Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)
What is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is the term for abnormal amounts of sweating. Too much sweating means you sweat excessively such that it interferes with your day-to-day functioning and confidence. This condition commonly affects the armpits, palms, and soles, and can have a severe impact on quality of life. Many times, sweating occurs uncontrollably and unpredictably, regardless of body temperature, even in cool weather or with lack of physical activity. It can be embarrassing and limit the activities you feel comfortable doing in your daily life.
What causes hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is caused by overactive sweat glands. It’s thought that these overactive sweat glands are stuck in an “on” position, similar to a light switch. They continue to produce sweat even when it’s not necessary due to faulty nerve signals. There are several causes of hyperhidrosis including but not limited to:
Heredity
Menopause
Diabetes
Side effects from various medications
All races and all ages can experience excessive sweating.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF HYPERHIDROSIS?
There are two types of hyperhidrosis – primary hyperhidrosis and secondary hyperhidrosis. Primary hyperhidrosis is where excessive sweating isn’t associated with any other side effect, preexisting condition, or health concern. Secondary hyperhidrosis is where excessive sweating occurs because of other health factors, such as medications, medical conditions, and more. There is also focal hyperhidrosis, which limits excessive sweating to one area of the body, such as the palms or underarms.
TREATMENTS FOR HYPERHIDROSIS
There are several options for hyperhidrosis treatment, so discussing your unique symptoms and experiences will help our providers create a personalized treatment plan for your excessive sweating. With treatment, you can enhance your self esteem and see results in as soon as a few weeks.
PRESCRIPTION ANTIPERSPIRANTS
Prescription-strength antiperspirants can sometimes treat hyperhidrosis and are often a first-line treatment for excessive sweating. They can effectively reduce sweating throughout the day, although they may not completely control your symptoms. These medications can also come with side effects like rash or irritation that make them undesirable for some patients.
BOTOX INJECTIONS
Botox injections can help weaken nerve and sweat gland activity in the treatment area, resulting in less sweat and odor. It involves a simple injection process using local anesthesia. Botox can reduce underarm sweating (axillary hyperhidrosis) and sweaty palms for months at a time and is often effectively paired with prescription antiperspirants.
MIRADRY
We also offer miraDry which is a non-surgical procedure that uses thermal microwave energy to target and eliminate the odorous sweat glands in your underarms permanently. It’s one of the most complete and long-lasting treatment options. It can even weaken hair growth in the treated area. It’s performed with a local anesthetic and most patients describe only a slight burning sensation. Typically, only a single treatment is needed, but some patients benefit from a second treatment. The treatment takes about one hour.
HYPERHIDROSIS TREATMENT IN SCOTTSDALE, AZ
At Clear Dermatology & Aesthetics Center, we offer solutions for excessive underarm sweating in Scottsdale. Please contact our office to schedule a visit with one of our medical aesthetics specialists and board-certified dermatologists to discuss a treatment plan.
