Home Hyperhidrosis Treatment & Excessive Sweating

Hyperhidrosis Treatment & Excessive Sweating

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition associated with uncontrollable excessive sweating that is unrelated to exposure to heat, exercise, or stress. This medical condition affects more than 15 million Americans, with many individuals reporting that their hyperhidrosis often interferes with their daily activities and can have a significant negative impact on their quality of life. The most commonly affected areas of the body include the armpits, palms of the hands, and the soles of the feet due to the high concentration of sweat glands in those areas. Most people with hyperhidrosis have at least one episode a week and experience excessive sweating symmetrically, with both sides of the body being affected equally. Hyperhidrosis can dictate how you live your life – keeping you inside during the summer months. It can limit your clothing options for fear of sweating and staining your shirts. It can prevent you from enjoying social obligations to the fullest as you may worry about the potential embarrassment of lifting your arms or shaking hands. Luckily, hyperhidrosis can be diagnosed and managed with an array of non-invasive treatment options by a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in New York City.

Hyperhidrosis treatment options can include prescription antiperspirants, oral medications, topical treatments, and Botox injections. Since there are a variety of factors that can cause hyperhidrosis, including a genetic predisposition, an overactive thyroid, neurological conditions, or a side effect of medications, the combination of treatment options recommended to you by your healthcare provider may be influenced by the type of hyperhidrosis you have. Botox is one of the most effective and now most popular treatment options for reducing the symptoms of different types of hyperhidrosis. Botox works by inhibiting nerve signals that activate the sweat glands in the affected area. While there are few potential side effects and zero downtime, it is always critical that an experienced board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green, perform Botox injections.

Dr. Michele Green in New York City is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing some of the world’s most discerning individuals with the best non-invasive treatment options, including for the management of hyperhidrosis. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach, customizing each patient’s treatment plan to suit their particular concerns best. She is consistently identified as one of New York City’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, the New York Times, and Super Doctors for her dedication to her patients and expertise. When you consult with Dr. Green regarding hyperhidrosis, she will collect a thorough medical and family history, conduct a routine physical exam, and potentially order other diagnostic tests to determine which treatment options would be best suited to your specific needs. Whether your excessive sweating is limited to your underarms or hands or involves your entire body, Dr. Green will help design the best treatment protocol for you.

What is hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that is characterized by excessive sweating. Excessive sweating associated with hyperhidrosis is unrelated to factors that typically cause natural, healthy sweating, such as heat, exercise, or feelings of anxiety or stress. Patients affected by hyperhidrosis typically experience at least one episode of excessive sweating per week, with many reporting that their medical condition regularly interferes with their regular daily activities and has a negative impact on their overall quality of life. Many patients with hyperhidrosis also have a family history of the medical condition.

There are two different types of hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary hyperhidrosis. An underlying condition does not cause primary hyperhidrosis but instead is related to overactive sweat glands. Primary hyperhidrosis most commonly affects the hands, feet, underarms, and face. Secondary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that is associated with other underlying medical conditions, such as menopause, diabetes, some types of cancer, and thyroid issues, among others. It may also be a side effect of certain medications. Secondary hyperhidrosis tends to be generalized, affecting the entire body rather than a specific area of the body. Secondary hyperhidrosis may resolve on its own once the underlying medical condition has been treated; however, primary hyperhidrosis does not resolve without treatment. Hyperhidrosis most commonly affects the underarms, palms, and feet due to the high concentration of sweat glands in those areas of the body. However, hyperhidrosis can affect any area of the body. Most patients have hyperhidrosis symmetrically, with both sides of the body being affected equally.

An experienced healthcare provider, such as a board-certified dermatologist, can diagnose and help manage your hyperhidrosis with a variety of treatment options, including prescription antiperspirants, oral medications, topical treatments, and Botox injections. Dr. Michele Green in NYC is a board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing her patients from around the globe with the best non-invasive treatment options available, including for the management of hyperhidrosis. She will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan for managing your symptoms that caters to your specific needs.

What are the symptoms of hyperhidrosis?

Sweating is a natural mechanism that helps the body stay cool. That involves the nervous system activating sweat glands in response to heat, stress, or exercise. The main symptom of hyperhidrosis, and what separates it from normal sweating, is excessive sweating that is unrelated to exercise stress or exposure to heat. Individuals who have hyperhidrosis may experience excessive sweating without any exertion and may develop symptoms such as body odor, skin irritation (itching or inflammation), and frequent skin infections. Patients with primary hyperhidrosis will most commonly be affected in certain body areas, including the hands, feet, face, and underarms. Patients with secondary hyperhidrosis typically experience generalized excessive sweating that is not specific to any specific area of the body but rather affects the entire body. Unfortunately, due to the nature of this medical condition, many patients also experience that their hyperhidrosis disrupts their normal daily activities, causes low self-esteem and self-consciousness, or has another negative impact on their overall quality of life. An experienced board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC, can diagnose your hyperhidrosis and recommend a customized combination of treatment options to help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.

