Skip to main content

Hyperhidrosis

Bay Ridge Dermatology

Dermatology and Laser Specialists located in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY

Sweat is necessary, as it helps keep your body cool when it’s hot. However, excessive sweating — referred to as hyperhidrosis — can affect your everyday activities and increase your risk of developing a skin infection, not to mention the effect it has on your self-esteem. The team at Bay Ridge Dermatology in the Bay Ridge area of Brooklyn, New York, provides treatment for hyperhidrosis to help improve your quality of life. Call today or request an appointment online.

Hyperhidrosis Q & A

What is hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is when you sweat excessively, but not necessarily because of heat or activity. The two types of hyperhidrosis include:

  • Primary hyperhidrosis: caused by overactive nerve signals to your sweat glands
  • Secondary hyperhidrosis: caused by a medical condition such as diabetes or menopause

Certain medications or withdrawal from medications may also lead to excessive sweating.

This type of sweating can be embarrassing and lead to social anxiety. The team at Bay Ridge Dermatology understand the emotional toll hyperhidrosis may have on you and offer compassionate care and treatment.

How do I know if I have hyperhidrosis?

It’s normal to sweat, but you may wonder if your sweating is excessive. Common symptoms that may indicate hyperhidrosis include:

  • Visible sweat without exerting yourself
  • Being prone to skin infections
  • White, soft, and peeling skin
  • Sweating interferes with your daily life

People with hyperhidrosis usually sweat on their hands, feet, face, or underarms. You may be able to see the sweat circles on your shirt or feel the sweat rolling down your face.

After a thorough examination that may include a sweat test — such as measuring the size of the sweat circles on your clothes or a starch-iodine test that measures the sweat on your body — the team at Bay Ridge Dermatology can determine if you have hyperhidrosis.

How is hyperhidrosis treated?

Treatment for your hyperhidrosis depends on whether you have primary or secondary hyperhidrosis. If you have secondary hyperhidrosis, you may need to make adjustments to your treatment for the underlying medical condition causing the excessive sweating.

Treatment methods include:

Antiperspirants

Usually the first recommended treatment for hyperhidrosis. You can apply antiperspirants under your arms, to your hairline, or on your hands and feet to help stop the sweating.

Botox® injections

The injections are used for excessive underarm sweating and work by blocking the chemicals that stimulate your sweat glands. Botox treatment may keep you sweat free for up to six months.

Iontophoresis

Used if your hands and feet are the sources of your excessive sweating. Also known as the no-sweat machine, iontophoresis is a low-voltage device you place in a container of water which you then immerse your hands or feet in for treatment. The electric current temporarily halts your sweat gland activity for 1-4 weeks.

Prescription medication

If needed, the team at Bay Ridge Dermatology may prescribe medication that stops your body from sweating. These medications work for any part of your body affected by excessive sweating.

For treatment and management of hyperhidrosis, call the Bay Ridge Dermatology office or request an appointment online.