Everyone sweats from time to time. This is a normal part of life. It is healthy to sweat a lot when exercising, or when exerting yourself physically in other ways, such as moving furniture. However, it is not healthy to sweat so much that it interferes with your everyday life. For example, it is not considered normal to sweat excessively when you are sitting on a couch in a cool room.
Hyperhidrosis is a dermatological condition characterized by excessive, unpredictable sweating. As opposed to normal sweating caused by hot weather or physical activity, those with this condition may experience sweating even when cold or at rest, leading to physical and/or emotional discomfort.
What Causes Hyperhidrosis?
For some people, hyperhidrosis is caused by overactive sweat glands, a condition known as primary hyperhidrosis. In addition to sweating under the arms, the hands and feet can also be affected. These symptoms are so extreme that quality of life is affected; for example, sweaty hands can make it difficult to type or open doorknobs. Secondary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating caused by another medical condition, such as anxiety, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, menopause or stroke.
Treatment Options for Hyperhidrosis
There is a range of methods that can be used to effectively treat hyperhidrosis, depending on the cause of the condition, its severity and the area affected. The first line of defense is typically a strong antiperspirant, ideally with a formula containing 10% to 20% aluminum chloride hexahydrate. While deodorants will not prevent sweating, they can control associated body odor.
If this is not effective, medical procedures are available that can help to control excessive sweating. One such procedure uses laser energy to affect the sweat glands in a way that disables them from functioning. This is a great option because it does not require invasive surgery, and only involves minimal downtime.
Learn More During a Consultation at Our Office
If you experience excessive sweating that occurs even when you are at rest in a cool environment, help is available. Consult our professionals at the Cosmetic Plastic Surgery and Laser Center of Maryland to determine whether or not you have hyperhidrosis, and explore treatment options. If hyperhidrosis is detected, then our Precision Tx™ laser system may be able to help you get rid of your problem once and for all. Our office is conveniently located in Hanover, and we also serve the Annapolis, Severn and surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule your consultation to learn more.
