Hyperhidrosis

What is Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is unusually excessive sweating of the hands or palms not associated with heat or exercise. This heavy perspiration can disrupt normal activities and cause social anxiety and embarrassment.

Hyperhidrosis happens when the nerves responsible for triggering sweat glands become overactive. Treatments for hyperhidrosis can help relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life. There is most often no medical cause for hyperhidrosis, though an underlying cause is found and treated in some cases.

Learn more below about the signs and symptoms of hyperhidrosis, along with preventative steps and the treatment we offer to help get you back to living normally.

Causes Of Hyperhidrosis

There is no direct medical cause of hyperhidrosis, though it can be hereditary and pass on through families. Some medical conditions can cause heavy sweating. This less common type of hyperhidrosis is called secondary or generalized hyperhidrosis.

Risk Of Hyperhidrosis

Those with certain conditions may be at higher risk of excessive sweating. These conditions include:

• Diabetes
• Menopause hot flashes
• Thyroid problems
• Hypoglycemia
• Certain cancers
• Heart attack
• Nervous system disorders
• Infections

Signs & Symptoms Of Hyperhidrosis

Individuals with hyperhidrosis experience sweating far beyond normal levels usually associated with heat or physical activity. Sweating from hyperhidrosis primarily affects the hands, but can also occur on the feet, underarms, or face. Episodes usually occur at least once a week and affect both sides of the body.

Consult your doctor if you experience the following signs and symptoms that may indicate hyperhidrosis:

• Sweating that disrupts your daily routine or causes emotional distress or social withdrawal
• Sudden increased sweating
• Night sweats (especially without any apparent cause)
• Itching and inflammation when sweat irritates the skin
• Body odor
• Skin changes like discoloration, cracks, or wrinkles

Prevention Of Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis can’t be prevented, but certain lifestyle modifications can help lessen the impact of sweating and body odor from hyperhidrosis, especially in minor cases:

• Use antiperspirant containing aluminum chloride
• Apply over-the-counter astringent on the affected area
• Bathe regularly
• Wear shoes and socks made from natural, breathable materials
• Air your feet when possible and change socks often
• Practice relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation to manage stress
• Talk with your doctor about treatment options

Complications Of Hyperhidrosis

When left untreated, hyperhidrosis can lead to skin infections and social or emotional discomfort. Fortunately, hyperhidrosis is very treatable, and patients experience significant improvement in quality of life with treatment.

Treatment Of Hyperhidrosis

Vascular & Interventional Specialists offers treatment options for hyperhidrosis, including:

• Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) — The sympathetic nerves that control sweating in the affected areas are clamped to reduce nerve signals causing overactive sweat glands. The procedure takes about an hour and involves small incisions below the underarm.
• Botox injections — Botulinum toxin injected into affected areas temporarily blocks the nerves that cause sweating
• Prescription antiperspirants — Stronger aluminum-based formulations for cases not responding to over-the-counter products

Take the First Step

At Vascular & Interventional Specialists, we are committed to providing innovative, minimally invasive treatments to help you live your best life.

Contact us today or call (605) 217-5617 to schedule your consultation.

If you experience emergency symptoms, call 911 immediately.