Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Kunal Angra, MD, Divya Angra, MD, and the team at Sapphire Dermatology with offices in Silver Spring, Maryland, and Reston, Virginia, offer customized treatment plans that can help. When you’re ready to find relief from heavy sweating, book a visit online or by phone.

What is hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a medical term used to refer to excessive sweating. Everyone sweats, which is a necessary function to regulate your body temperature. Glands deep within your skin create sweat, which is mostly water as well as salts. 

You have more sweat glands near your forehead, palms, armpits, and the soles of your feet. Because everyone sweats at different rates, it can be hard to know if your sweating is beyond the norm. 

Researchers believe that hyperhidrosis develops when the nerve signals that trigger sweat glands begin to function irregularly. Genetic components may play a role as well.

Hyperhidrosis can also develop as a result of a separate condition, like thyroid problems, certain types of cancer, and diabetes. 

How do I know if I have hyperhidrosis?

It’s normal to sweat a lot when you’re working outdoors or exposed to high temperatures. However,  if you experience one or more episodes of heavy sweating each week, it may be time to come in for a diagnostic workup. 

Some additional symptoms of hyperhidrosis include:

• Sweating so much it disrupts your daily routines
• Suddenly beginning to sweat more than usual
• Sweating during the night

Hyperhidrosis might also cause so much sweating that you avoid activities with others.

What kinds of treatments can help control hyperhidrosis?

Your dermatologist may recommend prescription antiperspirants to help control excessive sweating. They may also suggest special creams and wipes that can help. 

Oral medications help by blocking the nerve signals that trigger sweating. Some people find lasting relief by taking antidepressants, which can be especially helpful if sweating causes you emotional distress. 

Botox® injections are another option for reducing excessive sweating. A few quick injections help block the nerve signals that lead to sweating. 

If these options don’t yield the desired improvements, surgical intervention may be a good approach. There are several ways to remove sweat glands or alter your sweating function. 

When you’re ready to learn more about how to control heavy sweating, booking a visit at Sapphire Dermatology is fast and easy, whether you choose to connect online or by phone.