Am I Sweating Too Much?

Sweating is a natural bodily response that assists with cooling down, especially when we’ve been working hard or on a sweltering summer day. Have you ever felt like you sweat too much? Everyone sweats a different amount, but if you consistently think you sweat too much, you might have a medical condition called hyperhidrosis.

When it comes to sweating, what is “excessive?”

Some people sweat at the drop of a hat! Even just climbing a couple stairs can cause some people to break out. However, people with hyperhidrosis sweat even when their bodies do not need to be cooled down. Hyperhidrosis sweating is typically concentrated in the palms, feet, face, and armpits, which can cause infections, bacteria, and social discomfort or embarrassment. If you have daily struggles with excessive sweating, or if you have family who also sweat excessively, you likely have hyperhidrosis.

How is hyperhidrosis treated?

Treatment depends on the severity and location of the sweating. These are some common options:

  • Antiperspirants: These act to plug the sweat glands and signal the body to cease sweating. These are usually the first options for treatment.
  • Botox: This helps to block the chemical messenger that signals sweating. It can decrease underarm sweating by 82-87%.
  • Iontophoresis: This can help treat hand and feet sweating by immersing them in water and passing a mild electrical current through.
  • Medications: Oral medications work to block sweat signals throughout the body.
  • Surgery: In extreme cases, surgery can be performed in the armpit to cut, scrape, or suction out sweat glands.

Talking about hyperhidrosis can be embarrassing, but these treatments can help you live a more comfortable life. Chat with your dermatologist to find out what works for you and your lifestyle. 

If you have excessive sweating, or if you are dealing with any other skin, hair, or nail issues it’s time to give us a call today. Here at Old Bridge Dermatology, our dermatologist, Dr. Juan Vaillant, can help you assess and treat any skin, nail, or hair problem that you are experiencing. To schedule an appointment at our convenient Old Bridge, NJ office, call us today at 732-679-0222.