What causes hyperhidrosis?

There are two different types of hyperhidrosis with distinct contributing factors: primary and secondary hyperhidrosis. Primary hyperhidrosis is associated with faulty nerve signals from the nervous system, which triggers the overactivity of eccrine sweat glands. This type of hyperhidrosis most commonly affects specific areas of the body, such as the underarms, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet. The cause of primary hyperhidrosis is still debated, although researchers are beginning to show that there could be a genetic component, as it can run in families. Primary hyperhidrosis is not caused by an underlying condition or a side effect of a medication/ supplement.

Secondary hyperhidrosis, on the other hand, is associated with an underlying condition or a side effect of taking a medication/ supplement. Secondary hyperhidrosis usually involves generalized excessive sweating, affecting the entire body rather than a specific area of the body. Medical conditions that might induce secondary hyperhidrosis can include infectious diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV; neurologic conditions such as anxiety, stress, and panic attacks; as well as diabetes, low blood sugar, and leukemia, among others. It is important to understand which type of hyperhidrosis you’re affected by to select the best combination of treatment options for addressing symptoms, especially because secondary hyperhidrosis can sometimes be cured by ceasing the medication/ supplement or addressing the underlying condition causing it, whereas primary hyperhidrosis can not be cured. Both types of hyperhidrosis can effectively be managed with various treatment options provided by a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green in NYC. When you consult with Dr. Green at her private, boutique dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, she will collect a thorough medical and family history, discuss any previous treatment options you’ve tried, and potentially conduct a physical exam or order other diagnostic tests to determine which type of hyperhidrosis you have and the best approach for managing your symptoms.

What triggers hyperhidrosis?

Sweating is a natural and healthy body mechanism that helps regulate our temperature and excrete toxins. Your body temperature will rise when you are somewhere warm, exercising, or feeling nervous or stressed. In these circumstances, the nervous system sends nerve signals to eccrine sweat glands that cause the secretion of water and minerals to lower your body temperature. Once you are removed from the situation (you walk into an air-conditioned building or you finish your presentation), the signal to secrete sweat is turned off. However, for those who have hyperhidrosis, the signal to “turn off” the sweating never happens, making it abnormal and excessive. While some individuals develop hyperhidrosis due to genetic predisposition or faulty nerve signals from the nervous system, excessive sweating can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical condition or even a side effect of certain medications or supplements. When excessive sweating occurs for an unknown reason or suddenly interferes with your usual daily activities, negatively impacts your quality of life, or you develop other symptoms, meeting with an experienced healthcare provider, like board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green in NYC, is important to get a better understanding of the possible causes.

Is hyperhidrosis genetic?

Research has started to emerge suggesting that primary hyperhidrosis is passed down genetically, as the medical condition is often seen to run in families. However, there are two distinct types of hyperhidrosis. In addition to primary hyperhidrosis which is thought to have a genetic component, there is secondary hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating caused by another underlying condition or a side effect of certain medications or supplements. Secondary hyperhidrosis can be caused by underlying conditions such as hyperthyroidism, menopause, and Parkinson’s disease, among others, and is characterized by generalized excessive sweating. This means that rather than being localized to one specific area, excessive sweating occurs all over the entire body. This is another distinction between primary and secondary hyperhidrosis, as primary hyperhidrosis is characterized by excessive sweating concentrated in one area of the body – typically the armpits, hands, feet, or face, where there is the highest concentration of sweat glands. If you are affected by excessive sweating but are unsure which type of hyperhidrosis you have, schedule a consultation with a healthcare provider, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC. Dr. Green is a board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience providing some of the world’s most discerning individuals with the best non-invasive treatment options, including for managing hyperhidrosis.

What is axillary hyperhidrosis & how can I stop sweating so much under my arms?

Axillary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that affects the underarms or armpits. Axillary hyperhidrosis can be either primary or secondary hyperhidrosis, but most cases are primary. While it is normal for people to sweat from their underarms to regulate the body’s temperature as a response to exercise, heat, or stress, excessive sweating due to hyperhidrosis can occur at any time and can be disruptive to one’s daily activities, causing social anxiety, embarrassment, and a worse overall quality of life. This kind of excessive sweating can occur due to hormonal imbalances, menopause, hyperthyroidism, or a genetic predisposition to overactive sweat glands, in addition to being a potential side effect of some medications and supplements. Like other types of hyperhidrosis, axillary hyperhidrosis can be managed with a variety of treatment options available at Dr. Green’s private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, including topical and oral medications, prescription antiperspirants, and Botox injections.

