Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition in which an individual's sweat glands are overactive, causing excessive perspiration that can disrupt daily life and cause social distress. There are 2 to 4 million sweat glands distributed throughout the body, and for those with hyperhidrosis, these glands remain perpetually activated.
What is Hyperhidrosis?
The body has two types of sweat glands: apocrine glands in the armpits that produce odorous fluid, and eccrine glands throughout the body that secrete clear cooling fluid. In hyperhidrosis patients, these glands remain constantly activated, causing unprovoked heavy sweating that ranges from clammy hands to clothes-soaking perspiration.
Treatment Options
Antiperspirants
The first-line treatment, offering convenience and affordability. Clinical-strength antiperspirants contain higher concentrations of active ingredients. While effective for mild cases, they may cause skin irritation.
Iontophoresis
A home-based treatment primarily for hands and feet that uses low-voltage electrical current. It requires 20-40 minute sessions and weekly maintenance, making it time-consuming but effective for localized sweating.
Botox Injections
Underarm injections that block the nerves that trigger sweating. Results appear within days and last 4-6 months, but the treatment requires repeated sessions to maintain effectiveness.
Prescription Medications
Oral medications that reduce sweating systemically. However, they can cause side effects like dry mouth, blurred vision, and urinary problems. These are typically not recommended for athletes or those working in hot environments.
Surgery
Invasive options include sweat gland removal or endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS), which destroys certain nerves. These carry risks including infection, scarring, and compensatory sweating in other areas.
miraDry
An FDA-cleared device that uses electromagnetic energy to permanently destroy underarm sweat glands. The procedure is performed in-office under local anesthesia, typically requiring 1-2 treatments. Unlike other options, miraDry provides lasting results without the need for ongoing maintenance.
Finding the Right Solution
Excessive sweating is a manageable condition with multiple treatment approaches. The right choice depends on the severity of your symptoms, affected areas, lifestyle, and personal preferences. We recommend consulting with our team to discuss which treatment option is best suited to your individual circumstances.