There is no cure for excessive sweating, but innovative new treatments can offer long-lasting relief of hyperhidrosis.
Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating unrelated to heat or exercise. It is not usually life-threatening but may be the sign of a serious underlying condition. The medical skin experts at Austin Clinic are experienced diagnosing hyperhidrosis and treating its effects.
You have two to four million sweat glands distributed all over your body. Most are eccrine sweat glands, found on the soles of the feet, the palms, the forehead and cheeks, and in the armpits. Excessive sweating occurs when perspiration production becomes overactive. There are two types of hyperhidrosis. Primary focal hyperhidrosis is believed to be a hereditary problem and is the most common type of excessive sweating. Secondary hyperhidrosis is the result of a medical condition such as low blood sugar, diabetes, or nervous system disorders. Neither can be cured, but both can be mitigated. Extra-strength, over-the-counter antiperspirants are generally the first suggestion.
Austin Clinic can prescribe oral medications and topical creams that may be helpful. Should these approaches fail, muscle-relaxing injections are another option. These injections are typically used to treat wrinkles and have proven to be effective for blocking the nerves responsible for sweat. Thermal energy can be used to eliminate sweat glands entirely. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is a surgical option when other protocols fail.