What is palmar hyperhidrosis?

Excessive sweating of the hands is also referred to as palmar hyperhidrosis. Palmar hyperhidrosis can be difficult to cope with, especially in professional settings, where shaking hands is often necessary. This issue has social ramifications, and it can be very embarrassing for patients suffering from chronic excessively sweaty hands. Palmary hyperhidrosis is usually primary. Like other types of hyperhidrosis, a dermatologist can help manage the symptoms with treatment options like oral medications and Botox injections. Botox is an extremely safe and effective treatment option for addressing palmar hyperhidrosis if antiperspirants do not work to decrease sweating. Patients suffering from excessive sweating of the palms can receive injections of onabotulinumtoxinA (also known as Botox®), which blocks sweat secretion. Botox treatment can keep palms dry for up to 4 months and can be repeated for decreased sweating. Patients appreciate that there are minimal side effects and zero downtime involved with Botox treatment, meaning that one can resume their normal daily activities immediately upon completion of the treatment. It can take up to two weeks for the effects of Botox to kick in, and Dr. Green may ask you to return for a follow-up to determine whether any touch-up is needed. Dr. Michele Green was one of the first dermatologists to incorporate Botox injections for cosmetic and medical use in her private NYC dermatology office. She is internationally recognized for providing what is described as the “best Botox in New York.”

What is plantar hyperhidrosis?

Plantar hyperhidrosis is a type of primary hyperhidrosis that affects the soles of the feet. Plantar hyperhidrosis affects many individuals and can often cause fungal infections of the feet. The initial symptoms of plantar hyperhidrosis are a slight foot odor, a white-hued residue on your feet, or damp socks or stockings. This condition can be very embarrassing for individuals who suffer from it. Botox injections are a very effective treatment option for managing the symptoms of plantar hyperhidrosis, and several injections across the foot surface can safely and effectively be used to alleviate this problem. However, Dr. Green does not treat plantar (foot) based hyperhidrosis. It is important to always seek hyperhidrosis treatment, especially Botox injections, from an experienced healthcare provider, such as a board-certified dermatologist. Working with a dermatologist for the treatment of hyperhidrosis will help guarantee that your plan is safe and effective and provides you with the best results.

How common is hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition affecting nearly 3 percent of people in the United States, equivalent to about 15 million Americans. While individuals who suffer from excessive sweating may feel alone and embarrassed, there has been an increase in media coverage of the condition, which has helped to normalize it. Prominent figures such as Chrissy Teigen have taken to social media to discuss their experience with hyperhidrosis, increasing the visibility of the condition and helping others feel more comfortable seeking treatment. Chrissy Teigen revealed how she used Botox to eliminate her severe underarm sweating, which has helped to de-stigmatize the condition and the treatment options. This is important because treatment of hyperhidrosis can have a significant positive impact on one’s overall quality of life and restore feelings of self-confidence.

Is hyperhidrosis a disease?

Hyperhidrosis is a condition that a certified healthcare provider, such as board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green in NYC, can diagnose. Your healthcare provider may perform a physical exam, collect a thorough medical and family history, and potentially request a urine, blood, or sweat test to confirm your hyperhidrosis diagnosis. The level of sweating can be measured by a starch-iodine test, which turns the sweat brown to detect hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis can also be assessed using a vapometer, which measures transepidermal water loss and the amount of sweat produced in a certain area. If you are diagnosed with hyperhidrosis, there are plenty of treatment options to try that can help manage the symptoms.

Is hyperhidrosis a disability?

Hyperhidrosis can be a disabling medical condition that negatively affects one’s overall quality of life, especially in regard to social, emotional, and occupational aspects. Those struggling with hyperhidrosis may feel social isolation to avoid touching others or fear activities that may cause body odor or damp clothing, and many report that their hyperhidrosis interferes with the smooth execution of their normal daily activities. Hyperhidrosis may even hinder those in professional careers who require frequent handhaking for fear of having wet hands, as occurs in palmar hyperhidrosis. Fortunately, there are many non-invasive treatment options available at Dr. Michele Green’s private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood that can be used to help manage symptoms and reduce excessive sweating.

Is hyperhidrosis dangerous?

