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Hyperhidrosis Specialist

Integrated Dermatology of Brookline-Andover -  - Dermatologist

Integrated Dermatology of Brookline-Andover

Dermatologists located in Brookline, MA & Andover, MA

Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, can be disruptive as well as a major source of social anxiety. Thankfully, you don’t have to live with this uncomfortable condition — the top-rated team of board-certified dermatologists at Integrated Dermatology of Brookline-Andover offers a full scope of effective and long-lasting treatment solutions for hyperhidrosis, including Botox® injections. If you're in Brookline or Andover, Massachusetts and are interested in booking an appointment with Dr. Rockoff or Dr. Wang, call one of our offices, or schedule online today.

Hyperhidrosis

What is hyperhidrosis? 

Hyperhidrosis causes excessive sweating that isn’t related to warm temperatures, physical activity, or nervousness. People who live with this condition often find themselves sweating so much that antiperspirants and other body-cooling strategies are virtually ineffective. Sweat simply soaks through their clothing or drips off their hands. 

Although axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating) is most common, the condition can also cause excessive sweating on your face, hands, and feet. Most hyperhidrosis patients experience at least one major sweating incident per week during waking hours, and many experience the problem far more frequently.  

What causes hyperhidrosis?

Although sweating is a necessary body function that helps regulate your core temperature, excessive sweating, especially when it’s persistent, can be symptomatic of an underlying health problem like an infectious disease, a neurological condition, or an endocrine disorder. 

Excessive sweating that’s caused by a medical condition — or a medication that you take to treat a medical condition — is called secondary hyperhidrosis.

Chronic excessive sweating isn’t usually related to an underlying illness, however. Primary hyperhidrosis occurs in otherwise healthy people whose bodies simply produce excessive amounts of sweat even when they’re calm and cool. It’s usually caused by overactive nerves that stimulate sweat glands and trigger perspiration, even when it’s unnecessary. 

How is hyperhidrosis treated?

To treat hyperhidrosis as effectively as possible, the team at Integrated Dermatology of Brookline-Andover takes a comprehensive approach that usually starts with a physical exam, medical history, sweat test, and other medical tests, if necessary.  

Clinical strength or prescription antiperspirants are often the first treatment recommendation for excessive underarm sweat. Antiperspirants can also stop excessive sweating on your hairline, hands, and feet. 

Other treatment options include medicated lotions for your face and hands, and in severe cases, oral nerve-blocking medications that block the chemicals used by certain nerves to communicate.       

How does Botox treat hyperhidrosis?

Yes, it’s true — the same cosmetic injectable that smooths unwanted wrinkles from your skin can also help reduce excessive sweating. Botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, is an FDA-approved treatment for hyperhidrosis in your underarm area. 

When carefully injected in your armpits, Botox blocks the release of chemicals that trigger your sweat glands. Although the results are immediate and long-lasting, they aren’t permanent. To keep you dry and comfortable, the team at Integrated Dermatology of Brookline-Andover can safely repeat the injections as needed. 

If you’re ready to say goodbye to hyperhidrosis, call Integrated Dermatology of Brookline-Andover or book online today.

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