If you experience excessive sweating when you’re not exercising or somewhere with a high temperature, you may be suffering from hyperhidrosis. You may sweat so much that you soak through clothing or have sweat drip from your body. Excessive sweating usually affects the entire body.
Treatments
Prescription Antiperspirant
As an initial course of treatment, your dermatologist may prescribe an antiperspirant that contains aluminum chloride (Drysol, Xerax AC). You’ll typically apply the antiperspirant before you go to bed, and then wash it off in the morning.
Nerve-blocking Medication
Some oral (taken by mouth) medications block the chemicals that allow certain nerves to communicate with each other, which works to reduce sweating in some people with hyperhidrosis.
Antidepressant Medication
Some oral medications typically prescribed for depression also decrease sweating. What’s more, anxiety can worsen sweating, so these types of medication also work to reduce episodes of anxiety.
Botulinum Toxin Injections
Injections of botulinum toxin (Botox) can help reduce sweating by blocking the nerves that trigger your sweat glands. The effects of each treatment lasts six to 12 months, so you’ll need to come in for subsequent treatments.
Tests
Physical Exam
Through a medical examination of your skin, we can accurately diagnose and determine the best way to treat your hyperhidrosis.
Blood or Urine Test
Your dermatologist may order a blood or urine test to make sure your hyperhidrosis isn’t being caused by an underlying health condition, such as an overactive thyroid or low blood sugar.
Sweat Test
Your dermatologist may use a sweat test — such as an iodine-starch test, thermoregulatory sweat test, or a skin conductance test — to pinpoint the areas of sweating and determine the severity of your hyperhidrosis.
Why Choose UHealth?
World-class leaders in skin care treatment. University of Miami Health System is recognized throughout South Florida and the world as a leader in caring for conditions and disorders of the skin. Backed by one of the nation’s top universities, our team uses the latest technologies and research-driven expertise to provide superior, personalized treatments for dermatologic conditions.
Compassionate care in an academic medical center. You benefit from the state-of-the-art technology and latest medical advancements developed by our researchers at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. You will receive the most accurate diagnosis and a detailed plan to keep you healthy.
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