Types of Hyperhidrosis & Sweat Conditions
Hyperhidrosis is a distressing medical condition characterized by excessive sweating without a clear cause such as heat, exercise, or anxiety. Over 15 million people in the United States alone suffer from this condition, with many reporting that hyperhidrosis interferes with their daily activities and significantly impacts their quality of life. The most commonly affected areas include the armpits, palms, and soles due to the high concentration of sweat glands in those regions. Hyperhidrosis can dictate how you live your life, hindering you from enjoying social obligations due to the potential embarrassment of lifting your arms or shaking hands. Fortunately, hyperhidrosis can be diagnosed and managed using a variety of non-invasive treatment options offered by Dr. Michele Green in NYC.
Hyperhidrosis is classified into two main types: primary and secondary. Primary hyperhidrosis is often genetically predisposed, resulting in overactive sweat glands in specific areas, such as the underarms and hands. Individuals typically develop primary hyperhidrosis during childhood and may experience excessive sweating at least once a week. Although this condition requires lifelong management, various effective treatments are available. These include topical medications, oral prescriptions, and in-office procedures like Botox. Secondary hyperhidrosis, on the other hand, occurs due to an underlying medical condition or as a side effect of a medication or supplement. Generally, the symptoms will resolve once the medical issue is treated or the medication is adjusted. When you consult with Dr. Green at her boutique dermatology office in New York City, she will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your medical and family history, the type of hyperhidrosis you have, the affected areas of your body, and your specific concerns. This tailored approach aims to help you manage excessive sweating and improve your overall quality of life.
Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist based in New York City with over two and a half decades of experience providing some of the world’s most discerning individuals with the best non-invasive treatments, 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 characterized by excessive sweating that is not linked to typical factors such as heat or exercise. Most people will only sweat when their body temperature rises. However, patients with hyperhidrosis will notice sweat at other times as well, such as night sweats. Individuals with hyperhidrosis experience excessive sweating at least once a week, affecting both sides of the body symmetrically. Hyperhidrosis can occur anywhere on the body where sweat glands are present but most commonly appears on the underarms, palms, and soles of the feet. The condition can be frustrating and negatively impact self-esteem, with many patients reporting that their hyperhidrosis regularly interferes with daily activities and overall quality of life. Additionally, untreated hyperhidrosis can lead to skin irritation, increased body odor, and skin infections. While there is no cure for hyperhidrosis, various topical therapies, oral medications, and in-office procedures are available to help manage the condition and help boost your confidence and self-esteem.
How many types of hyperhidrosis are there?
There are two types of hyperhidrosis: primary hyperhidrosis and secondary hyperhidrosis. Primary focal hyperhidrosis is characterized by excessive sweating due to overactive sweat glands without any underlying health issues. In this form of hyperhidrosis, the nervous system sends excessive signals to the eccrine sweat glands, leading to increased sweating. Individuals with primary hyperhidrosis often report that symptoms typically begin in early childhood. The exact cause of primary hyperhidrosis remains a topic of debate; however, researchers are increasingly suggesting a potential genetic component, as it tends to run in families. Since primary hyperhidrosis primarily affects specific areas of the body, most patients experience excessive sweating in particular localized regions, such as the hands, feet, or armpits. Secondary hyperhidrosis refers to excessive sweating caused or triggered by an underlying condition or as a side effect of medication or supplements. Medical conditions that may induce secondary hyperhidrosis include infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV; neurological conditions like anxiety, stress, and panic attacks; as well as menopause, diabetes, obesity, low blood sugar, Parkinson’s disease, hyperthyroidism, and lymphoma. This type of hyperhidrosis typically involves generalized excessive sweating that affects the whole body rather than a specific area. In some cases, secondary hyperhidrosis can be resolved by stopping the medication or supplement or by addressing the underlying condition causing it.
What is the main type of hyperhidrosis?
The main type of hyperhidrosis is primary hyperhidrosis, which occurs in localized areas across the body without an obvious cause. Examples of primary hyperhidrosis include axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating in the underarms or armpits), palmar (excessive sweating on the palms), and palmoplantar hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating on both the palms and the soles of the feet). There is no cure for primary hyperhidrosis. However, the symptoms can be safely and effectively managed with a variety of treatment options provided by a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green. Popular treatment options at Dr. Greens boutique dermatology office include Botox injections, topical and oral medications, and prescription antiperspirants.
