Dr. David Nieves, M.D.
Hyperhidrosis, the
excessive production of sweat, is a serious condition that affects
roughly 3% of the population. This disorder affects individuals who sweat more
than the body would normally need to maintain optimal temperature—in some
cases, even four or five times more than the normal amount of sweating. In most cases, this is
limited to specific body areas, such as the underarms, palms of the hands or
soles of the feet. In rare cases, it is generalized over the entire body. The
condition often begins in teenagers and can persist for decades.
Throughout the month of January, we will be exploring this
disorder and offering information to help you better understand hyperhidrosis
and its treatments.
Hyperhidrosis, on the surface, might seem like a common
punchline in a TV sitcom script. A young man goes in for a job interview and
shakes hands with his future boss only to leave a sweaty, clammy residue. Or, a
woman nervous about an upcoming test walks in the room with armpit sweat stains
leaking through her brand new blouse. But, hyperhidrosis is a serious condition
that affects more than just wardrobe choices. Excessive sweating is a real
medical problem which can meaningfully impair the sufferer's quality of life. It
can impact work productivity, confidence, social comfort and emotional
well-being.
It’s true that we all sweat, and sometimes, a lot. After
all, sweating is essential to human survival and is the body’s natural coolant.
But excessive sweaters have sweat glands that overreact to certain stimuli or
are just generally overactive.
Because of the lack of awareness for this disorder, more
than half of those affected with hyperhidrosis are never diagnosed and treated.
There are varying degrees of hyperhidrosis. Patients should be examined by a physician to rule out
medical causes, although causes are not usually found.
Patients
have often been suffering for years, unaware that highly effective treatment is
available and affordable. Untreated, hyperhidrosis casts a constant shadow that
interferes with patients' most basic social interactions.
A consultation with a Windsor Dermatology physician will
help identify the best treatment for you. There are several ways to treat
hyperhidrosis including BOTOX® injections, topical liquids and oral
medications. Many of these treatments are covered by medical plans. Call
Windsor Dermatology today at (609) 443-4500 and start on your path toward
controlling hyperhidrosis.
