How Hyperhidrosis is Treated: Controlling Excessive Sweating

By Dr. David Nieves

We recently reviewed a serious condition affecting nearly 3% of the population—excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis. 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. There are a variety of treatments for hyperhidrosis. Let’s take a closer look at the successful treatment methods to help you determine what might be right for you if you suspect you might have this disorder.

Finding a Treatment that is Right for You

The role of a dermatologist is important in this treatment since they have to be accurate in gauging the severity of the condition. There are surgical (for extreme cases) and non-surgical treatments (injections, topical treatments and pills). Many people are alleviated by using the prescription topical treatment Drysol. For individuals who do not respond to this treatment, options include BOTOX® injections, oral medication and tapwater iontophoresis.

BOTOX is FDA-approved for the treatment of focal primary hyperhidrosis and is covered by most insurance. Treatment with BOTOX is a five-minute in-office procedure and usually provides significant symptom relief for 4-6 months. Tapwater iontophoresis is a self-administered drug-free procedure in which a low-grade electric current leads to plugging of sweat glands and reduction of sweating. If patients are unresponsive to this treatment, or for people who decline these procedures, oral medication may provide relief as well.

Lifting the Burden of Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is among the most satisfying conditions to treat. 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. After treatment, patients feel as if a huge burden has been lifted and feel "normal," often for the first time in years. Patients with hyperhidrosis are among Windsor Dermatology's most loyal patients because the treatment is quick, easy and helps them regain control of their lives.

As a leader in the treatment of severe sweating, Windsor Dermatology conducts clinical research for a pharmaceutical industry partner who is developing a new topical treatment to alleviate hyperhidrosis. To find out more about our clinical trial participation, please visit our website.

Hyperhidrosis: The Impact of Excessive Sweating on Quality of Life

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.