Excessive sweating
Hyperhidrosis
Duke dermatologists are widely recognized as leaders in diagnosing and treating patients with hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), which can lead to significant physical and emotional discomfort. Whether your condition is mild or severe, our doctors work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Recognized leaders in hyperhidrosis
Sweating is the body’s way of cooling down and is necessary to prevent overheating. However, overactive sweat glands that produce more sweat than your body needs can be embarrassing, cause discomfort and anxiety, and increase your avoidance of social situations. Excessive sweating can also result in irritating and painful skin problems, such as infections and chronic peeling.
Our doctors are skilled at diagnosing the underlying cause of excessive sweating and treating even the most complex cases of hyperhidrosis in adults and children. Our goal is to improve your quality of life.
Choose Duke dermatologists for your treatment of your excessive sweating because we offer:
- Experience. Our doctors have successfully diagnosed and managed care for patients with hyperhidrosis. We offer many treatment options.
- Specialized care for children and teens. Hyperhidrosis affects children and adolescents. Our doctors help many children keep excessive sweating under control, so they can feel confident, enjoy time with friends, and engage in their hobbies.
EXCESSIVE SWEATING
Treatments
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Decrease the release of sweat and absorb odor-causing moisture. These substances are typically the first-line of defense against excessive sweating. Antiperspirants are available over-the-counter or in prescription strength.
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Delivers a mild electrical current through water to block the output of sweat. This treatment is often used for excessive sweating of the hands and feet, and can be done at home.
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Blocks the chemical that activates the body’s sweat glands. Used in the treatment of severe sweating under the arms, as well as the palms and soles. You usually return to normal activity the same day as treatment. Repeated treatment is often required to maintain the effect.
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Glycopyrrolate and oxybutynin are in the class of medications called anticholinergics. They decrease excessive sweating by preventing stimulation of the sweat glands. They may be prescribed when sweating takes place in more than one site on the body. Anticholinergics can be associated with side effects such as dry eyes and dry mouth.
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When conservative treatment options fail, our dermatologists may recommend this minimally invasive surgical option. It is performed by a cardiothoracic surgeon who collapses one lung in order to destroy the nerve responsible for sending signals that tell the body to sweat excessively. This procedure is only considered for the most severe cases of hyperhidrosis.
EXCESSIVE SWEATING
Diagnosis
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Your doctor will talk to you about your medical history and the symptoms you are experiencing. Your doctor will ask many questions such as: Where on your body does excessive sweating occur? Is there a particular time of day when it occurs? Is it triggered by nervousness or when you feel upset? Do you often change social plans because you worry about sweating excessively? Have you given up hobbies? Have you changed careers because of this condition?