What is Hyperhidrosis?
By Paula Young | Published on August 12, 2010 | 0 Comments
Ever notice that when you get nervous, your body tends to break out in a bit of a sweat? As embarrassing as this can be, if you’re like most people, then you’re usually able to find a way to keep the perspiration factor under control, or at least enough so that you can interact socially and carry on with your day. Unfortunately, not all people are this lucky. For some folks, excessive sweating is not a rare occurrence, but rather a regular part of life. In fact, the world of skin care and dermatology is constantly working to find new ways to treat this condition known as hyperhidrosis.
The medical term for “too much sweating,” hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes those affected to sweat profusely, usually to the point where it impacts their lives on a regular daily basis. While some degree of sweating is normal and necessary in order to allow the body to maintain an appropriate internal temperature, excessive sweating can come as the result of overactive sweat glands. Some people with hyperhidrosis will sweat excessively when circumstances arrive to trigger this type of reaction; others who suffer from this condition will experience an overload of sweat on a fairly continuous basis.
The problem with hyperhidrosis is that it can truly take a toll on a person’s sense of self-esteem and make social interaction uncomfortable or impossible. While some individuals with this condition will experience undue amounts of sweating when faced with hot weather or a case of the jitters, others will simply sweat profusely for no reason at all. Since it can be hard for those with hyperhidrosis to predict when a bout of sweating will occur, many tend to shy away from social situations or employment opportunities that require a fair degree of person-to-person interaction. Additionally, hyperhidrosis can make everyday tasks such as driving seem awfully complicated, as excessive sweating in the hands can turn the otherwise simple task of holding a steering wheel into an insurmountable challenge.
Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to those looking to eliminate the symptoms of hyperhidrosis. There are certain prescription-strength antiperspirants on the market that cater to people who tend to sweat excessively. These types of products are typically applied at night and contain elements that work to block the sweat ducts. While prescription-strength antiperspirants will often times do the trick in treating hyperhidrosis, they certainly don’t work for everybody. If such treatment isn’t successful, then a patient may be prescribed a course of oral medication; and if that doesn’t work, then a visit to a medical spa may be in order for Botox treatment. According to Paula Young of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania’s Young Medical Spa, patients who don’t respond well to the more conventional hyperhidrosis treatments on the market can attempt to solve their problems via a series of Botox injections. Finally, if that approach doesn’t solve the problem, then surgery may be in order.
If an undue amount of sweating is wreaking havoc on your day-to-day life, and causing you to walk around in a constant state of embarrassment, then talk to your doctor or dermatologist about the various treatment options that may be available to you. Whether you end up using prescription-strength antiperspirant or visiting a medical spa for Botox, one thing’s for sure – you have little to lose by getting help.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.