Excessive Sweating

What is excessive sweating?

Excessive sweating, also called hyperhidrosis, can affect the entire body, but usually occurs in the palms, soles, armpits, and/or groin area. Excessive sweating is normal when a person is anxious or has a fever. However, when the condition is chronic, it may signal thyroid problems, low blood sugar, nervous system disorders, or other medical problems.

What are the symptoms of excessive sweating?

Areas that produce excessive sweat usually appear pink or white, but, in severe cases, may appear cracked, scaly, and soft (especially on the feet). Other symptoms may include a bad odor caused by bacteria and yeast in the wet skin. The symptoms of excessive sweating may resemble other medical conditions. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

Treatment for excessive sweating:

Specific treatment for excessive sweating will be determined by your physician, based on:

• your age, overall health, and medical history
• severity of the condition
• cause of the condition
• your tolerance of specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the condition
• your opinion or preference

Treatment may include topical, oral, surgical, or nonsurgical treatments:

• methenamine solution applications to the area (to control heavy sweating)
• nighttime applications of aluminum chloride solution to the area (to control heavy sweating)
• thoracoscopic sympathectomy - a surgical interruption of the sympathetic nerve pathways that lead to the sweat glands
• botulinum toxin A injection (Botox) - botulinum toxin helps to inhibit the release of acetylcholine (a substance that is active in the transmissions of nerve impulses)
• tap water iontophoresis (applying a weak electrical current to the area)
• psychological counseling and/or medication (to reduce anxiety)
  
  
  

  The Dermatology Programs and Services at Rush Dermatology specialists at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago offer comprehensive care for common and rare skin, hair and nail diseases. Offering care for people of all ages, our dermatologists are leading authorities in skin care whose expertise draws patients from all over the Midwest. The dermatology team at Rush offers safe and innovative treatments based on years of experience as well as the latest scientific research. Click here to visit our Department of Dermatology. Services Provided Comprehensive dermatology services for adults and children include: Innovative treatments for various dermatologic conditions such as Acne Eczema (atopic dermatitis) Psoriasis Vitiligo State-of-the-art treatments for all forms of skin cancer include: The CTCL Clinic provides multidisciplinary care for people with a rare type of cancer called cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Treatments include extracorporeal photophoresis, one of the most effective treatments for patients with this disease. The Melanoma Surveillance Clinic provides innovative intervention and treatment strategies for melanoma, including the use of photographic surveillance to track high-risk moles over time. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) Clinic provides Mohs surgery, which has the highest cure rate of any procedure for skin cancer. During Mohs surgery, the surgeon uses a microscope to remove the very last traces of cancer cells. The Cosmetic Dermatology Program provides: Antiaging therapies, such as Botox and collagen injections. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion to make skin smoother and improve acne, wrinkles and skin discoloration. Advanced laser therapy to decrease excess hair growth and reduce lines and scars. Varicose vein treatments, including laser therapy and sclerotherapy, which involves the injection of special solutions into the veins to reduce their appearance. In addition to the services above, the department tests the efficacy of new treatments for different skin diseases through its Clinical Pharmacology Unit. Clinical studies are complemented by a basic science laboratory, where investigators are conducting state-of-the-art research on mast cell biology and mastocytosis. Finding a specialist at Rush: To find a dermatologist at Rush click here. Or make an appointment with a doctor at Rush by calling our toll-free physician referral number: (888) 352-RUSH. To reach the hospital operator, call (312) 942-5000. If you have difficulty hearing, call (312) 942-2207 (TTY/TTD).