Sweat is a necessary function that prevents the body from overheating. We sweat when we’re nervous, hot, and after physical activity. For the 15.3 million people with hyperhidrosis, the sweat comes whether the body needs cooling or not. The sweaty truth is hyperhidrosis is more than embarrassing. Thankfully, Texas Dermatology has a solution that can help.
Getting a Grip on Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that means too much (hyper) sweat (hidrosis). Most people have one or two areas of the body affected. The underarms, palms, and soles of feet are the most common. Patients may experience:
- Abnormal sweating: Beads of sweat often appear on the skin. Clothing is frequently sweat-soaked, and they sweat even at rest.
- Sweat that affects daily activities: It may be hard to grip a steering wheel or doorknob. Sweat frequently drips on papers and work equipment.
- Skin changes: Skin turns white, stays soft, and peels from staying wet for long periods.
- Skin infections: Excessive sweating makes those affected more prone to skin infections. Jock itch and athlete’s foot are familiar in patients with hyperhidrosis.
Hyperhidrosis begins in late adolescence through profuse sweating of the palms and soles can start as early as 13. Many people with this condition are healthy and have the primary focal type. Underlying medical conditions and medication side effects can cause secondary hyperhidrosis.
Mental Health Impacts and miraDry
Adolescents and teens face anxiety and embarrassment while they do everything possible to avoid others seeing their condition. Avoidance of things like hand raising and relationships are common. Without treatment, symptoms can persist throughout life.
There are many options available to help reduce sweating that may work alone or in combination with others. Prescription antiperspirants, oral and injectable medications may help. Microwave therapy, sweat gland removal, laser therapy, and a no-sweat machine are some surgical and procedural options.
Texas Dermatology is proud to offer miraDry to reduce the excessive sweating and underarm odor that occurs with hyperhidrosis. MiraDry is a minimally invasive procedure that destroys the underarm sweat glands with little to no downtime. After both underarms are numbed, the handpiece is placed on the skin and gently brings the sweat glands closer to the surface. Once in range, heat energy is released that targets and destroys the sweat glands.
The miraDry treatment is also a good solution for those who don’t have hyperhidrosis but still struggle with underarm sweat and odor. Set up your consultation today by calling (210) 728-3919, or book through our online portal.
References:
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/hyperhidrosis-treatment
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hyperhidrosis2#1