What is the main cause of hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, occurs when the eccrine sweat glands become overactive and produce sweat without the proper stimuli. There are two to four million eccrine sweat glands in the body, with high concentrations found on the feet, hands, and armpits. In normal sweat, body temperature rises, leading the autonomic nervous system to release acetylcholine, which signals the eccrine sweat glands to activate, producing sweat that lowers body temperature. Once the body temperature has returned to normal levels, the nervous system stops releasing acetylcholine, stopping sweating. However, for individuals with hyperhidrosis, the nervous system continuously signals the eccrine sweat glands, leading to abnormal sweating. While some individuals develop hyperhidrosis due to genetic factors or improper nerve signals from the nervous system, excessive sweating can sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition or serve as a side effect of certain medications or supplements. If excessive sweating occurs for an unknown reason, suddenly disrupts your usual daily activities, negatively affects your quality of life, or leads to other symptoms, it’s crucial to consult an experienced healthcare provider, such as board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green in NYC, to understand the potential causes better.
How to Treat Excessive Sweating?
While there is no cure for hyperhidrosis, a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green in NYC can treat it with various in-office procedures, oral medications, and topical prescriptions. When you consult with Dr. Green in her private NYC dermatology office, she will assess your medical history and concerns to develop a personalized treatment plan to leave you with dry, sweat-free skin.
Botox injections for axillary hyperhidrosis treatment
A healthcare provider can perform many in-office treatments to stop sweating temporarily, with Botox being the most popular treatment. Botox, the brand name for the neurotoxin botulinum toxin, is FDA-approved for treating excessive sweating of the armpits, also known as axillary hyperhidrosis. Dermatologists can also use the injections off-label to treat palmar hyperhidrosis. As a neuromodulator, Botox blocks the errant nerve signals that lead to overactive sweat glands, thereby reducing sweat secretion. The procedure is quick and easy, with no downtime, allowing patients to resume their daily activities immediately. Common side effects of Botox injections include mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness at or near the injection sites, which typically resolve within two weeks post-treatment. The effects of Botox injections take up to two weeks to manifest and can last from 4 to 6 months, depending on the treated area. Patients are advised to attend regular treatment sessions to maintain optimal sweat-free results. Botox injections are Dr. Green’s preferred option for hyperhidrosis due to their safety and effectiveness in alleviating excessive sweating.
In-office procedures for the treatment of hyperhidrosis
Brella is a non-invasive treatment option for axillary hyperhidrosis. It uses targeted alkali thermolysis (TAT) technology to heat and deactivate sweat glands, effectively reducing excessive sweating in the underarms. Iontophoresis is an FDA-approved procedure for treating palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis. The affected area is placed in water with a low electric current, which blocks the current. MiraDry® is an FDA-approved treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis. It delivers precise microwave energy to the affected areas of the underarms, destroying the sweat glands. Once the sweat glands are destroyed, they do not regenerate, eliminating excessive sweating. The most common surgical treatment is endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS). ETS involves a surgeon clamping off or burning the sympathetic nerve endings, inhibiting the signals that cause sweating. Another option includes the surgical removal of sweat glands through lasers, liposuction, or curettage techniques. After surgery, some patients can experience Horner’s syndrome or compensatory sweating on other parts of the body. Many patients prefer to have Botox injections for hyperhidrosis treatment, as there is little risk and no downtime involved with the procedure.
Oral Medications for the treatment of hyperhidrosis
Three classes of medications can improve the symptoms of hyperhidrosis: anticholinergics, antidepressants, and beta-blockers. Anticholinergics are oral medications that chemically block nerve endings of eccrine sweat glands to inhibit nerve signaling and prevent excessive sweating. The most commonly prescribed anticholinergics include glycopyrrolate, oxybutynin, benztropine, and propantheline. Anticholinergics are typically prescribed for patients with secondary hyperhidrosis who experience generalized excessive sweating, as the medications work systemically. While these medications work well and effectively treat hyperhidrosis, they have some side effects, such as dry mouth and blurred vision, among others. 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. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, 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 and help manage the symptoms of anxiety. Sweating is a common physical manifestation of anxiety for individuals who suffer from it, which is why these drugs work well for excessive sweating.
