Excessive SweatingTreatment in Bellevue, WA

Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive sweating that is not always related to heat or exercise. Suffers may sweat so much that it soaks through their clothing or even drips off their hands. This heavy sweating can be disruptive to normal everyday activities and can also lead to embarrassment.

Overall, there are two types of hyperhidrosis, categorized into:

Primary Hyperhidrosis:

This form of excessive sweating has no known cause. Sweating in many cases remains localized or contained to one specific area of the body.

Secondary Hyperhidrosis:

An underlying health condition is the cause of excessive sweating.

Common signs and symptoms of hyperhidrosis include:

• Clammy or wet palms on the hands or soles of the feet.
• Frequent sweating.
• Heavy sweating that soaks through clothing.

What Causes Hyperhidrosis?

This condition may be present at birth or develop over time later in life. However, many cases of hyperhidrosis tend to start during the teenage years. It may be due to an underlying health condition or have no known cause. For unknown reasons, doctors have found that excessive sweating may stop or slow during sleep for people with primary hyperhidrosis.

Hyperhidrosis Treatment Options

If you are diagnosed with secondary hyperhidrosis, meaning that your severe sweating is caused by an underlying condition, that condition will need to first be treated. Your doctor may have you undergo some testing to help determine the cause and create a plan of action for treatment.

For individuals with primary hyperhidrosis, there are a number of treatment options available, which may include the following:

Prescription-Strength Antiperspirant: Dr. Gray may prescribe you an antiperspirant that contains aluminum chloride, which is more effective than regular antiperspirant products.

Prescriptions: For those who experience hyperhidrosis of the underarms, hands, feet or face, prescription creams that contain aluminum chloride hexahydrate or glycopyrrolate may be helpful in controlling sweating.

Botox® Injections: Botox® can be injected into different areas of the body to temporarily block the nerves that lead to sweating. Results can last up to 12 months before repeated treatment is needed.

miraDry®: This is a non-invasive treatment that uses controlled electromagnetic energy to eliminate underarm sweat glands. For more information regarding this treatment or to determine if you are a candidate, speak with Dr. Gray during your consultation.