I Sweat More than My Friends — Why Is That?

Hyperhidrosis. That’s a sophisticated way of saying you sweat a lot. And when you’re living with this condition, life is definitely more difficult. You might have to avoid certain shirts or scenarios that require hand-shaking. Little things most people take for granted get more complicated. 

We have good news: We can help. Here at Atlantic Dermatology in Longs, South Carolina, Kenneth Warrick, MD, FAAD, and our team specialize in treating hyperhidrosis. Talk with us to find what works to keep you dry, from lifestyle changes to Botox® injections in your underarms. 

So, should you make a hyperhidrosis appointment with us? If you sweat more than your friends, probably. 

Differentiating hyperhidrosis from “normal” sweating

Your body naturally sweats in an attempt to cool itself. It might also create sweat in response to stressors like anxiety. Most people will experience sweaty days. But if you constantly feel like you’re battling with this issue, you may have hyperhidrosis. 

This condition doesn’t mean you have more sweat glands. Instead, it means the nerves that cause your glands to sweat are hypersensitive. This causes excessive sweating on your:

• Underarms
• Palms
• Face and scalp
• Feet

If that sounds familiar, talk with Dr. Warrick. 

Treating hyperhidrosis

Many people with hyperhidrosis find some measure of relief with lifestyle changes, particularly those that help with stress sweat. Breathing techniques, meditation, and even switching to decaf coffee can all help you stay cooler under pressure.

Dr. Warrick can also explore pharmaceutical-grade antiperspirants or drying creams that you apply topically. Additionally, we can see if you benefit from oral medication which helps block the nerve signals that activate your sweat glands. 

We can also explore treatment that targets specifically sweaty areas. Botox, for example, can block a neurotransmitter that activates your body’s stress response. The FDA has already cleared Botox for reducing armpit sweat, and people also use this treatment option to minimize wetness on their palms, faces, and the soles of their feet. 

Similarly, microwave thermolysis, a noninvasive treatment, can target and destroy sweat glands in problem areas for you. 

Both Botox and microwave therapy only address specific sweat glands where you experience excessive wetness. That leaves the rest of your body’s sweat glands untouched so you can still sufficiently cool yourself. 

Most people benefit from a personalized hyperhidrosis plan that blends lifestyle changes with specific treatment. Talk with Dr. Warrick about your symptoms so he can partner with you to find what works to keep you dry. 

If you’re ready to enjoy 2024 with less sweat, call our office today to schedule a consultation, or use the online booking feature anytime.