatments for hyperhidrosis which include:

• Prescription antiperspirants
• Prescription creams
• Nerve-blocking oral medications
• Antidepressants
• Botox

How can I Manage my Hyperhidrosis at Home?

You can alleviate many of the negative effects of your excessive sweating by following these simple tips in your daily routine:

• Use antiperspirant
• Take showers/baths regularly to keep skin bacteria in check, drying thoroughly afterward
• Wear natural materials that breathe
• Change clothes often
• Go barefoot or wear open-toed shoes when possible

Don’t Sweat it! Treat it!!

Start treating your excessive sweating now! Book an appointment with Integrated Dermatology of Tidewater online at idtidewater.com or by calling the office at (757) 461-1033 Opt 1.

Author

Integrated Dermatology of Tidewater Integrated Dermatology of Tidewater, located in Norfolk, Virginia, provides comprehensive personalized dermatologic care to patients of all skin types, conditions, and ages. Medical director Jonathan Schreiber, MD, PhD and the entire professional medical team at Integrated Dermatology of Tidewater approach dermatologic exams from the medical root of an issue, and similarly, cosmetic issues from the science of a treatment, using science-based support and results with the treatment services offered to patients.