Sweating an excessive amount can interfere with your confidence, not to mention with daily activities like turning door knobs. If excessive sweating leads to your skin staying wet for an extended amount of time, turning white or peeling, or leading to skin infections like athlete’s foot and jock itch, you may have hyperhidrosis. The word “hyperhidrosis” means too much (hyper) sweating (hidrosis). Sweating cools the body, which prevents us from overheating. People who have hyperhidrosis, however, sweat when the body does not need cooling. Dermatologists estimate that 3% of people in the United States have excessive sweating.

People of all races get hyperhidrosis, and it can begin at any age, although excessive sweating usually begins in adolescence. In fact, dermatologists believe that more children have this condition than are diagnosed.

For initial prevention, one should avoid triggers like spicy foods, and try swapping deodorant for antiperspirants. If your over-the-counter option is no longer working, you may need a prescriptive option from your dermatologist. Turn to moisture-wicking garments and lighter fabrics that won’t trap sweat.

If home remedies fail, see us at Charleston Dermatology for a physical exam. We will closely inspect areas of the body that sweat excessively and possibly perform other tests.

We may need to explore medical treatments. Common treatments for excessive sweating include prescription antiperspirants, iontophoresis, injections of botulinum toxin and anticholinergic drugs, including wipes.

We encourage you to schedule a consultation with us today if you’re suffering from hyperhidrosis.

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hyperhidrosis-causes-11#1

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/dry-sweaty-skin/hyperhidrosis

https://www.sweathelp.org/where-do-you-sweat/sweaty-face-and-head.html