Hyperhidrosis – Excessive Sweating

What is hyperhidrosis?

Sweating is an essential body function – it helps us stay cool – so it’s perfectly natural for someone to sweat in warm weather or in response to emotions like fear, anger, or embarrassment. But when sweating occurs without a trigger, it can be problematic. Excessive sweating without any underlying cause is called hyperhidrosis. It occurs due to overactive sweat glands. People with hyperhidrosis suffer from significant physical and psychological discomfort due to uncontrolled sweating. The signs and symptoms of hyperhidrosis usually begin during childhood or adolescence and persist throughout life. Hyperhidrosis affects both men and women.

Hyperhidrosis can be focal, i.e., it may affect the hands, feet, armpits, or groin, or it can be generalized and occur all over the body. In the majority of people with hyperhidrosis, the exact cause cannot be identified. However, there seems to be a hereditary component to it because it runs in families. Some medical conditions such as cancer, heart disease, anxiety, overactive thyroid, menopause, substance abuse, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease can lead to secondary hyperhidrosis.

How common is hyperhidrosis?

It is estimated that nearly 5% of the US population suffers from hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating. This means approximately 15 million Americans are living with this condition. Unfortunately, only about half of the people with hyperhidrosis seek help from a healthcare professional because they don’t realize they have a treatable medical condition. That’s a shame because there are several effective treatments for excessive sweating.

How do I know if I have hyperhidrosis?

If you are bothered by excessive sweating, it’s a good idea to see a medical provider that specializes in treating hyperhidrosis. You should be particularly vigilant for sweating that occurs in cooler weather or in the absence of any triggers. In other words, any prolonged, excessive, or unexplained sweating should be evaluated, especially if it is accompanied by symptoms like weight loss, chest pain, fever, rapid heartbeat, or shortness of breath.

Before your appointment, ask your relatives to find out whether anyone else in your family has similar problems with excessive sweating. Also, make a note of when and where the sweating occurs, what improves and worsens your symptoms, and what medications and supplements you take.

A trained medical provider can diagnose hyperhidrosis based on a detailed medical history and physical exam. In some patients, tests may be required to confirm the diagnosis. These include simple tests like the sweat test (the skin is coated with a powder that changes color when you sweat) or the iodine-starch test to detect perspiration. There are also more advanced tests like the thermoregulatory sweat test and skin conductance test. Your doctor may order other investigations to identify potential causes of secondary hyperhidrosis, for example, low blood sugar or overactive thyroid.

Can I control my hyperhidrosis?

If you’re bothered by excessive sweating and, consequently, by body odor, you can take several steps to cope with the problem.

• Over-the-counter antiperspirants temporarily block the sweat glands and reduce sweating. They can be effective for people with less severe hyperhidrosis.
• Astringents like Zilactin medicated gel may reduce sweating in focal areas.
• Over-the-counter powders can absorb sweat on the feet.
• Daily bathing keeps skin bacteria in check. Remember to dry thoroughly after your bath, especially under the arms and between the toes.
• Wear shoes and socks made of breathable natural materials. Athletic socks that wick moisture are a good choice for people with hyperhidrosis. Change into a fresh pair of socks often. Keep your feet dry to prevent infections. Go barefoot whenever possible to air out your feet.
• Choose natural, breathable fabrics for your clothes, such as cotton. Wear appropriate exercise gear, preferably materials that are moisture-wicking.
• Control stress with relaxation techniques like yoga, tai-chi, biofeedback, and meditation.

Is hyperhidrosis treatable?

Primary hyperhidrosis (for which there is no known cause) is not curable but is treatable. Your medical provider can help develop an effective treatment plan to keep you comfortable and reduce embarrassment in social situations. Below are options for treating hyperhidrosis plus our recommendation and solution for helping patients with excessive sweating (click here for more information on hyperhidrosis treatment options):

Prescription Antiperspirants

Prescription antiperspirants like Xerac Ac and Drysol contain aluminum chloride that plugs the sweat glands. This is a convenient and affordable hyperhidrosis treatment. However, it can lead to skin and eye irritation.

Prescription Medications

Some prescription creams that contain glycopyrrolate and can help control excessive sweating of the face and head. Your medical provider may also prescribe medications by mouth for hyperhidrosis. The major disadvantage of prescription medications is that they can cause unwanted side effects.

Botox Injections

Botox injections are a hyperhidrosis treatment that works by temporarily blocking sweating in the affected area. The effects of Botox last for 4-6 months, after which the treatment needs to be repeated.

Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis is a home treatment for hyperhidrosis of the hands and feet. It works by shutting down the sweat glands temporarily by exposing them to low-voltage currents. The treatment requires the user to dip the hands or feet in water in the iontophoresis device for 20-40 minutes. If it works, the effects are noticeable after about 5-10 treatments. Repeat treatments are necessary to maintain benefits. Some people cannot tolerate iontophoresis for hyperhidrosis because of irritation and dryness of the skin or discomfort during the treatment.

Surgery

Severe hyperhidrosis that has not got better with conservative treatments may need to be treated with surgery to remove the sweat glands. The ETS procedure (endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy) involves destroying the nerves that carry sweat signals. This is major surgery with associated risks. Also, some people can end up with more sweating after surgery due to a compensatory response.

miraDry – Thermal sweat gland destruction

People with hyperhidrosis of the underarms can benefit from a treatment called miraDry. This FDA-approved hand-held device uses thermal (heat) energy to destroy sweat glands in the underarms. It is a permanent solution to excessive underarm sweating and can be accomplished with one or two treatments.  Here at Kurtzman Plastic Surgery, we have invested in the miraDry platform.  We feel confident that this FDA approved device can help you eliminate excessive sweating under your arms permanently, as we have treated many patients with this new technology.

Hyperhidrosis or Excessive Sweating is a Treatable Condition

Have you stopped participating in recreational activities because the sweat stains are just too embarrassing? Does excessive sweating make you anxious and prevent you from living the life you want? You don’t have to suffer in silence. There are several effective treatment options for hyperhidrosis, including permanent solutions like miraDry. Call us today to learn how we can help treat your hyperhidrosis.