What is Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating under your arms or on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet that affects up to 3% of Americans. The condition may begin in early adolescence and continue throughout life if it goes untreated.

CAUSES

Hyperhidrosis often occurs without an apparent cause. Neurological or hormone issues, infections, and systemic diseases can also be to blame. Although the weather or your emotions, such as fear or nervousness, can cause excessive sweating, most people with the condition sweat regardless of temperature changes or their emotional state.

Treatment

One of the providers at Atlantic Dermatology does a thorough physical exam and analyzes your symptoms and possible triggers before prescribing treatment. Certain antiperspirants, including prescription-strength ones, can help reduce the symptoms. Antiperspirants are often the first line of treatment, as they’re readily available and accessible to administer. Laser treatment is also a possibility as the heat energy destroys the sweat glands that cause the excessive sweating.

 

At Atlantic Dermatology, Botox® Cosmetic injections can also treat hyperhidrosis that occurs in the underarms. Botox can be 82-87% effective in decreasing your sweating, and the effects are evident just a few days after treatment. Treatment results last up to 12 months and can last as long as 14 months, at which time you need retreatment.

 

With Botox treatment, about 20-25 injections penetrate your skin under each armpit. Your provider uses a superfine needle to administer the Botox, so it’s quite tolerable – feeling just like a light pinch. Botox is FDA approved for hyperhidrosis treatment. A treatment session lasts about 10 minutes, and you can go back to your regular activity right afterward, so no downtime is necessary.

female getting botox in her armpit

FAQ

Why should I be concerned about hyperhidrosis?

Sweating too much can make you self-conscious. It can also cause stains on clothes and make you feel uncomfortable in professional, romantic, and other relationships. In some cases, sweating can be so severe that you experience dysfunction shaking other people’s hands and in holding objects, such as a phone or a pen.

What areas of the body are most commonly affected?

Hyperhidrosis most commonly affects the following areas of the body:

  • Palms of the hands (Palmar Hyperhidrosis): This is one of the most common types and can cause significant discomfort in social and professional situations.
  • Soles of the feet (Plantar Hyperhidrosis): Like palmar hyperhidrosis, this can cause issues with footwear and foot odor.
  • Underarms (Axillary Hyperhidrosis): Excessive sweating in the underarms is common and often associated with noticeable sweat marks on clothing.
  • Face and scalp (Craniofacial Hyperhidrosis): Sweating on the face and scalp can be particularly distressing due to its visibility.

These areas are most prone to hyperhidrosis because they have a high concentration of sweat glands. The condition can be localized to one or more of these areas, or it can affect multiple regions of the body simultaneously.

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Our team provides thoughtful, expert care for all your skin health needs. We are proud to offer the most advanced general, surgical and cosmetic dermatological services throughout Charlotte, Wilmington, and surrounding areas. Your best skin awaits.

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