(Hyperhidrosis)

A board-certified Dermatologist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) that has completed 4 years of medical school as well as 1 year of internship and a minimum of 3 years of dermatology residency. They are the experts in over 3,000 conditions affecting hair, skin, and nails. They can see patients of all ages and are able to address medical, surgical, and cosmetic concerns.

Most people see a Dermatologist once yearly for an overall skin check. If there is a personal or family history of skin cancers, abnormal moles, or other conditions such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis, the frequency of visits can be increased.

Dermatologists recommend performing a once-monthly self-skin examination to check for new or changing spots. You should examine all aspects of your skin, using mirrors or a partner as needed. Do not forget to try to examine your scalp, look between fingers and toes, check the bottoms of your feet, and examine the groin area. Please have any new or changing lesions examined by a Dermatologist to determine if any treatments are needed.

UV damage is the biggest skin aging culprit. Daily sun protection measures (even in the winter) is the best preventative step. Avoiding smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, other drugs, staying hydrated, and eating a well-balanced diet can all have positive anti-aging effects as well.

Topical vitamin A products (retinols, retinoids) are the overall most effective topicals for addressing skin aging concerns such as loss of elasticity, fine lines, skin texture changes, and dyspigmentation. There are various over-the-counter products and prescription products that contain these active ingredients. People with very sensitive skin can sometimes have a more difficult time tolerating these topicals as they can be irritating to the skin.

Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, affects almost 5% of the population with close to 9% of 18-39 year-olds being affected. About 2/3rds of people suffering from hyperhidrosis has a family history of excessive sweating.

Hyperhidrosis is more common in 18-39 year-olds so, while it is possible to have excessive sweating improve later in life, it can be a persistent problem for decades for most people.

Hyperhidrosis commonly involves the underarms, hands, feet, and face/scalp, though other or multiple areas can be involved.

Clinical strength antiperspirants are now available over-the-counter and can be tried to help reduce excessive sweating. These topicals can be applied to the palms and soles as well as the underarms if needed. It is typically most effective to apply to affected areas nightly.

Depending on the location of sweating and whether there is any underlying medical condition contributing to the issue, possible treatments include: prescription antiperspirants, Botox® injections, oral medications, iontophoresis, miraDry® treatment, lasers, and other topicals such as Qbrexza®.