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MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, with a state-of the-art office conveniently located in Upper East Side, Hampton Bays, Garden City, Commack, Smithtown, Plainview and Midtown East of Manhattan, NY, as well as Clifton, Marlboro and Englewood, NJ, diagnoses the underlying cause of hyperhidrosis for patients throughout New York. Once the cause is determined, the doctor administers effective hyperhidrosis treatment.
Hyperhidrosis Q & A
What is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for a condition that causes individuals to excessively sweat. Hyper means “too much” in Greek, while “hidrosis” means sweating. Hyperhidrosis is the result of overactive sweat glands (called the eccrine glands), as opposed to normal perspiration that can be caused by exercise or hot body temperature. Often hyperhidrosis is triggered or exacerbated by stress. People who suffer from this condition most commonly perspire from their palms, feet, underarms, or head. Often perspiration is so severe that sufferers must change their shirts multiple times a day. While excessive sweating is a medical condition, it doesn’t signal a disease or drug interaction. About 3% of Americans suffer from hperhidrosis to varying degrees. These individuals are otherwise healthy, although the condition can lead to dehydration and skin infections, as well as a foul odor.
What causes hyperhidrosis?
The actual underlying cause of hyperhidrosis is unknown, however, we do know that it is the result of a disorder of the nerves that trigger the sweat glands. These nerves signal the glands to produce excessive amounts of unnecessary perspiration. Though this condition often worsens with stress or nervousness, symptoms can also come on for no apparent reason. Hyperhidrosis is believed to have a genetic component. About 40% of patients who suffer from the condition have family members who do too. The onset of hyperhidrosis typically begins during puberty.
How is hyperhidrosis treated?
Treatment is highly individualized and may include a combination of remedies. Among these are:
- Prescription-strength antiperspirants applied to the affected areas.
- Topical medications that are applied at night.
- BOTOX® injections administered in the affected areas. This minimally invasive treatment can block nerve signals that over stimulate the sweat glands. Sweat is controlled on average for about six months at which point BOTOX can be re-administered.
*Individual Results May Vary
Common Sweat Problems:
Hyperhidrosis has been known to cause dehydration and skin problems such as infections secondary to skin maceration. These infections can be accompanied by strong odors. In some cases, individuals may suffer from sweating profusely. This often requires them to change clothing several times a day.
