Hyperhidrosis

Do you excessively sweat even when you're not hot or nervous? You may have a condition called Hyperhidrosis.

Hyperhidrosis is defined as abnormally excessive sweating that is not related to heat or exercise. The affected areas typically include the hands, feet, underarms, face and can occur on both sides of the body. 

The most common form of hyperhidrosis is called Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis. With this form, the nerves that signal your sweat glands become overactvie, even though they have been triggered by a rise in temperature or physical activity. There is no medical cause for this form of hyperidrosis, but it is believed to be hereditary. 

The second form of hyperhidrosis or Secondary Hyperhidrosis occurs due to a medical condition. This type is less common and is more likely to cause sweating all over the body. Some of the conditions that may lead to this secondary condition include:

• Infections
• Heart Attacks
• Diabetes
• Low Blood Sugar
• Thyroid Problems
• Menopause
• Nervous System disorders
• Some types of cancer

You should see your provider when:

• Sweating disrupts your daily routine
• You experiance night sweats
• You suddenly begin to sweat more than usual
• Sweating causes emotinal distress

Treatment for hyperhidrosis is dependent on whether it is caused by other medical conditions. Therefore the provider may order lab tests to determine whether it is being caused by a pre-exsisiting medical condtion. If an underlying medical condtion is the cause, then the condion will be treated first and if excessive sweating persists then treatment will focus on treating the hyperhidrosis. Should you have the primary form of this condition, prescription antiperspirants such as Drysol and Xerac and prescription creams can be applied. If topical medication does not work, then oral nerve blocking mediation can be prescribed as well which will block the chemicals that allow the nerves to communicate with eachother. Another form of treatment would be Toxin injections such as Botox or Xeomin. The toxin would be injected into the sweaty area and it will cause temporary sweat gland blocks to stop the sweating.

If you've been struggling with this condition and you are ready for a change, contact us at Contour Dermatology and Cosmetics to discuss your options with Dr. Mayha Patel!

(805) 491-5992

Author

Dr. Mayha Patel Dr. Patel diagnoses conditions affecting the hair, skin, and nails, which often have a large impact on your self-image and confidence. Using exams, blood tests, biopsies, and other approaches, Dr. Patel frequently diagnoses eczema, psoriasis, alopecia, acne, and various types of skin cancer creating an individualized treatment plan with each patient’s needs in mind. In addition, as a board-certified dermatologist Dr. Patel has extensive cosmetic dermatology experience and knowledge in numerous state of the art interventional procedures in cosmetic dermatology such as botox®, fillers, microneedling, kybella, and thread lifts. Dr. Patel also specializes in facial contouring, concierge cosmetics, and laser based procedures. Dr. Patel frequently uses her dual wavelength laser system for treatment, as well as UV light therapies, prescription medications, and topical products with proven results.