Getting Help With A Skin Condition

Posted on: 26 October 2018

Many people think of skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema when they think of dermatologists. The field of dermatology actually covers conditions of the skin, the human body's largest organ, as well as nail and hair diseases. One condition dermatologists deal with is hyperhidrosis. Here is a look at this common— but often not well known—condition.

What Is Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating. This isn't normal sweating where one perspires more from exercise or extreme heat. It also isn't the same type of sweating that may occur in menopausal women with hot flashes due to hormonal changes. Rather, this is sweating excessively, regardless of activity or hormonal activity.

What Causes Hyperhidrosis?

Perspiration is the way the body regulates its temperature and cools the body. The armpits, forehead, groin area, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet contain the most sweat glands. Normally, nerves trigger the sweat glands to activate when they detect an increase in body temperature. However, these nerves can become overactive, triggering perspiration when there is no need.

There are two types of hyperhidrosis: essential or primary focal hyperhidrosis and secondary hyperhidrosis. Primary focal hyperhidrosis has no medical causes. Sometimes it is genetic with a tendency to run in families, but most times, it has no known cause.

Secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by an underlying medical condition and is less common. Conditions associated with secondary hyperhidrosis include:

• Diabetes
• Thyroid disorders and other endocrine disorders
• Disorders of the nervous system
• Heart attacks
• Cancer
• Underlying infections

Hyperhidrosis can also lead to more skin infections as the warm, moist conditions provide an ideal habitat for bacteria. Additionally, excessive sweating can affect confidence and limit social involvement because of embarrassment.

How Is Hyperhidrosis Diagnosed?

Dermatologists will recommend blood tests to rule out any underlying medical conditions. They can also apply a special powder to the sweat-prone areas of the body that is moisture sensitive and will turn color when exposed to moisture.

How Is Hyperhidrosis Treated?

If there are no underlying medical conditions that need to be resolved, prescription-strength antiperspirants are usually the first line of defense against hyperhidrosis. If the sweating occurs on the face or forehead, a medicated lotion is used. Nerve blocks may also be used to calm the nerve overactivity. If patients have depression or anxiety that is caused or exacerbated by their extreme perspiration, medications may be prescribed for this as well. Additionally, Botox injections may provide short-term relief. In severe cases with sweating in the armpits, the sweat glands may be removed.

For more information or to seek treatment, contact a dermatologist, such as Georgia Skin Cancer & Aesthetic Dermatology.