November is National Hyperhidrosis Month – Let’s talk about sweat. Unfortunately for us at times, sweating is an involuntary, daily part of the human experience. Sweating is actually a very positive thing as it’s your body’s way of keeping you from overheating by regulating your body temperature. On top of cooling your body down, sweating also helps your body detox from heavy metals, chemicals, and bacteria. However, when sweating becomes excessive in ways that are unrelated to heat exposure and exercise, it has officially crossed the threshold from regular sweating to Hyperhidrosis.
What Causes Hyperhidrosis?
There are two types of Hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary.
1. Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis is not caused by any underlying medical condition but rather is the medical condition. This type is typically inherited and begins in early adolescence. With primary Hyperhidrosis, sweating occurs from ‘focal’ points on the body (hands, feet, underarms, face, or head) and only in episodes averaging once a week.
2. Secondary Generalized Hyperhidrosis is caused by another medical condition or medication. This type begins in adulthood and occurs on larger, more generalized areas of the body and can also cause night sweats.
Ways to Treat Hyperhidrosis:
- Medication: Drying topical creams and oral systemic therapies are usually the first introduced treatment options for those with hyperhidrosis.
- Diet: New studies suggest that a vegetable heavy diet and proper supplements can help to lessen the severity of hyperhidrosis.
- Botox Injections: Injections that temporarily decrease sweating for 3 to 6 months.
- Microwave Thermolysis of Sweat Glands: A minimally invasive procedure which eliminates sweat glands in the underarm area with directed energy. Our miraDry procedure is a perfect example of this type of treatment.
- Surgery: Sympathectomy is a last resort procedure for those who have exhausted all other options. This involves cutting the sympathetic nerve which controls sweat reaction.
To celebrate National Hyperhidrosis Month, and to help you feel comfortable in your skin, Texas Dermatology is offering $250 off your miraDry procedure now through November 2022. If you’re curious to learn more about our services, such as miraDry, contact us at (210) 829-5180 or visit our website today.
Resources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperhidrosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20367152
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/excessive-sweating