In general, hyperhidrosis is harmless and not medically dangerous, nor is it usually indicative of a more serious underlying medical condition. Those experiencing hyperhidrosis can typically engage in all of their daily activities successfully. Still, for many, excessive sweating will most likely disrupt daily activities or negatively impact their overall quality of life. Primary hyperhidrosis can also increase the risk of skin infections because excessive sweat breaks down the skin (maceration), allowing bacteria and viruses to enter the skin more easily. While excessive sweating is characteristic of hyperhidrosis, it can sometimes be a sign of a more serious medical condition. If your excessive sweating is sudden, it only presents as intense night sweats or is accompanied by other unrelated symptoms. Seek immediate medical attention if the hyperhidrosis is accompanied by chest pain, lightheadedness, or nausea.

Can hyperhidrosis cause dehydration?

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it gains. Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating can lead to dehydration if you are not drinking water to replenish the fluid loss. Because sweat glands are activated by nerve signals sent from the nervous system to release sweat to cool one’s body temperature, fluid intake should be increased in hot environments for those with hyperhidrosis to prevent dehydration. Signs of mild to moderate dehydration can include fatigue, dry mouth, decreased urination, dry skin, constipation, dizziness, and headache. Signs of severe dehydration include lack of sweat, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, dark urine, and shriveled skin. Severe dehydration should be treated immediately by medical personnel.

Types of Hyperhidrosis: Primary vs Secondary

Primary focal hyperhidrosis

Primary hyperhidrosis is defined by excess sweating that is unrelated to an underlying condition. Primary hyperhidrosis is thought to have a genetic component, as it tends to run in families. Individuals with this type of hyperhidrosis note that the condition usually starts to manifest in early childhood and is typically familiar, with more than 30 percent of sufferers having a family history of excessive sweating. Primary focal hyperhidrosis mainly arises from faulty nerve signals from the nervous system to the eccrine sweat glands, which causes their overactivity. The eccrine sweat glands account for 2 to 4 million of the sweat glands in the body, with the highest concentration of sweat glands found in areas of the body such as the feet, hands, and underarms. Thus, primary hyperhidrosis tends to affect specific areas of the body in a localized fashion. There is no known etiology for this type of excessive sweating. However, most patients with primary hyperhidrosis have a specific area of the body where excessive sweating occurs. Examples of primary hyperhidrosis include axillary hyperhidrosis, which can be characterized by excessive sweating in the underarms or armpits. Other types of primary hyperhidrosis include palmar hyperhidrosis, which is excessive sweating on the palms, and palmoplantar hyperhidrosis, which is excessive sweating on both the palms and the soles of the feet. There is no cure for primary hyperhidrosis. However, the symptoms of primary hyperhidrosis can be safely and effectively managed with a variety of treatment options provided by a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green. Dr. Green may recommend oral or topical medications, prescription antiperspirants, Botox injections, or a unique combination of treatment options to manage your primary hyperhidrosis.

Secondary hyperhidrosis

Secondary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that is caused or triggered by another underlying condition or a side effect of a medication or supplement. For example, if you suffer from hyperthyroidism or Parkinson’s disease, one of your symptoms may be excessive sweating. Secondary hyperhidrosis can also occur during menopause, be related to other hormonal imbalances, or develop as a consequence of obesity. This type of hyperhidrosis can affect specific parts of the body; however, it tends to be generalized instead, affecting the entire body and causing diffuse excessive sweating. In other words, there is no focal area of the body in which excessive sweating occurs. Excessive sweating can be a symptom of an underlying health issue. If you have hyperhidrosis, you should consult with a certified healthcare provider, such as board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, to determine the potential underlying condition and develop a treatment plan to address it best. Sometimes, secondary hyperhidrosis can be cured if the patient ceases the medications/ supplements or effectively resolves the underlying condition causing it.

Several other health conditions that can cause excessive sweating are associated with secondary hyperhidrosis and are listed below.

The following conditions are also known to cause hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating:

Vitamin D deficiency
High Fever
Anxiety and panic attacks
Diabetic hypoglycemia
Endocarditis
Heat exhaustion
Leukemia
Malaria and other infections
Stress
Tuberculosis
HIV/AIDS
Cancer
Side effects of various medications

Some people have reported increased sweating after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Sweating is a very common and temporary side effect of vaccines. Vaccines are fake versions of the virus that mimic the disease. Diseases cause fevers, which increase body temperature, and the body naturally produces sweat to cool the body temperature effectively. There are also reports of anxiety-related reactions after getting the vaccine, which include excessive sweating. It is important to consult an experienced healthcare provider, such as board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green in NYC, to determine the underlying causes of your hyperhidrosis and develop an effective treatment plan for managing symptoms.

What is Gustatory Hyperhidrosis?

Gustatory hyperhidrosis, also commonly referred to as Frey’s syndrome, is excessive sweating while eating that typically occurs on the forehead, neck, scalp, and upper lip. It can result from parotid gland damage and is a side effect of surgery, among other medical causes. There is no cure for this type of hyperhidrosis. Still, symptoms can be safely and effectively managed with many of the same treatment options used to treat other types of hyperhidrosis, including Botox, topical antiperspirants, and topical anticholinergics.

