08 Jan Excessive Sweating / Hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, can result in significant social anxiety and embarrassment. This form of excessive sweating may be related to an underlying medical condition or a medication side effect, but more commonly happens without any apparent cause. An estimated 2-3% of Americans suffer from excessive sweating of the underarms, face, the palms of the hands, and the soles of the feet. The production of sweat can be excessive to the point of soaking through clothing or dripping from the hands, causing patients to feel ashamed, embarrassed, and distressed.
Fortunately, primary hyperhidrosis (the kind NOT caused by a medical problem or medication) typically responds very well to intradermal injections of botulinum toxin (Botox, etc). For example, patients with excessive sweating of the axilla (“armpits”) may be treated with 50 units of botulinum (Botox etc.) injected diffusely on each side. This effectively prevents the overactive nerves from stimulating the sweat glands. Botox can similarly be used off label in the hands, face, and feet, to prevent similar sweat production.
All treatment is considered highly effective and safe, but typically needs to be repeated every 3-4 months to maintain the effect. I recently treated a patient who suffered from severe anxiety and self-consciousness due to hyperhidrosis, often sweating through his clothes during important meetings, who felt that this treatment was completely life changing.
If you live in the Fresno area and suffer from hyperhidrosis, know that your condition may be very treatable and that local providers, including myself, are happy to discuss your options.