What is Causing My Extreme Sweating?

Sweating is a body’s natural response to stressful stimuli. It can occur in situations where your body starts to overheat, like during exercise or exposure to hot environments. People can perspire more when they are exposed to anxiety and stress. Excessive sweating without an apparent cause is medically referred to hyperhidrosis.

Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by abnormally increased perspiration. It can be generalized perspiration or localized to specific parts of the body. Areas that have a relatively high concentration of sweat glands; like in the hands, feet, armpits, and groin area, are among the most active regions of perspiration. However, any part of the body may be affected by hyperhidrosis.

Hyperhidrosis can not only be physically uncomfortable, but it can cause a significant emotional toll as well. Those who have hyperhidrosis can feel self-conscious about their presentation making social interactions more difficult. In extreme cases, hyperhidrosis can cause other complications. A person’s hands can become slippery with sweat and can have difficulty maintaining a grip or opening objects. Excessive sweating can stain and ruin clothes and furniture. And people with hyperhidrosis are sometimes prone to more frequent skin and nail infections as well.

The most common skin infections are:

Pitted Keratolysis: Skin disorder characterized by crater form pitting that primarily affects the pressure-bearing aspects of the plantar surface of the feet and, occasionally, the palms of the hand as collarettes of scale. The manifestations of pitted keratolysis are due to a superficial cutaneous bacterial infection.

Dermatophytosis: When the hand is infected it is called tinea mannus and is a fungal infection that can be found on the palms, soles, groin and between fingers or toes. Reddening, fissuring, and the formation of fluid-filled vesicles often ensues.

Verruca plantaris/vulgaris: More commonly known as the common wart. Small and rough growths (resembling cauliflower) often found on hands and feet – caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Onychomychosis: Very stubborn fungal infection of the nails. This infection can cause the nails to thicken, discolor, become brittle and change in appearance. In fact, individuals can become very self-conscious. Treatment is usually with oral medication and can last several months.

Ingrown Toenails: Profuse sweating of the feet can also predispose you to the risk of ingrown toenails. Toenails can more easily penetrate the surrounding tissue when it is moist and soft.

Hyperhidrosis can be subdivided into two different forms, primary hyperhidrosis, and secondary hyperhidrosis. The cause of primary hyperhidrosis is unknown, although it is thought to be caused by overactivity in the sympathetic nervous system. Other external triggers that can exacerbate sweating symptoms of primary hyperhidrosis:  Nicotine, Caffeine, Spicy Foods, Anxiety, Stress, Heat Exposure

Secondary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating caused by another medical condition. This heavy perspiration is in response to a corresponding trigger in the body causing the previous ailment. Secondary hyperhidrosis is usually addressed through treatment of the specific medical condition that caused the symptoms of excessive perspiration. Some examples of conditions that might cause secondary hyperhidrosis as well include:  Heart Attack, Diabetes, Some Cancers, Menopause, Infections, Thyroid Problems, Low Blood Sugar

Medications: In some extreme cases, Epiphany Dermatology’s Board-Certified Dermatologists may prescribe oral/topical medications, such as a prescription or prescription strength antiperspirant/ deodorant.

QBREXZA: QBREXZA (glycopyrronium) cloth is a prescription anticholinergic medicine used on the skin (topical) to treat excessive underarm sweating (primary axillary hyperhidrosis) in adults and children 9 years of age and older.

Botox ®: Botox ® Cosmetic can not only target your skins lines and wrinkles. Botox ® is also used in some cases to treat hyperhidrosis, particularly in the underarm region.

For more information about how to treat your Hyperhidrosis, please contact Epiphany Dermatology

Hyperhidrosis Treatments are performed by Licensed Aestheticians overseen by Board-Certified Dermatologists at both our Riverside and St. Joseph, MO Locations.

Our Riverside Location:
805 NW Platte Rd., Suite 120
Riverside, MO 64150  |  CLICK HERE for Directions
Phone: (816) 205-8120
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Our St. Joseph Location:
805 N 36th St., Suite D
St. Joseph, MO 64506  |  CLICK HERE for Directions
Phone: (816) 205-8120
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