Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating beyond what is necessary for normal body temperature regulation. This condition can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, causing social discomfort and emotional distress – and is a lot more common than you think. Focal hyperhidrosis is when one area sweats more than what is necessary, for example the palms or soles of feet, arm pits or even forehead/hairline. Generalized hyperhidrosis is when patients experience sweating of the entire body. A dermatologist can help you determine if the sweating you are experiencing is a primary disorder of the sweat glands or is caused secondary to another ailment.
Various treatment options exist to manage hyperhidrosis including topical antiperspirants with higher concentrations of aluminum chloride, topical or oral anticholinergics, botulinum toxin injections and as a last resort, even surgery. If you are someone with hyperhidrosis, effective treatment is a life-changing endeavor; imagine finally being able to confidently shake hands, give hugs and even pick out clothes without having to worry about sweat staining.
Ultimately, the choice of treatment depends on the severity of hyperhidrosis, its impact on your daily life, and individual preferences. We treat hyperhidrosis here in the department of dermatology and understand how much excessive sweating can affect your life. We are happy to talk with you about this and about they many ways we can help you regain confidence by getting the symptoms under control.
- Eleni Moraites, MD