Topical Medications for the treatment of excessive sweating
After antiperspirants and deodorants, the next option many patients try for their hyperhidrosis is topical prescriptions. Drysol is a common topical antiperspirant containing 20 percent aluminum chloride, which is available by prescription. When aluminum chloride interacts with sweat, it creates a precipitate that forms a plug in the sweat gland ducts, preventing sweat from being released. However, it is not recommended to use aluminum chloride as a long-term solution, as it may cause skin and eye irritation in some individuals. Glycopyrronium tosylate is a topical anticholinergic treatment that the FDA has approved under the brand name Qbrexza. These wipes are available in pre-moistened, individually wrapped, single-use packages, making them easy to use. Qbrexza is convenient because its packaging allows teens and adults to carry and use it while exercising to reduce excessive sweating.
How do I permanently stop hyperhidrosis?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for primary hyperhidrosis. However, treatment options can temporarily alleviate excessive sweating. Patients with secondary hyperhidrosis can achieve permanent relief once the underlying condition is addressed or the medication is modified. Botox offers long-lasting relief from primary hyperhidrosis. When injected into targeted areas, the neurotoxin interrupts the faulty nerve signals responsible for excessive sweating. Botox injections are highly safe and effective for localized hyperhidrosis, particularly when administered by an expert board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green. After each treatment session, patients can expect to manage their symptoms for four to six months before requiring another session. Additional methods for managing excessive armpit sweating include topical antiperspirants, Qbrexza anticholinergic wipes, and oral medications. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will evaluate your medical history and concerns to create the most effective treatment plan to provide you long-term relief.
FAQ about the Types of Hyperhidrosis
What is Type 1 hyperhidrosis?
Type 1 hyperhidrosis, also referred to as primary hyperhidrosis, is a type of hyperhidrosis not triggered by another medical condition or medication. It typically affects specific areas of the body, such as the hands, feet, or armpits. Individuals usually develop this condition during childhood and experience symmetrical sweating on both sides of the body. Primary focal hyperhidrosis results in excess sweating due to overactive sweat glands responding to faulty nerve signals, leading to increased activity of eccrine sweat glands. While there is no cure for primary hyperhidrosis, symptoms can be safely and effectively managed through various treatment options offered by a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green. When you consult with Dr. Green at her private dermatology practice in NYC, you will have the chance to discuss your hyperhidrosis and medical history before she creates a treatment plan for you, which may include oral or topical medications, prescription antiperspirants, Botox injections, or a tailored combination of these treatments.
How do I know if I have secondary hyperhidrosis?
A medical condition, medication, or supplement can cause secondary hyperhidrosis, which develops after or as a result of the underlying cause. Many patients with secondary hyperhidrosis notice generalized excessive sweating often within days or weeks after starting a new medication. This condition is more likely to occur in patients over the age of 25. Secondary hyperhidrosis may also present with other symptoms, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, indicating a potentially serious underlying medical issue. If you suspect you have secondary hyperhidrosis, it is crucial to consult your doctor to rule out any serious medical conditions that may be causing your symptoms.
What are the three types of sweating?
People sweat in response to various stimuli. The three types of sweating are thermal, emotional, and gustatory. Thermal sweating occurs due to an increase in temperature, such as during hot weather or exercise. Individuals with functioning sweat glands will experience thermal sweating. Emotional sweating happens when one feels stress, anxiety, fear, or pain. Many people notice their palms becoming sweaty when they are anxious or nervous. Gustatory sweating occurs while eating or even thinking about food. Also known as Frey’s syndrome, gustatory sweating can result from damage to the auriculotemporal nerve, which may occur due to surgery or trauma.
What can trigger hyperhidrosis?
Normal sweat is triggered by emotional stimuli (such as anxiety and fear), thermal stimuli (heat and exercise), and different food products (spicy foods or alcohol). Hyperhidrosis does not have a specific trigger, and patients will notice they sweat without stimuli present. Secondary hyperhidrosis can develop due to various medical conditions, medicines, or supplements. Once the medical condition resolves or the medicine is stopped, the hyperhidrosis will resolve.
What is excessive sweating an indicator of?
