Sweating is your body’s natural defense against overheating, especially as temperatures rise in the summer months. However, if you’re dealing with embarrassing, excessive sweating that antiperspirants can’t seem to control, it may be a sign of a deeper issue.
Treatment Options for Excessive Sweating
If you’re struggling with excessive sweating that is impacting your everyday life, there are treatment options available that can help. Dr. Sherri Peace in Los Angeles, CA offers the most effective treatment options to help manage overactive sweat glands and keep your body dry and cool this summer.
Topical Treatments
Because the sweat glands are just under the surface of the skin, medical-grade topical treatments can help manage sweat’s overproduction. These include topical creams and ointments, prescription-strength antiperspirants, and prescription wipes. Dr. Peace can walk you through your options and help you find the best option.
BOTOX Injections
BOTOX for excessive sweating is gaining popularity because of its lasting effectiveness. One BOTOX injection session can help reduce sweating for up to 6 months. Currently, BOTOX injections are only FDA-approved for use under the arms, but research has shown promising results for use in other areas, including the scalp and palms.Â
Surgical Intervention
In severe cases, excessive sweat production may require surgical removal of the sweat glands. This procedure can be performed quickly and easily, under local anesthesia by your dermatologist. Because the procedure involves the destruction and/or removal of the sweat glands, the results are more permanent than topical treatments or BOTOX.Â
What is Hyperhidrosis, Anyway?
Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweat production. In severe cases, hyperhidrosis can interfere with your everyday life and overall health, including causing skin infections, issues with dehydration, and complications for other health issues.
While the exact cause of hyperhidrosis is not clear, most dermatologists and scientists believe it is an abnormal response in the part of the nervous system responsible for regulating body temperature.Â
The Two Types of Hyperhidrosis
Finding the best way to control excessive sweating begins by identifying the type of hyperhidrosis you are experiencing. This typically falls into two categories: primary, or secondary hyperhidrosis.Â
Primary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweat production without an immediate, evident cause. Most people with primary hyperhidrosis will begin noticing the problem in childhood or adolescence. Primary hyperhidrosis most commonly affects the underarms, but may also manifest as sweaty palms or feet, facial sweating, or affect the entire body. It affects both sides of the body equally and results in excessive sweating at least once a week, but usually more often.Â
Secondary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating caused by another medical condition or as a side effect of a medication. These causes can include, but are not limited to:
- Diabetes
- Thyroid issues
- Pregnancy or menopause
- Spinal cord injuries
- Anxiety
- Gout
- Hormonal medications
- Antidepressant use
- Certain pain relievers
Management of secondary hyperhidrosis typically centers around addressing the medical cause.Â
Hyperhidrosis Treatment in Los Angeles, CA
Dr. Sherri Peace at Westchester Dermatology understands the significant impact excessive sweating can have on your social life and self-esteem. As a board-certified dermatologist with over 30 years of experience serving the greater Los Angeles area, she specializes in hyperhidrosis treatment and can help you find relief in the summer heat.
Dr. Peace specializes in medical dermatology, laser surgery, and cosmetic and dermatologic surgery, including excisions of keloids, moles, and skin cancers. She is also an expert injector with extensive experience using BOTOX injections to treat a myriad of medical conditions, including hyperhidrosis, and cosmetic treatments.Â
Her expertise and patient-centered approach to care means each patient feels seen and heard during every visit. If you are struggling with excessive sweating, or you have another skin health concern, trust our expert team to help you find the relief you deserve. Book your appointment using our convenient online scheduler or by calling (310) 645-6001.