The Best Treatment Options for Hyperhidrosis

Does Botox help hyperhidrosis?

Botox, a neurotoxin composed of botulinum toxin, has been approved by the FDA for the medical treatment of excessive sweating in the underarms or axillary hyperhidrosis. An experienced healthcare provider, such as board-certified dermatologist Dr. Green in NYC, may often rely on their expertise to use Botox injections as a treatment for hyperhidrosis affecting other areas of the body. Botulinum toxin injections are used to essentially “turn off the sweat glands.” Botox acts by blocking the release of acetylcholine and shutting down the sweat glands’ action at the injection site. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that the nervous system sends to the sweat glands as a signal to activate. By blocking this signal, Botox effectively reduces the amount of excessive sweating an individual with hyperhidrosis experiences. It takes up to two weeks for the effects of Botox injections to kick in, after which they can last from 4 to 6 months, depending on the area being treated. According to sweathelp.org, Botox injections have been shown to reduce sweating by 82-87%.

Botox injections are Dr. Michele Green’s preferred treatment option for hyperhidrosis and are widely recommended by experienced dermatologists and healthcare providers to treat axillary hyperhidrosis or excessive armpit sweating. The typical dosage of Botox injections to treat hyperhidrosis of the axilla is 50 units per underarm. The exact units of Botox injections may vary, depending on the individual patient’s need. Relief from sweating in the treated area will happen in just a few days after your Botox injections, and there is no recovery time following the procedure. You can return to your regular daily activities immediately following the Botox injections. Botox injections have been proven to be a quick and extremely effective means of treating axillary hyperhidrosis, with very few potential side effects. The most common side effects of Botox injections include a mild amount of swelling, bruising, and tenderness at or near injection sites, which resolve on their own within two weeks of treatment. Dr. Green is also very experienced at utilizing Botox injections to treat palmar hyperhidrosis for patients suffering from excessive sweating of the hands. She was among the first dermatologists in NYC to offer Botox for the treatment of hyperhidrosis and is internationally appreciated for providing what is described as the “best Botox in New York.”

Myobloc (Botulinum Toxin type B) for the treatment of hyperhidrosis

Myobloc is another form of botulinum toxin that is used to treat cervical dystonia and excessive drooling. Myobloc has not yet been clinically approved to treat axillary hyperhidrosis.

What is Brella by Candesant Biomedical?

Brella by Candesant Biomedical is a new innovative, non-invasive treatment option for axillary hyperhidrosis that the FDA cleared in April 2023. Brella is the first and only patented medical device that utilizes targeted alkali thermolysis (TAT) technology to affect the sweat glands, effectively reducing excessive sweating in the underarms. TAT technology is based on the principle that heat energy is generated when sodium and sweat come into contact. When the Brella sodium patch is applied to the underarms, the heat energy has a localized effect on the sweat glands to reduce underarm sweating. This unique hyperhidrosis treatment entails a healthcare provider’s professional application of the patch to the armpit, which is removed after approximately three minutes. The treatment is entirely non-invasive and pain-free, meaning patients can easily resume most of their usual daily activities following the procedure. Each Brella sodium patch is single-use and disposable, with results from each treatment session lasting 3-4 months. When you consult with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green at her private office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, she will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan for your hyperhidrosis to reduce underarm sweating and improve your quality of life.

Is there medication for hyperhidrosis? Other treatment options for moderate and severe cases of hyperhidrosis

Nerve-blocking medications

Nerve-blocking medications are oral medications that chemically block the nerve endings in the eccrine system, preventing excessive sweating. While these medications work well and effectively treat hyperhidrosis, they are not without side effects. They can cause dry mouth and blurred vision, among other medical issues.

Aluminum chloride

When over-the-counter deodorants do not do the trick to eliminate severe sweating and body odor, patients can turn to prescription antiperspirants. The most common ingredients in prescription deodorants for hyperhidrosis include aluminum chloride and aluminum chloride hexahydrate. Drysol Is a topical antiperspirant that is available as a prescription containing 20 percent aluminum chloride. The aluminum chloride is applied at bedtime on clean, dry skin. This prescription antiperspirant works by intercepting the sweat glands in the eccrine system. It is not recommended that Aluminum chloride be used as a long-term solution as it can cause skin and eye irritation in some individuals. If you experience skin irritation from using aluminum chloride, you should discontinue use and consult Dr. Green. In most instances, a prescription for topical hydrocortisone usually clears up the skin irritation in a few days.

