Why Does Hyperhidrosis Occur?
Two main types of excessive sweating affect adult men and women: primary and secondary hyperhidrosis. With primary hyperhidrosis, the eccrine sweat glands overact to situations that would normally cause sweating: overheating, movement, emotional triggers, or hormonal changes. It’s unclear what causes primary hyperhidrosis, but some doctors link it to hereditary sources. Secondary hyperhidrosis occurs as the result of other medical conditions, including pregnancy, menopause, low blood sugar or anxiety. Excessive sweating may also occur in adults who are overweight, take certain medications, have certain infections, or those with Parkinson’s disease. For most individuals with secondary hyperhidrosis, sweating takes place all over the body or in a single area, and is more likely to occur during sleep. For those with primary hyperhidrosis, a variety of treatments are available to help reduce the challenges associated with excessive sweating, including prescription strength antiperspirants, medications, Botox injections, microwave energy ablation, or focused ultrasound ablation (Ultherapy).
Treatment Options for Hyperhidrosis
Both Botox and Ultherapy are used at Esteem Medical Spa to treat excessive sweating when topical remedies have not been successful. For some patients, Botox injections are used to treat primary hyperhidrosis that occurs underneath the arms. As an FDA-approved treatment, Botox injections utilize purified protein found in OnabotulinumtoxinA to temporarily block the chemical that turns on the body’s sweat glands. Interrupting the chemical messenger helps reduce sweat production at the sight of injection. Ultherapy, a relatively new procedure, is also used in the treatment of hyperhidrosis, and works in a similar way to Botox by targeting overactive sweat glands under the arms. However, instead of injections, Ultherapy utilizes the advanced technology of ultrasound energy to reduce the number of sweat glands without adversely affecting the outer layer of the skin.
When Over the Counter Methods Don’t Work
Dr. Glass and the team at Esteem Medical Spa understand how challenging the management of hyperhidrosis can be in both social and private settings when topical prevention methods fail to work. We’re here to provide safe, effective treatment to qualified candidates through Botox injections or Ultherapy sessions. If excessive sweating has become a constant for you, contact us today at 775.204.3508 for a consultation.
