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Excessive Sweating

Q: What causes excessive sweating?

In primary hyperhidrosis, the cause is typically unknown but believed to be related to overactive nerves that stimulate sweat production, particularly in areas like the hands, feet, armpits, or face. Secondary hyperhidrosis, on the other hand, is caused by an underlying medical condition such as thyroid disorders, infections, diabetes, or as a side effect of medications.

Q: What are the types of hyperhidrosis?

There are two main types of hyperhidrosis: primary focal hyperhidrosis and secondary generalized hyperhidrosis. Primary focal hyperhidrosis is the more common type and usually affects specific areas of the body. Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis is less common and typically causes widespread sweating.

Q: What are the symptoms of hyperhidrosis?

The primary symptom of hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating, which can lead to noticeably wet palms, soles, or armpits, as well as damp clothing and visible sweat stains. It also frequently causes a need to change clothes. In some cases, it can also result in body odor, skin irritation, or even emotional distress due to social embarrassment.

Q: Is excessive sweating dangerous?

Excessive sweating is not usually a dangerous condition, but it can significantly impact quality of life and lead to complications such as skin infections, rashes, and emotional or social difficulties. If sweating begins suddenly, is severe, or occurs during sleep (night sweats), it’s important to rule out more serious health issues.

Q: When should I see a doctor about excessive sweating?

You should see a doctor if excessive sweating interferes with your daily life, occurs without a clear cause, starts suddenly, or is accompanied by other symptoms like weight loss, fever, or fatigue. A doctor can provide a hyperhidrosis diagnosis, identify any underlying conditions, and discuss effective treatment options tailored to your needs.

Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is a condition experienced by millions of people. It will often result in unnecessary perspiration on the hands, underarms, feet, or brow. It can be source of tremendous social embarrassment, a drain on the wardrobe expenses, and an overall nuisance. Patients will often complain of having tried many over-the-counter remedies with minimal or no success.

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What is Excessive Sweating
Hyperhidrosis Treatment Options
Who is a Candidate for Botox for Hyperhidrosis Sweat?
Recovery After Botox for Treating Hyperhidrosis
Is Botox for a Generalized Hyperhidrosis Diagnosis Covered by Health Insurance?
Excessive Sweating FAQs
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Hyperhidrosis, or excess sweating, is a condition experienced by millions of people. It will often result in unnecessary perspiration on the hands, underarms, feet, or brow. Both primary and secondary hyperhidrosis can be a source of tremendous social embarrassment, a drain on wardrobe expenses, and an overall nuisance. Patients will often complain of having tried many over-the-counter hyperhidrosis treatments with minimal or no success.

What is Excessive Sweating

Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is a condition in which the body produces more sweat than is necessary to regulate temperature. This can happen even without physical activity or heat and often affects specific areas such as the armpits, palms (palmar hyperhidrosis), feet, or face (craniofacial hyperhidrosis). In primary hyperhidrosis, the condition is usually localized and may run in families, while secondary hyperhidrosis is typically caused by an underlying medical condition or certain medications, and can affect the whole body. Symptoms may include damp clothing, skin irritation, and body odor, which can significantly impact daily life and emotional well-being.

Hyperhidrosis Treatment Options

Botox injections are a great option to stop excessive sweating. Botox can be injected into areas such as the underarms, brow, feet, or hands to reduce sweating by about 75 percent. Once injected, Botox works to block the nerves that activate eccrine sweat glands, meaning that they will not produce sweat. In patients with primary hyperhidrosis, this stops overactive sweat glands from producing unnecessary sweating. To learn more about excessive sweating and treatment for hyperhidrosis symptoms, visit Dr. Falcon at our Natrona Heights or Monroeville offices.

Who is a Candidate for Botox for Hyperhidrosis Sweat?

Most patients who suffer from excessive sweating are good candidates for Botox. The treatment is effective for up to 90% of patients. Before receiving Botox injections, Dr. Falcon will review your health history, including any medications you take or underlying medical conditions you may have that make your sweating worse, to make sure that Botox is a safe and suitable option for you.

“Excellent, compassionate, very nice and knowledgeable doctor. Dr. Falcon spends time with you and really listens. He's one of the best doctors I have ever seen and I would recommend him to anyone.”

-Lindsay

Recovery After Botox for Treating Hyperhidrosis

Botox injections do not require any downtime, so you can immediately return to your normal routine after treatment. You may notice some redness or swelling at the injection site, but this should resolve quickly. It is usually recommended to avoid strenuous activity like exercising for about 24 hours after receiving injections to prevent bruising or bleeding. Results from Botox injections may not be noticeable for a few days after your treatment. Botox results are also not permanent, because the body naturally breaks down the product over time. On average, patients who receive Botox injections for excessive sweating will see results that last for about four to five months. After the results begin to wear off, you can receive maintenance injections periodically.

Is Botox for a Generalized Hyperhidrosis Diagnosis Covered by Health Insurance?

Botox for excessive sweating is not considered medically necessary, so it is not generally covered by health insurance. To learn more about cost or financing options, you can contact our staff by calling our office, reaching out online, or reading more about financing on our website.