Anticholinergics

Anticholinergic drugs are often used in the treatment and management of hyperhidrosis. Not all of these medications are FDA-approved for this condition, and many of them are used in an “off-label” capacity. The most commonly prescribed Anticholinergics include glycopyrrolate, oxybutynin, benztropine, and propantheline. Anticholinergic medications work systemically in the sweat glands to limit overall sweating. Oral anticholinergic medications are usually prescribed for patients who experience excessive sweating on parts of the body, such as the face and scalp, since topical medications aren’t suitable for treating those areas.

Glycopyrronium tosylate

Glycopyrronium tosylate is a topical anticholinergic treatment that is FDA-approved under the brand name Qbrexa. Qbrexa can be used to manage hyperhidrosis in children as young as nine years old. The cloths come in a pre-moistened, individually wrapped, single-use package, making them readily available for use. Qbrexa is convenient due to its packaging, which makes it easy for teens and adults to carry and use while exercising to minimize excessive sweating. The pre-moistened clothes can be used to treat the underarms and groin area.

Iontophoresis for hyperhidrosis

Iontophoresis treatment entails sitting with your hands and feet submerged in a shallow tray of tap water. As you sit, a machine delivers low electrical currents that travel through the water. Experts believe that the electric currents block the sweat glands and prevent you from sweating. This treatment needs to be repeated several times to be effective.

Microwave therapy for hyperhidrosis

Microwave therapy is not a widely popular treatment due to its availability and cost. This treatment entails using a device that utilizes the same energy as a microwave to eliminate the sweat glands. This treatment is not without side effects, as it can alter your skin’s sensation. The treatment is delivered in two 30-minute interval treatments, three months apart.

Surgical Sweat Gland Removal

Surgical sweat gland removal is a treatment of last resort when all other therapies have failed. It is a minimally invasive surgical treatment for hyperhidrosis. The treatment involves using a suction curettage technique to remove the sweat glands. Liposuction has also been used in the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis.

Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is a surgical procedure for hyperhidrosis. The procedure involves the surgeon making very small incisions in the skin to clamp off or burn the sympathetic nerve endings. These nerve endings cause sweating, and inhibiting their action prevents excessive sweating. While this procedure is effective, it can cause compensatory sweating in other body areas.

Antidepressants for Hyperhidrosis

Benzodiazepines are a group of antidepressants that have also been found useful in treating hyperhidrosis. They work by controlling anxiety, which often results in excessive sweating. These systemic medications work by controlling the central nervous system. By doing so, they mitigate the physical aspects of sweating, often seen during episodes of anxiety.

Beta Blockers for Hyperhidrosis

Beta-blockers have also been successful in treating excessive sweating. Their mechanism of action is similar to that of antidepressants in that their effects work on the central nervous system. The most common beta blocker used for hyperhidrosis is propranolol, which is also commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. Sweating is a common physical manifestation of anxiety for individuals who suffer from anxiety, which is why these drugs work well for excessive sweating.

MiraDry

MiraDry® is an FDA-approved treatment for hyperhidrosis. Miradry utilizes a handheld device that delivers precise microwave energy to the affected areas of the underarms and destroys the sweat glands. Once the sweat glands are destroyed, they do not regenerate, eliminating excessive sweating. MiraDry reduces excessive sweating in the axillae for many patients after only two treatment sessions.

Lifestyle and home remedies to control hyperhidrosis

Lifestyle changes can be made to control excessive sweating, such as frequent showers and the use of topical creams and antiperspirants. Over the years, there has been great awareness of treating and managing hyperhidrosis, resulting in greater research and the development of new treatments and technologies. Many newer studies in the Journal of Dermatol over the past ten years describe the genetics and new treatments for hyperhidrosis. The International HHyperhidrosis Society is a single global non-profit society aimed at improving the lives of patients who have hyperhidrosis.

Many new products are on the market, such as Carpe, a topical product developed to treat excessive sweating. The Carpe line of products includes hand creams, antiperspirants, and foot creams, all developed and researched to treat hyperhidrosis. In addition to Carpe, there are other products, such as Body Glide, a topical antiperspirant. Body Glide is an excellent product and works well on other body parts that may experience excessive sweating, such as between the thighs and groin area.

What deodorant is best for hyperhidrosis?

Deodorants were initially created to combat body odor. Antiperspirants, on the other hand, work to decrease sweat production in the applied areas. Deodorants should also contain antiperspirant properties to work effectively against controlling sweat. Active ingredients to look for in antiperspirants include aluminum chloride, aluminum chlorohydrate, and aluminum zirconium. These ingredients hinder sweat production by combining with moisture (sweat) to form a gel that sits on top of the skin. This gel obstructs the distal sweat gland ducts and forms a temporary plug that blocks sweat from flowing out of the skin. During the 1960s, many people speculated that aluminum was the cause of Alzheimer’s disease; however, this was disproven through various modern scientific studies. Furthermore, according to the National Cancer Institute, there is no evidence that deodorants and antiperspirants cause breast cancer, even though it is often applied on the underarms near the breasts.

