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Hyperhidrosis

Sweating helps control body temperature, but for some people, sweating too much can make daily life difficult. Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that causes uncontrollable sweating, often affecting the hands, feet, underarms, and face. At Derma Birmingham, we offer effective hyperhidrosis treatment to help patients regain confidence and improve their quality of life.

What Is Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by excessive sweating that occurs even when the body doesn’t need cooling. It can happen unexpectedly, causing discomfort, embarrassment, and trouble with daily activities like shaking hands, using electronics, or wearing certain clothes.

This condition can be classified into two main types:

Primary Hyperhidrosis – Excessive sweating occurs without an underlying medical condition, often affecting specific areas like the palms, soles, underarms, or face.
Secondary Hyperhidrosis – An underlying health issue, such as infections, hormonal imbalances, or medication side effects, causes sweating. This type can affect larger areas of the body.

While hyperhidrosis is not life-threatening, it can significantly impact a person’s confidence and daily comfort.

What Causes Hyperhidrosis?

The causes of excessive sweating depend on whether a patient has primary or secondary hyperhidrosis:

Primary Hyperhidrosis

Thought to be linked to overactive sweat glands
Often runs in families, suggesting a genetic component
Typically begins in childhood or adolescence

Secondary Hyperhidrosis

This form results from an underlying condition or external factor, including:

Hormonal changes (such as menopause or thyroid disorders)
Certain medications (such as antidepressants or pain relievers)
Infections or fevers
Nerve disorders that affect sweat regulation
Underlying medical conditions, including diabetes or heart disease

If excessive sweating starts suddenly or affects large areas of the body, it is important to see a dermatologist in Birmingham, AL. Board-certified dermatologists will help identify the cause and recommend the best treatment options.

Hyperhidrosis Treatment Options at Derma Birmingham

At Derma Birmingham, we offer customized hyperhidrosis treatment in Birmingham to help patients control their symptoms and reduce excessive sweating. Treatment options include:

Prescription Antiperspirants and Topical Medications

For mild cases, prescription-strength antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride can help reduce sweating by blocking sweat glands. Doctors may recommend topical medications, such as glycopyrrolate, for localized areas like the hands or face.

Botox Injections

Botox is an FDA-approved hyperhidrosis treatment that temporarily blocks nerve signals responsible for excessive sweating. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to obtain insurance coverage for this treatment.

Oral Medications

For patients with widespread hyperhidrosis, oral medications called anticholinergics can help reduce sweat production. These medications work by interfering with nerve signals that trigger sweating.

Iontophoresis (Water Therapy)

This simple treatment requires soaking hands or feet in water while a gentle electrical current passes through the skin, helping to temporarily reduce sweating. Doctors commonly use it to treat palmar (hand) and plantar (foot) hyperhidrosis.

Energy-Based Treatments

These procedures can target and destroy overactive sweat glands, providing long-term relief for underarm hyperhidrosis. This procedure is minimally invasive and requires moderate downtime.

Surgical Treatment (Sympathectomy)

For severe cases that do not respond to other treatments, a surgical procedure called sympathectomy may be an option. This involves cutting or clamping nerves responsible for excessive sweating. However, doctors generally consider surgery a last resort due to potential side effects.

At Derma Birmingham, we customize each hyperhidrosis treatment plan to meet the patient’s needs, providing the best results with little impact on daily life.

Find Relief with Hyperhidrosis Treatment in Birmingham

If excessive sweating is affecting your daily life, help is available. At Derma Birmingham, we offer advanced, patient-focused treatments to effectively manage hyperhidrosis. Call us today to book an appointment with a skilled dermatologist in Birmingham, AL, and find the best treatment options for you.

Who We Are

Katherine Hunt, MD, FAAD

Dr. Hunt grew up in Hoover, Alabama and attended Hoover High School. She started her career in business and engineering at the University of Alabama.

As an undergraduate, she gained national attention and was named "USA Today National Academic All-Star" for creating a self-sustaining peer mentoring program which measurably improved students' computer science performance at Alabama.

Her extensive work experience at Huron Consulting Group and GE Healthcare helped her realize that she would be most fulfilled in the field of medicine, helping patients one-on-one.