Hyperhidrosis Treatment in Dallas, Texas
What is hyperhidrosis?
Excessive sweating is the more common term for hyperhidrosis–a condition that is common and affects many people all over the world. Those who have experienced excessive sweating know that it can feel embarrassing, uncomfortable, and annoying at best. At worst, excessive sweating can impede a person’s ability to function normally. For instance, a person who experiences hyperhidrosis of the hands may not be able to turn a doorknob, grip a pencil, or turn a screwdriver, limiting their ability to work, complete classwork, and do everyday activities. Additionally, a person who experiences excessive sweating might have to change clothes more frequently in order to avoid embarrassing sweat marks.
What is the cause of hyperhidrosis?
In most cases, hyperhidrosis affects people who are otherwise healthy, happy, normal individuals. However, there are certain underlying conditions that could be the root cause of excessive sweating.
- HIV/AIDS
- Fevers
- Hypoglycemia
- Menopause
- Tuberculosis
- Heart attack
- Obesity
- Generalized anxiety disorder
In other cases, excessive sweating could be triggered by certain other factors, like:
- Excessive heat
- Stress
- Certain emotions
- Nervousness
- Fear
- Excitement
- Neurological conditions
- Infections
- Certain medications
Is hyperhidrosis genetic?
Hyperhidrosis sometimes runs in the family, so it may be linked with genetics. Because there are also numerous underlying conditions that can cause profuse sweating, genetics could be linked to hyperhidrosis in this way as well.
Can hyperhidrosis be dangerous?
In most cases of excessive sweating, the condition is not considered a dangerous or serious medical condition. However, excessive sweating is often considered a serious burden for those who bear the condition. For many, hyperhidrosis is a significant psychological problem, as they feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, embarrassment, and insecurity due to the condition. What’s more, many who suffer from hyperhidrosis do not seek medical attention–possibly because they don’t believe that excessive sweating is a medical condition or because they feel too embarrassed to report the condition to their doctor.
If you notice signs of hyperhidrosis, be sure to speak up about it to your doctor. More than likely, your dermatologist has dealt with the condition in other patients like you and can provide a solution to help you lead a normal life with hyperhidrosis.
Is excessive sweating a sign of heart disease?
It’s important to understand the difference between hyperhidrosis–a condition that causes excessive sweating on an ongoing, routine basis–and the kind of excessive sweating that may indicate a person is having a heart attack. If you do not typically suffer from excessive sweating and seem to suddenly begin sweating profusely for no reason, it could be one of the warning signs of a heart attack. In addition to profuse, sudden sweating, a heart attack usually exhibits other signs. These include:
- Chest pain
- Swelling
- Lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Severe weakness
- Rapid heartbeat
On the other hand, if you are suffering from hyperhidrosis, you’ll notice sweating that is not accompanied by these other symptoms, and the sweating will persist over time. If you notice sudden profuse sweating along with any of the above-mentioned symptoms of a heart attack, seek medical attention immediately.
What kind of doctor do you see for hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis can be diagnosed and treated by a dermatologist. Some of the signs and symptoms that may warrant a trip to the dermatologist to see if you are suffering from hyperhidrosis include:
- Sweating more than usual
- Sweating even when you’re not hot
- Noticing sweat marks on your shirts
- Sweaty palms of your hands
- Sweaty feet
- Feeling self-conscious about sweating
- Excessive worrying or anxiety due to sweating
- Chronic fungal or bacterial skin infections
What is the best treatment for hyperhidrosis?
If you suspect you may have a sweating problem or have recently been diagnosed with excessive sweating, you may be wondering how to stop hyperhidrosis in its tracks. The answer is a little more complicated, though. Depending on what is causing your hyperhidrosis, your dermatologist will come up with a treatment plan that is tailored to fit your unique needs.
How do you treat hyperhidrosis of the armpits?
One or more of the following excessive sweating treatment options might be recommended by your dermatologist:
- Prescription antiperspirant medications
- Botox injections to prevent sweating
- Antidepressants (which can sometimes reduce sweating)
- Prescription creams and ointments for hyperhidrosis
- Prescription medications that target excessive sweating
Are There Any Side Effects with Prescription Medication Treatment for Hyperhidrosis?
Although safe and effective, patients should be aware that medication treatment for hyperhidrosis may come with several side effects. These side effects may include dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, overheating, and urinary retention.
- Botox injections to prevent sweating
Botulinum toxin injections are also effective at treating hyperhidrosis symptoms in the underarms. Approved by the FDA, this treatment is safe, quick, and easy. Small amounts of Botox will be injected into the underarms. This procedure typically does not cause any pain or discomfort for the patient.
Within five days, you may begin to notice less sweating in your underarm area. Results from this treatment can last anywhere between four to six months. Once the effects of your Botox injections wear off, you can be retreated.
Who Can Be Affected By Hyperhidrosis?
According to the American Journal of Managed Care, hyperhidrosis regularly affects up to 4.8% of Americans. However, because hyperhidrosis is often underreported and underdiagnosed, this percentage may be higher. In truth, symptoms of hyperhidrosis may be more common than most people think. Yet, many people are unaware of the ways their symptoms can be treated.
Hyperhidrosis typically affects younger adults aged 18 to 39 years old. However, hyperhidrosis may also be seen in infants due to the sweat glands being fully functional at birth. Excessive sweating is less common in elderly adults and teenagers.
What Can Trigger Hyperhidrosis Symptoms?
Knowing exactly what items or situations trigger symptoms of excess sweating can help you understand what to avoid when it comes to managing the symptoms of hyperhidrosis. These triggers can be present in your environment or even a result of your mental state. Common triggers are:
- Warm temperatures or humidity
- Stress, anxiety, fear, or nervousness
- Physical activity
- Exercise
- Beverages such as coffee, alcohol, and highly caffeinated drinks
- Spicy, fatty, sugary, and salty foods
Is There Any Way to Prevent Hyperhidrosis?
Not every case of hyperhidrosis can be preventable. For those who experience hyperhidrosis because of a genetic cause, managing symptoms rather than prevention will be the main focus when it comes to treatment.
If you identify that your hyperhidrosis is connected to stress or your environment, preventing future symptoms by avoiding these things will be possible. At the Dermatology Treatment and Research Center, our experienced team will be happy to work with you to find out the cause of your hyperhidrosis symptoms as well as how to manage them.
Is There a Cure for Hyperhidrosis?
Currently, there is no cure for hyperhidrosis. However, hyperhidrosis treatments can benefit patients greatly as excessive sweating often becomes a daily hindrance. Daily habits, social situations, and even self-confidence can be affected by hyperhidrosis symptoms. Many people who have received hyperhidrosis treatment experience an improved quality of life and increased self-esteem once they are able to get their symptoms under control.
Why Choose the Dermatology Treatment and Research Center
At the Dermatology Treatment and Research Center, our board-certified dermatologists, Dr. Clay Cockerell and Dr. Ross Radusky take a personalized approach to each procedure. During your consultation, your overall health and personal goals will be taken into deep consideration when determining the hyperhidrosis treatment plan that will best benefit you.
Schedule a Consultation for Hyperhidrosis at the Dallas Derm Center
If you are experiencing symptoms of hyperhidrosis that are interfering with your quality of life, a consultation with an experienced dermatologist may be the first step towards helping restore the appearance and health of your skin. At Dermatology Treatment and Research Center, our board-certified physicians hold expertise in clinical, cosmetic, and general dermatology and are ready to provide you with high-quality expert care in a friendly and compassionate atmosphere. Call 972.661.2729 or fill out the form on this page to book an appointment.