Antiperspirant deodorants come in different forms, like sticks, gel, sprays, and wipes. The best method of application depends on personal preference. Sweat Block Antiperspirant is a wipe containing 14% aluminum chloride that can reduce underarm sweat for up to seven days. Vanicream Antiperspirant Deodorant comes in a more traditional stick deodorant form that contains aluminum zirconium 20% without the common irritants like dyes, parabens, ethanol, and formaldehyde.

Will hyperhidrosis go away?

Hyperhidrosis does not typically go away on its own. If an underlying medical condition causes your hyperhidrosis or is a side effect of a medication or supplement you are taking (secondary hyperhidrosis), it is necessary to resolve those issues to treat excessive sweating successfully. There is no cure for primary hyperhidrosis, but its symptoms can still be managed with treatment options provided to you by a board-certified dermatologist. You must discuss with an experienced healthcare provider, like Dr. Michele Green, to determine the cause of the condition. After a careful medical review, she can recommend the best course of action for your treatment. Depending on whether an underlying medical condition is causing your hyperhidrosis, you can target the symptoms using one of the many available treatment options. Dr. Green will recommend, based on your situation, the best method of treatment for you upon a thorough review of your family and medical history, any previous treatment options you’ve tried, and potentially performing a physical exam or requesting other diagnostic testing, including a urine, blood, or sweat test.

Is there a cure for hyperhidrosis?

Currently, there is no cure for primary hyperhidrosis. Primary hyperhidrosis is uncontrollable excessive sweating that is not caused by an underlying medical condition or a side effect of medications/supplements. Secondary hyperhidrosis, which is caused by an underlying medical condition or a side effect of medication, can potentially be cured if the underlying condition is resolved or the medication causing excessive sweating ceases. In either case, patients can safely and effectively manage the symptoms of their hyperhidrosis with various treatment options through a dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green in NYC. When you consult with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in Manahattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, she will work with you to develop a personalized hyperhidrosis treatment plan. This can include prescription antiperspirants, oral medications, Botox injections, or MiraDry to inhibit the sweat glands. When you meet with Dr. Green to discuss your hyperhidrosis, she will determine the best treatment options for your specific case depending on your medical and family history, the type of hyperhidrosis you have, the area of the body affected, and the specific concerns you have to stop you from sweating uncontrollably and excessively and improve your overall quality of life.

Do I have hyperhidrosis? How do I know if I have hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that involves uncontrollable excessive sweating from any part of your body much of the time, even when it is not related to exercising or being exposed to hot temperatures. Excessive sweating associated with hyperhidrosis usually occurs symmetrically, affecting both sides of the body equally. In some cases, patients may experience sleep hyperhidrosis or night sweats. If you only experience night sweats, be sure to consult an experienced medical professional, as this can sometimes be indicative of a larger systemic issue. Otherwise, you don’t need a “Do I Have Hyperhidrosis Quiz” to confirm that you that you are living with hyperhidrosis. If you are experiencing moderate to severe excessive sweating on your hands, feet, underarms, face, or across other parts of your body that is unrelated to normal, healthy sweating, you likely have hyperhidrosis. Luckily, there are safe and effective treatment options available that can significantly help manage the symptoms of your condition. During your initial consultation with Dr. Green regarding hyperhidrosis, she will collect a thorough medical and family history, perform a routine physical exam, and discuss any previous treatment options you may have tried. When you make an appointment with Dr. Michele Green in New York, she will create a treatment plan to address your specific needs.

Does insurance cover for hyperhidrosis?

Botox is an FDA-approved treatment option for managing symptoms of axillary hyperhidrosis, and some private health insurance companies will cover it. If your insurance company does cover Botox injections for excessive sweating, it will typically be for axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating) only after you have tried other treatments, like prescribed antiperspirants, topical treatments, or oral medications. It is important to consult with your specific health insurance provider directly to determine if your plan covers Botox injections for hyperhidrosis.

How much is Botox for Hyperhidrosis?

The cost of Botox for Hyperhidrosis varies depending on the units of Botox used, the expertise of the provider administering the injections, and the geographic location of the office where your treatment is performed. A board-certified expert injector will be more costly than a nurse injector at a MedSpa. Receiving injections by an expert, the board-certified injector has been shown to decrease the risk of possible side effects significantly.

What is hyperhidrosis surgery?

