Excessive Sweating | Hyperhidrosis

At Springhouse Dermatology, we consult with many patients throughout Bucks and Montgomery County who suffer the embarrassment of excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis. Our founder, Dr. Margo Weishar is dedicated to providing the best care to all our patients. She uses her more than 25 years of experience as a double board-certified clinician in both internal medicine and dermatology to create the best personalized excessive sweating treatment plan for each patient.

What Causes Excessive Sweating?

There are many factors that can be attributed to excessive sweating. As a dermatologist, Dr. Weishar distinguishes between the two types of hyperhidrosis – primary and secondary, to ensure that your hyperhidrosis treatment is specific to the cause thereof.

Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis

Primary focal hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating on certain parts of the body, such as the hands, feet, underarms and head. Unlike other forms of excessive sweating, primary focal hyperhidrosis is not caused by another medical condition or medication side-effect. It tends to affect both sides of the body equally (in a “symmetric” pattern), and usually produces more sweat in specific “focal areas”. For example, people with sweaty palms often have concurrent excessive sweating in their feet as well. It usually begins in childhood or adolescence.

Secondary Generalized Hyperhidrosis

Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis is a type of excessive sweating that is caused by an underlying medical condition, or by taking certain medications. As its name implies, the hallmark of secondary hyperhidrosis is generalized sweating on multiple areas of the body, including the face, chest and back. It can also be accompanied by night sweats while sleeping.

Excessive Sweating Treatment Options | Philadelphia

Before we can treat excessive sweating, we first need to determine whether you are suffering from focal hyperhidrosis or generalized hyperhidrosis. This will guide your excessive sweating treatment plan and treatment may include some of the following recommendations:

  • Antiperspirants
    An antiperspirant can be effective if applied as directed, and can come in regular or clinical-strength varieties. Those who require more powerful protection may receive a prescription for a stronger product. It is typically used on the underarms, hands, feet, and hairline, and works by sitting on top of the skin and being pulled into the sweat glands when sweating occurs. By plugging up the sweat glands, the body receives a signal to stop producing so much sweat.
  • Iontophoresis
    This treatment is for excessive sweating in the hands, feet, or both areas. It can be done at home and requires you to immerse the affected parts (hands or feet) in a shallow pan of tap water while a medical device sends a low-voltage current through the water. This electric current temporarily shuts down the sweat glands of the treated area and usually requires 6 to 10 treatments to become effective, with two or three treatments per week as recommended by your dermatologist.
  • Botox for Hyperhidrosis
    When administered by a licensed dermatologist, very small amounts of FDA-approved Botox for hyperhidrosis are injected into various areas of the underarms, with very little pain or discomfort. Botulinum toxin works by temporarily blocking a chemical in the body that stimulates sweat production and prevents new sweat glands from forming.
  • Hyperhidrosis Medication
    Prescription medicines that block the functioning of sweat glands are commonly used to treat excessive sweating throughout the body. The hyperhidrosis medication works by preventing sweat from being produced. These include medications that are applied topically and easily to the affected area.
  • Hyperhidrosis Surgery
    Sympathectomy is a hyperhidrosis surgery treatment that involves cutting or clamping the nerves which send signals to sweat glands, resulting in less sweat production. The other hyperhidrosis surgery is the removal of sweat glands from the underarm.

Book Your Excessive Sweating Consultation with Dr. Weishar Today!

Dr. Weishar’s commitment to excellence has earned her numerous awards from leading industry organizations including the Philadelphia Top Doctors Award 2022. She is also frequently sought after as an expert instructor for teaching advanced techniques within the cosmetic surgery field.

As a result of her dedication and hard work, Dr. Weishar is recognized as one of the nation’s top aesthetic dermatologists. She always has her patients’ best interest at heart and looks forward to helping you find the best long-term solution to your excessive sweating. Book your appointment at her Philadelphia office today.

SpringhouseDerm: Smiling female patient with happy Dr. Margo Weishar

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cure for hyperhidrosis?

Certain types of treatments can help manage symptoms and reduce the amount of sweating. These treatments include prescription medications, antiperspirants, injections of Botox for hyperhidrosis, and certain types of hyperhidrosis surgery.

What is excessive sweating a sign of?

Excessive sweating can signify an underlying medical condition such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, infections, or hormonal imbalances. It can also be caused by stress or anxiety. Sometimes it can be caused by taking certain medications or due to an underlying neurological disorder.

Is hyperhidrosis genetic?

Hyperhidrosis can be caused by either genetics or lifestyle factors. In some cases, it can occur based on environmental triggers as well as hormones and body chemistry. If someone has a family history of excessive sweating they may be more likely to suffer from it themselves.

What is the best antiperspirant for excessive sweating?

The best antiperspirant for excessive sweating is one that contains aluminum chloride hexahydrate as the active ingredient. This type of antiperspirant blocks sweat ducts and reduces the amount of sweat produced by your body.

Top Doctors 2019 - Dr. Margo Weishar
Written By:
Dr. Margo Weishar
Board Certified Dermatologist, Montgomery County

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