Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating not associated with exercise, heat, or normal regulation of body temperature. It is a condition in which the sweat glands of particular body parts such as the arms, armpits, legs, or the whole body produce an increased amount of sweat. There are several trigger factors such as stress, underlying conditions, or problem of the nervous system that cause this condition. If you have hyperhidrosis in New York, you can get treatment after a comprehensive diagnosis. Here is everything you need to know about hyperhidrosis, including causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
What are the causes of hyperhidrosis?
Increased sweating is more prevalent in women than men; however, treatment methods apply to either gender. Possible causes of excessive sweating include diabetes, diseases of the thyroid gland, and problems with the nervous system. Also, drugs abuses, pregnancy, and obesity can cause unexplained sweating. In addition, hereditary factors play a significant role in the occurrence of this condition.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis of the condition includes clinical examination and several tests. Your doctor may recommend laboratory tests to exclude possible underlying conditions.
At first, your doctor may recommend cosmetic products, including antiperspirants and medication. Also, the specialists may suggest a lifestyle change, including adherence to a healthy diet, free of spices and excessive salt.
Also, you can limit alcohol consumption, stop smoking or drug abuse. Other remedies include drinking a lot of water, outdoor walks, and light workouts. You can also wear clothes made from breathable materials and shoes that allow maximum airflow to improve the situation.
Surgical treatment
If conservative methods fail, your doctor may recommend surgical intervention. The goal of the surgery is to offer a long-term solution to excessive sweating and improve your quality of life. The surgery is minimally invasive, and it is an outpatient operation under local anesthesia.
During the preparatory stage, the doctor makes a small incision on the treatment area and, with X-ray guidance, conducts the surgery. The side effects include pain and redness in the treatment area, which disappears after 2-3 days. Recovery from the treatment may last up to five days, after which you can return to your everyday life.
Laser treatment
Another treatment option is the use of laser radiation to destroy the sweat glands on the armpits. There are few complications of this method. In addition, most people experience loss of hair on the armpit area due to laser treatment.
For secondary hyperhidrosis, your doctor may first treat the underlying condition that is causing the increased sweating.
Why you should seek treatment for hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating in the absence of other medical problems is not a life-threatening condition; however, in extreme severity, it leads to social maladjustment of a person, limitation of your daily activity, and depression. In addition, increased sweating can make you more susceptible to infectious diseases of the skin, and cracks may appear on the skin.
Individuals can lead a normal life by seeking treatment for hyperhidrosis. Contact the experts at NY Neurology Associates for assessment and treatment recommendations.