In rare cases, surgery is needed.
Although the cause ofhyperhidrosisis oftenidiopathic(of unknown origin), there are certain common triggers for spontaneous outbreaks.
Over time, a pattern may emerge that can point you in the direction of the possiblecauses and triggers.
diego_cervo / Getty Images
diego_cervo / Getty Images
Common Causes
Several factors can lead toexcessive sweating.
Some factors are controllable, while others are not.
When you get hot, you sweat all over your body.
The sweat on your skin evaporates to cool you down and maintain a normal body temperature.
Stress
Extreme or sudden emotional responses can trigger sweating.
Hormones
A fluctuation in hormones can affect when and how much you sweat.
Food triggers include:
Smoking
Tobacco smoking may also be the cause of hyperhidrosis in some people.
Studies suggest that hyperhidrosis is triggered by the effects of nicotine on theendocrine(hormonal) system.
Cigarette smoking also raises the body temperature which can lead to sweating.
AH is classified into two forms: primary hyperhidrosis and secondary hyperhidrosis.
Primary Hyperhidrosis
Primary hyperhidrosis is an idiopathic condition, meaning one whose cause is unknown.
These hormones act directly onapocrine glandsin hair follicles andeccrine glandsin skin pores without hair follicles.
Secondary Hyperhidrosis
Secondary AH is excessive sweating that is associated with an underlying medical condition.
Sweating can often be controlled with measures like lifestyle changes and antiperspirants.
But in some cases, more aggressive treatment is needed.
These include:
Stress Management
Learning tomanage anxiety and stresscan help reduce your odds of excessive sweating.
It can also help you handle any negative emotions you might experience while living with AH.
Option include:
Antiperspirants
Antiperspirantsare typically the first-line treatment for AH.
These products commonly contain aluminum chloride or aluminum chlorohydrate which helps block sweat glands.
Antiperspirants come in many forms, including sticks, roll-ons, creams, sprays, wipes, and powder.
Products marketed as"clinical-strength antiperspirants"usually contain aluminum chlorohydrate and tend to work better than regular-strength versions.
They are also more costly and more likely to cause irritation if you have delicate skin.
When to See a Healthcare Professional
If conservative treatments don’t help, see a board-certifieddermatologist.
These specialists are trained to diagnose and treat sweat problems, including AH.
Qbrexva Wipes
Qbrexzais the brand name of a prescription wipe containing the active ingredientglypyrronium tosylate.
Used once daily, it is FDA-approved for people 9 years and over who have excessive underarm sweating.
Studies have shown that it can reduce sweat volume by 50% or more.
Results are usually achieved within four to five days of treatment, with effects lasting four to six months.
Treatment can be repeated when excessive sweating returns.
In most people who use the Breall SweatControl Patch, sweat volumes are decreased by more than 50%.
Microwave Thermolysis
Microwave thermolysis uses microwave energy to destroy sweat glands in the armpit.
Two treatments are required, spaced three months apart, which can reduce armpit sweating by over 80%.
Several applications are usually required, spaced several weeks apart.
When used appropriately, cryotherapy can reduce sweat volumes by as much as 60% or more.
Iontophoresis
Iontophoresisinvolves a gear that sends gentle electric currents through the skin to deactivate sweat glands.
The unit can be obtained with a prescription and may be covered by insurance.
This can damage and deactivate sweat glands without significantly affecting the surface skin.
Several sessions are needed, each of which lasts 20 to 30 minutes.
Home versions are available but are generally avoided due to the risk of severe burns.
Microneedle Radiofrequency
Microneedle radiofrequencyinvolves the placement of tiny needles in pores that generate heat through high-frequency radiowaves.
The procedure can be mildly uncomfortable but is able to provide longer-term control of armpit sweat.
Microfocused Ultrasound
Microfocused ultrasound uses sound waves to damage sweat glands.
Several sessions are needed, which can reduce sweat volumes by up to 80%.
The equipment was FDA-cleared under the brand name Ulthera.
People with severe underarm sweating are less responsive.
AH is usually treated with lifestyle changes and antiperspirants.
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