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Dermatology
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Hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating from the
armpit area is extremely embarrassing and can sharply
undermine your confidence in day to day interactions with
others. Excessive sweating can also cost a fortune because
it can ruin your best clothing with unsightly stains that
cannot be removed.
Sweating is a natural body function that helps us to
regulate the temperature of our bodies. Of the five million
sweat glands throughout the body about two-thirds of them
are located in the palms of the hands. The secretion of
sweat is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system. Some
people experience an over-stimulation of these nerves that
results in their sweat being produced in far greater amounts
than what is necessary to keep a constant body temperature.
This condition is referred to as hyperhidrosis.
Excessive sweating may be episodic or continuous. Excessive
sweating may be caused by warm weather, emotional stress, or
for no reason at all. Hyperhidrosis may be due to an
underlying medical condition such as obesity, menopause,
thyroid or psychiatric disorders in a small number of cases.
However, the vast majority of patients have what is known as
essential hyperhidrosis, for which the cause is unknown.
Essential hyperhidrosis usually occurs on the hands, feet
and armpits but may occur in other areas as well. Sometimes
only one armpit is affected. The condition usually starts
during adolescence and is lifelong. Nervousness and anxiety
frequently precipitate excessive sweating.
Botox® for Excessive
Sweating
Patients who want lasting relief without undesirable side
effects or surgery are turning to Botox®. Botox® is injected
into areas of the skin that produce excess sweat and can
effectively reduce sweat production for many months. Botox®
injections to the sweat-producing areas of the armpits can
frequently provide relief for as long as 6 months. Botox® is
also an effective remedy for excessive sweating of the palms
of the hands and relief can last many months. However, the
pain involved in the administration of Botox® to the hands
along with occasional problems related to muscle weakness
can make Botox® a less desirable form of therapy for
treating hyperhidrosis of the palms.
Ned Snyder IV, MD
/ Plastic Surgery
Renee
Snyder, MD / Dermatology
901 West
38th Street, Suite 410
Austin,
Texas 78705
Phone:
512-533-9900
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