Excessive sweating is not only uncomfortable, it can be embarrassing and discourage people from participating in their favorite activities and sports. Uncontrollable sweating can impact all areas of your life, from job interviews to social situations leading to messy, stained clothing and feelings of self-consciousness.
At Nashville Skin, we understand the importance of making a good impression. Our team of expert practitioners offers effective treatments for a condition that causes profuse sweating called hyperhidrosis to help you gain the comfort and freedom you deserve.
What is Hyperhidrosis?
Sweating is a necessary bodily function that helps the body stay cool. In most cases, sweating happens naturally when people are in warm temperatures, when they exercise, or in response to situations that may make them nervous, angry, embarrassed, or afraid. However, hyperhidrosis is a medical condition in which a person sweats excessively and unpredictably, regardless of the temperature or whether they are being active.
For most people with hyperhidrosis, the sweating is most active in the hands, feet, armpits or groin. This is due to a high concentration of sweat glands located in these parts of the body.
Hyperhidrosis tends to fall into two categories:
Focal hyperhidrosis: The perspiration is localized. For example, with palmoplantar hyperhidrosis, patients experience extreme sweating in the palms and soles of the feet.
Generalized hyperhidrosis: Generalized hyperhidrosis affects the entire body.
For some people, hyperhidrosis may be present at birth, but for others, it may develop later in life, primarily in adolescence. For people who lack a specific cause, this is called primary hyperhidrosis. However, there are some underlying health conditions that have been linked to excessive sweating, which is called secondary hyperhidrosis.
Some of these health conditions include:
- Obesity
- Gout
- Menopause
- Tumors
- Infections
- Diabetes
- Hyperthyroidism
- Anxiety
- Certain cancers
- Heart disease
- Nervous system disorders
The Most Common Excessive Sweating Symptoms
Not all patients who experience what they consider excessive sweating have hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis is defined as extreme sweating that disrupts normal activities. These episodes will occur at least once a week without a clear trigger.
Additional symptoms of hyperhidrosis may include:
- Clammy or wet palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- Frequent sweating without activity
- Sweating that often soaks through clothing
How Primary or Secondary Hyperhidrosis is Diagnosed
In order to determine whether you’re suffering from primary or secondary hyperhidrosis, it’s necessary to rule out any underlying conditions like hyperthyroidism. This may require blood and/or urine tests.
Answer the following questions to help you determine whether you should seek an evaluation with one of our experts at Nashville Skin:
- Do you experience frequent episodes of excessive sweating?
- Does hyperhidrosis affect your behavior or mental state?
- Does the sweat soak through your clothes?
- Do you need to wash or have a shower/bath more often than is typical?
- Does excessive sweating stop you from participating in certain activities?
Treatment Options for Profuse Sweating
Some of the treatments we use at Nashville Skin to help manage hyperhidrosis symptoms include:
Clinical Strength Antiperspirants: Another successful treatment for hyperhidrosis includes the use of clinical strength antiperspirants, which contain aluminum chloride or aluminum chloride hexahydrate. Antiperspirants work to block the sweat glands, helping the body produce less sweat temporarily.
Medications: Oral medications, such as anticholinergics, are also effective at reducing the body’s ability to sweat excessively by blocking the nerve signals that trigger perspiration episodes.
Botox: Botox is a highly successful treatment option for people looking to treat their excessive sweating. By relaxing the nerves that control the sweat gland, Botox injections can successfully reduce sweat gland activity. Primarily known as a cosmetic treatment for fine lines and wrinkles, Botox provides significant relief for perspiration sufferers, with a success rate of over 80%.
Get Relief for Hyperhidrosis in Nashville Today
If you suffer from excessive sweating, contact us today at one of our convenient Nashville locations (21st Ave S/Green Hills office, Southern Hills office, Centennial office), our Clarksville office or TriStar Medical Plaza Brentwood to schedule a formal diagnosis and treatment plan. With an individualized care, our team of experts can help you get the relief and comfort you deserve.