Generalized hyperhidrosis can indicate an underlying health condition, such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, thyroid disorders, or certain cancers, as well as changes in hormone levels like menopause or hyperthyroidism, or medications, particularly certain antipsychotics and opioids. In contrast, localized hyperhidrosis is usually not related to any underlying condition. Some individuals experience hyperhidrosis due to a genetic predisposition for uncontrollable excessive sweating, known as primary hyperhidrosis. Those with hyperhidrosis often notice excessive sweating during childhood, usually in localized areas such as the underarms, palms, or soles of the feet.
What organ controls sweating?
The nervous system controls sweating. Specifically, the hypothalamus of the brain controls how the body responds to temperature. The eccrine sweat glands respond to nerve signals and produce sweat. In hyperhidrosis, excessive nerve signals are sent from the brain to the sweat glands, leading to an overproduction of sweat.
What hormone imbalance causes hyperhidrosis?
Multiple hormonal imbalances can lead to hyperhidrosis. The most common hormonal imbalances that cause hyperhidrosis include menopause and hyperthyroidism. During menopause, women experience fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, which can affect various bodily functions, including sweating. Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid is overactive and produces too many hormones, which can lead to a faster metabolism and heart rate as well as anxiety and excessive sweating. The best way to determine if a hormonal imbalance causes your hyperhidrosis is to consult with a board-certified physician who can evaluate your symptoms and perform bloodwork to determine if there are any medical conditions present.
Is hyperhidrosis a disability?
Many patients wonder, “What type of disability is hyperhidrosis?” Hyperhidrosis can be regarded as a disability because it significantly affects a patient’s daily activities and hinders their ability to perform in work or social situations. It is often seen as a social, emotional, and occupational disability. Excessive sweating can lead to emotional distress, and the social stigma attached to sweating can create additional anxiety and stress for patients with hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis can impact both hands, which may negatively affect the patient’s ability to perform tasks requiring fine motor skills, such as typing, grasping, or carrying items.
What supplements are good for hyperhidrosis?
There is insufficient evidence to support claims that a supplement can improve the symptoms of hyperhidrosis. In fact, some supplements may worsen hyperhidrosis and contribute to secondary hyperhidrosis. For example, some individuals taking iron and zinc supplements report increased sweating. Before starting any new supplements, it is always best to consult with your doctor to determine their safety.
Who is most likely to get hyperhidrosis?
While anyone can develop hyperhidrosis, certain indicators may increase the chances of developing the condition. Individuals with a family history of primary hyperhidrosis are more likely to be affected, as research suggests a genetic component is involved. Patients with primary hyperhidrosis often begin to experience excessive sweating in childhood, typically in localized areas such as the underarms, palms, or soles of the feet. Some patients may develop hyperhidrosis due to a health condition, hormonal imbalances, or medications; however, it is impossible to predict whether someone will experience excessive sweating prior to the onset of a health issue or medication use.
What neurological disorder causes excessive sweating?
Many patients in Dr. Green’s private dermatology office ask, “Is hyperhidrosis a form of anxiety?” Neurologic conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease or anxiety, can lead to excessive sweating. The autonomic nervous system regulates the sweat response, and neurological conditions can disrupt normal nervous system function, leading to imbalances in temperature regulation. The disrupted temperature control can lead to faulty nerve signals to the eccrine glands, which then become overactive and create excess sweat. To determine if an underlying condition is causing excessive sweating, patients should always consult with a health care provider, such as board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. To diagnose hyperhidrosis, your healthcare provider may perform a physical exam, collect medical and family history, and potentially request diagnostic tests to identify any potential causes of your hyperhidrosis. 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.
How do you get started with hyperhidrosis treatments today?
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by uncontrollable excessive sweating that occurs independently of factors like exercise, stress, or heat. It can regularly interfere with daily activities and significantly impact overall quality of life. For many, it is not just frustrating but also embarrassing, leading to anxiety about their choice of attire and social interactions. There are two main types of hyperhidrosis. The first is primary hyperhidrosis, which has no underlying cause. Regardless of the cause of your hyperhidrosis, 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 oral medications, prescription antiperspirants, and Botox injections. 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, Super Doctors, and The New York Times. 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 how to deal with hyperhidrosis and treat excessive sweating with Botox injections, call the NYC office at 212-535-3088 or contact us online today.