Hyperhidrosis Treatment Near Chattanooga, TN

Sweat is a completely natural bodily function that every person needs in order to properly cool down and avoid overheating. It is typical for some individuals to sweat more than others, but some actually have a medical condition that leads to excessive sweating, which is known as hyperhidrosis.

With hyperhidrosis, the person will often sweat even when they are not exercising or when they encounter a particularly hot climate. Instead, individuals with this condition will be dripping with sweat in one or two areas of the body while the rest remains totally dry. Such an occurrence often causes a significant amount of discomfort and embarrassment, though thankfully, hyperhidrosis is completely treatable by the board-certified dermatologists at Uderm. For more information about hyperhidrosis treatment at our dermatology clinic near Chattanooga, TN, please call (423) 206-2777 or request an appointment online today.

Request an Appointment

Common Causes & Symptoms of Excess Sweating

There are two different types of hyperhidrosis that are classified based on the cause of the individual’s excess sweating: primary focal hyperhidrosis, and secondary hyperhidrosis.

Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis

Also known as essential hyperhidrosis, this particular type of condition occurs when the nerves that activate the body’s sweat glands become overstimulated or overly sensitive. The exact cause of primary focal hyperhidrosis is unknown, though it is believed that genetics play a role considering you are more likely to have this condition if a relative also has it.

The word “focal” refers to a specific area of the body that excessive sweat continually affects. This most often occurs in the hands, feet, face, or underarms. An individual with primary focal hyperhidrosis typically begins to notice symptoms during their early adolescent years, which generally occur about once per week all the way through adulthood.

Secondary Hyperhidrosis

This form of hyperhidrosis is caused by another underlying medical condition, or as a side effect of a medication. For example, many women who are transitioning through menopause will experience hot flashes where they suddenly begin to sweat profusely. Other common conditions that can lead to secondary hyperhidrosis include:

• Diabetes
• Gout
• Low blood sugar
• Obesity
• Hyperthyroidism
• Frostbite
• Disorders of the nervous system
• Some forms of cancer

Left untreated, all forms of hyperhidrosis can easily lead to recurring infections, and a variety of impairments to a person’s social life and emotional health.

How is Excessive Sweating Treated?

There is no reason why an individual should suffer the complications of excessive sweating when there are a variety of treatment options available to help you manage your symptoms. Generally, your dermatologist will begin recommending solutions that are minimal at first, and if these do not provide satisfactory results then they will often begin to suggest more comprehensive treatments, such as:

• A clinical-strength antiperspirant
• Oral medications
• Botox injections
• Laser treatments to kill the sweat glands
• Surgery may be needed to break up the nerves in control of your sweat glands, but this typically only used as a last resort

A large majority of patients are able to easily manage their symptoms of hyperhidrosis using simple, everyday solutions. If you continue to struggle in controlling your sweat, please contact Uderm today to schedule an appointment with one of our expertly trained providers. We also offer diagnostic services if you suspect that you may have hyperhidrosis.