Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is a chronic medical disorder that causes excessive sweating. It tends to occur during the first stages of puberty and early adolescence, showing itself on the palms, underarms and/or the soles of the feet. Patients who suffer from the disorder often produce four to five times the normal amount of sweat. The conspicuous location of the excessive sweat makes it difficult to conceal and can thus lead to social, emotional, psychological and physical impairments.

Fortunately there are treatments available. Topical agents such as prescription antiperspirant products may provide relief from hyperhidrosis. Iontophoresis (A transdermal delivery system in which a substance bearing a charge is propelled through the skin by a low electrical current) may also be used. Or Botulinum Toxin (Botox) can be injected to interrupt the chemical messages that tell sweat glands to sweat. In more severe cases, two types of surgery are used to either clip the nerves that carry the messages or to remove the entire sweat gland—but these procedures are relatively risky

For additional information visit The American Academy of Dermatology.