The name of the surgical procedure that is performed to treat hyperhidrosis is a sympathectomy. The procedure entails a surgeon cutting specific nerves to inhibit the signals that cause sweating. The effects of the procedure are permanent and irreversible. A sympathectomy is often recommended for individuals with palmar Hyperhidrosis or plantar Hyperhidrosis. It is also possible to surgically remove the sweat glands from the underarm area, which is ideal for treating patients with axillary hyperhidrosis. As with any surgical procedure, there is some risk of developing an infection. Patients may develop a condition called compensatory sweating, where other areas of the body sweat more than usual to compensate for the areas affected by the surgical procedure. Other potential side effects include nerve damage, irregular heartbeat, and low blood pressure. Many patients prefer to have Botox injections, as there is little risk and no downtime involved.

Who treats hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that can be diagnosed and treated by a certified healthcare professional, such as a board-certified dermatologist. Dr. Michele Green is a board-certified dermatologist in the Upper East Side of Manhattan with over 25 years of experience providing some of the world’s most discerning individuals from around the world with the best non-invasive cosmetic and medical dermatological procedures. Among the treatment options offered at her private dermatology office, Dr. Green provides what has been described as the best Botox injections in NYC, including for hyperhidrosis. In addition to Botox, a dermatologist like Dr. Green may recommend prescription antiperspirant deodorants, supplements, or medications to manage the symptoms of hyperhidrosis. Primary care physicians, internists, surgeons, and neurologists are different types of doctors who may also be able to assist with managing the symptoms of hyperhidrosis. To diagnose hyperhidrosis, your healthcare provider may perform a physical exam, collect medical and family history, and potentially request diagnostic tests such as a urine, blood, or sweat test.

Is hyperhidrosis a symptom of anxiety?

There are two different types of hyperhidrosis, each of which has a relationship to anxiety. Feelings of anxiety or anxiety disorders can be associated with excessive sweating as a symptom. Additionally, genetic or primary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating that is not caused by anxiety) has been shown to cause anxiety and feelings of self-consciousness. That is, those who have hyperhidrosis are often negatively impacted by their excessive sweating to the point that it causes anxiety. Hyperhidrosis can worsen one’s overall quality of life, which is why consulting a board-certified dermatologist regarding management and treatment options is always recommended. Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing some of the world’s most discerning individuals with the best non-invasive treatment options, including for hyperhidrosis.

What does heavy sweating mean?

Sweating is a normal and healthy function of the human body, helping to keep it cool. Sweating is a natural response to exercise, heat, and stress, including fear and anxiety. Hormone fluctuations, underlying medical conditions, or a side effect of certain oral medications and supplements can also cause it. However, the medical condition hyperhidrosis is associated with uncontrollable excessive sweating that occurs even without exercise, stress, or exposure to heat. Hyperhidrosis can affect any area of the body and usually impacts an area symmetrically, occurring on both sides of the body. Dr. Glaser, a founding board member and the president of the International Hyperhidrosis Society, states that you may have hyperhidrosis if you’ve experienced uncontrollable excessive sweating for six months and have at least one episode a week and sweat symmetrically. It impacts your quality of life, or you have a family history of hyperhidrosis. A board-certified dermatologist can diagnose hyperhidrosis, usually based on symptoms. There are other tests that a dermatologist may perform to diagnose hyperhidrosis, including physical exams, sweat tests, and occasionally, blood and urine tests. Dr. Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing some of the world’s most discerning individuals with the best non-invasive treatment options, including for the management of hyperhidrosis symptoms.

How do I get started with treatment for my hyperhidrosis today?

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that can regularly interfere with one’s daily activities and significantly negatively impact one’s overall quality of life. For many, it is not just frustrating but embarrassing and causes anxiety regarding their choice of attire and social interactions. Depending on the underlying causes of hyperhidrosis, there may or may not be a cure. However, regardless of which type of hyperhidrosis one has, the symptoms can be managed with a variety of safe and effective treatment options provided by a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green in New York City. Common treatment options for hyperhidrosis include topical and oral medications, prescription antiperspirants, and Botox. If excessive sweating interferes with daily activities, causes frequent skin infections, affects self-confidence, or otherwise causes discomfort, Dr. Green in NYC is here to help.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified cosmetic dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing her patients worldwide with the best non-invasive treatment options available, including Botox injections for hyperhidrosis. Offering the most cutting-edge treatments and utilizing innovative techniques, Dr. Green is consistently identified as one of the best physicians in New York City by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors. When you consult with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, she will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that is best suited to your unique skin concerns and goals. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Green and learn more about treating excessive sweating with Botox injections, call the NYC office at 212-535-3088 or contact us online today.