Hyperhidrosis Treatment at Olive Branch Dermatology in Hoover, AL
Are you struggling with excessive sweating that disrupts your daily life? You’re not alone. Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is a common condition that affects many people, causing discomfort, embarrassment, and inconvenience. At Olive Branch Dermatology in Hoover, AL, Dr. Amena Alkeswani, MD, FAAD, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hyperhidrosis, providing effective solutions to help you regain control and confidence.
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating that goes beyond what is necessary to regulate body temperature. It can affect specific areas such as the underarms, palms, soles of the feet, and face or occur throughout the body. This condition can disrupt daily activities and significantly impact your quality of life, from social interactions to work situations.
Excessive sweating even in cool temperatures or without physical exertion
Visible sweat stains on clothing, particularly in the underarm area
Sweaty palms and feet that affect your ability to grip objects
Facial sweating, especially around the forehead, nose, or upper lip
Hyperhidrosis is often categorized into two types:
Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis: This is the most common type, where sweating is localized to specific areas (like the underarms, hands, or feet). It is not caused by an underlying medical condition and often runs in families.
Secondary Generalized Hyperhidrosis: This type occurs due to an underlying medical condition or as a side effect of certain medications. It typically affects larger areas of the body.
If you’re experiencing excessive sweating, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis to determine the type of hyperhidrosis and the best course of treatment.
Deodorants were originally designed to neutralize body odor, while antiperspirants aim to reduce sweat production in targeted areas. For optimal sweat control, a deodorant should include antiperspirant properties. Key active ingredients to look for in antiperspirants include aluminum chloride, aluminum chlorohydrate, and aluminum zirconium. These compounds work by reacting with moisture to create a gel that sits on the skin’s surface. This gel blocks the sweat ducts, forming a temporary barrier to prevent sweat from reaching the surface.
In the 1960s, there were concerns about a link between aluminum and Alzheimer’s disease, but extensive modern studies have debunked this theory. Additionally, the National Cancer Institute has confirmed there’s no evidence that deodorants or antiperspirants cause breast cancer, despite their use near the underarm area.
Antiperspirant deodorants are available in a variety of forms such as sticks, gels, sprays, and wipes. Choosing the best option often comes down to personal preference. For example, Sweat Block Antiperspirant offers wipes containing 14% aluminum chloride that can keep underarm sweating under control for up to seven days. Alternatively, Vanicream Antiperspirant Deodorant is a traditional stick deodorant with 20% aluminum zirconium, free from common irritants like dyes, parabens, ethanol, and formaldehyde.
At Olive Branch Dermatology, we offer a variety of customized treatment options for hyperhidrosis, including:
Topical Antiperspirants: prescription-strength antiperspirants like Drysol, which contains 20% aluminum chloride. This topical antiperspirant should be applied to clean, dry skin at bedtime to intercept sweat production in the eccrine glands. However, aluminum chloride may cause skin or eye irritation in some individuals. If irritation occurs, it’s advised to discontinue use and consult Dr. Amena Alkeswani. A topical hydrocortisone prescription can typically clear up the irritation within a few days.
Botox® Injections: Botox® is an FDA-approved treatment that temporarily blocks the nerves responsible for sweat production, significantly reducing sweating in targeted areas such as the underarms, hands, or feet.
Oral Anticholinergic Medications: Anticholinergic drugs work systemically to limit overall sweating by blocking nerve signals to sweat glands. Although not all are FDA-approved for hyperhidrosis, some commonly prescribed options include glycopyrrolate, oxybutynin, benztropine, and propantheline. These medications are especially effective for individuals with excessive sweating on areas like the face and scalp, where topical solutions aren’t practical.
Glycopyrronium Tosylate (Qbrexa®): This topical anticholinergic treatment is FDA-approved and available under the brand name Qbrexa. It’s particularly effective for managing hyperhidrosis in children as young as nine years old. Qbrexa cloths come in pre-moistened, individually wrapped, single-use packages, making them convenient for on-the-go use. They are designed to treat areas like the underarms and groin, and are especially helpful for teens and adults seeking a portable solution to control sweating.
Iontophoresis Therapy: This non-invasive treatment involves placing your hands and feet in shallow trays of tap water while a machine delivers low electrical currents through the water. The electrical current helps block the sweat glands, preventing excess sweating. Repeated sessions are required to maintain effectiveness.
RF Microneedling: Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to target and reduce sweat glands in problem areas. This minimally invasive procedure creates controlled micro-injuries while delivering RF energy to destroy overactive sweat glands, leading to a long-term reduction in excessive sweating.