Hyperhidrosis
(excessive sweating)

What is hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis disorder is a disorder that results in excessive sweating. Some people sweat so much that it soaks through their clothes or drips off their hands. Besides disrupting normal daily activities, this type of heavy sweating can cause social anxiety and embarrassment.

What causes hyperhidrosis?

Systemic diseases can sometimes cause hyperhidrosis. However, most cases occur in people who are otherwise healthy. Heat and emotions may trigger hyperhidrosis in some, but many who suffer from hyperhidrosis sweat nearly all their waking hours, regardless of their mood or the weather.

Diagnosing Hyperhidrosis

Dr Naidoo will begin by asking questions about your sweating, such as when and where it occurs. Next, she will perform certain tests, such as blood and urine tests, to determine if you have hyperhidrosis.

Treatment options

There are several treatment options available for excessive sweating. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the condition. If Dr Naidoo finds that you have an underlying medical condition that is contributing to the problem, then that condition will be treated first. In this case, Dr Naidoo may refer you to another specialist. If Dr Naidoo finds no underlying cause, treatment will focus on controlling the sweating. Sometimes, Dr Naidoo may need to try a combination of treatments to find out what works for you.

Some treatment options include:

• Prescription antiperspirant

  Dr Naidoo may prescribe an antiperspirant containing aluminium chloride. This antiperspirant is stronger than those available over the counter and is often used to treat mild cases of hyperhidrosis.

• Nerve-blocking medications

  If antiperspirants and treatments like botulinum toxin don’t work, then Dr Naidoo may recommend a prescription medication such as anticholinergic drugs. Anticholinergic medications stop the activation of sweat glands and thereby reduces sweating.

Go back