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Understanding Hyperhidrosis

Aug 22, 2012

Sweating is an important function that helps to regulate body temperature. Both physical activity and high temperatures can induce perspiration. However, some individuals experience sweating that stems from reasons other than the body’s need to cool down. Individuals who are diagnosed with hyperhidrosis, as this condition is called, suffer from excessive and unexpected perspiration that may occur while a person is sedentary or in cool climates. Dermatology care specialists have determined that patients who suffer from this condition have either primary hyperhidrosis or secondary hyperhidrosis.

What are the symptoms of hyperhidrosis?

The main symptom of both primary and secondary hyperhidrosis is excessive dampness. This wetness typically shows at the hands, feet, or underarms, although sweating can occur anywhere on the body.

What are the causes of hyperhidrosis?

Skin care center experts have yet to determine the cause of primary hyperhidrosis. However, many cases reveal that this condition tends to run in families. As its name implies, secondary hyperhidrosis is the result of an existing medical condition that the patient is experiencing. Some common triggers for secondary hyperhidrosis include—but are not limited to—anxiety, cancer, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, lung disease, menopause, and stroke.

How can dermatologists treat hyperhidrosis?

The treatment for primary hyperhidrosis depends largely on its severity and resistance to less rigorous forms of medical intervention. A dermatologist may first prescribe a oral medication. If this treatment method fails to yield positive results, a dermatology care specialist may then move on to a more intense mode of care. Iontophoresis is a procedure wherein electricity is used to shut down overactive sweat glands. Botox injections paralyze the nerves that stimulate sweat glands. Sympathectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that also turns off the signals that induce excessive sweating. In cases where a patient has been diagnosed with secondary hyperhidrosis, the dermatologist must first identify the primary condition that is causing the excessive sweating and determine a course of action based upon that medical issue.

Do you suffer from excessive sweating? Arlington Dermatology can help. We offer several highly effective hyperhidrosis treatment options for individuals in the greater Arlington Heights, Illinois region. To learn more about our complete line of services, or to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist, call [company-phone id=1].

man with underarm sweat stains