Hyperhidrosis, Fall 2014 Newsletter

Do you often wonder if you sweat too much? Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is a relatively common problem, affecting 2-3% of the general population. Many people do not realize that hyperhidrosis is a medical condition with multiple treatment options. Primary, hyperhidrosis is profuse sweating that is not due to exercise, warm ambient temperature, or a secondary medical condition. Hyperhidrosis typically involves the underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis), palms (palmar hyperhidrosis), or soles (plantar hyperhidrosis), but it may affect any body area. If left untreated, hyperhidrosis can negatively impact medical, psychological, and social well-being.

Luckily, for our patients, Advanced Dermatology offers multiple solutions to treat this frustrating medical problem! Topical treatment of hyperhidrosis involves the application of a prescription anti-perspirant that locally blocks sweat production. We often prescribe a medication called Drysol™, an aluminum chloride deodorant applied nightly. Such medications can be used safely for maintenance therapy and often prove very effective for localized hyperhidrosis.

For multiple body areas or more generalized hyperhidrosis, oral medication may be favorable. Oral medications are also used when topical therapies have not proven helpful. One medication we frequently use is glycopyrrolate, which works by blocking transmission of a chemical messenger (acetylcholine) to the receptors on the sweat glands that are responsible for triggering sweating.

In addition, for hyperhidrosis involving the underarms, palms, or soles, injection of BOTOX® Cosmetic provides for several months of relief without any negative local or systemic side effects. BOTOX® Cosmetic is FDA-approved to treat the symptoms of severe sweating, and it is often covered by medical insurance after patients have tried multiple other treatment options. If BOTOX® Cosmetic is of interest to you; please call our office at (847) 459-6400 to schedule a medical appointment. After your appointment, our financial team will work with you to determine whether BOTOX® Cosmetic for hyperhidrosis is covered by your insurance policy.