Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating. Many people suffer from excessive sweating. These individuals can sweat even when the temperature is cool and they are at rest. Although sweating normally occurs in response to heat, physical exertion, and tense emotional situations, excessive sweating occurs without these triggers. The uncontrollable sweating can lead to significant physical and emotional discomfort.

In some cases a medical disorder, such as an overactive thyroid, certain types of infections, and some hormonal conditions, can cause excessive sweating. For this reason, the first step in the treatment of excessive sweating should be a visit to your doctor for a complete medical evaluation to rule out a medical condition that may be causing profuse sweating. However, in most cases, no particular cause of excessive sweating is found.

The treatment of excessive armpit sweating includes antiperspirants, medications such as anticholinergic drugs, surgery, and Botox. Generally, the first treatment tried for excessive armpit sweating is an antiperspirant. 

When antiperspirants are not effective in controlling excessive armpit sweating, medications such as anticholinergic drugs can be tried. However, they may have side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, and problems with urination.

In severe cases of sweating, a surgical procedure called sympathectomy can be performed. With this procedure, the nerve associated with the overactive sweat glands is cut. However, the procedure requires general anesthesia and a short hospitalization, and some patients may develop compensatory sweating at other sites on the body following surgical treatment.

When excessive underarm sweating is not controlled by antiperspirants or you have excessive sweating in the palms and feet, we recommend the use of Botox.