How to Handle Hyperhidrosis in the Fall

What to Know About Handling Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis in the Fall

In autumn, some of our daily lifestyle changes like wearing more clothes or staying inside and turning up the heat can cause us to sweat more than normal. For people who have hyperhidrosis, or regular excessive sweating, these changes may make it more difficult to keep the perspiration under control.

Sometimes the cause of hyperhidrosis is known, but sometimes a triggering source or condition can’t be found. In either case, there are some strategies that can be used to keep your body dry.

Causes of Sweating

There are several things that can trigger sweating outside of normal exercise and warm temperatures.

• Anxiety – People who suffer from anxiety disorders may also experience excessive sweating from nervousness or stress. Certain social commitments during the fall, including going back to school and holiday commitments, can be sources of anxiety.

• Hormones – Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause are periods of life when sweating becomes a problem, and it can often be taken care of by good personal hygiene and use of deodorants. Doctors and dermatologists may also recommend antiperspirants for excessive sweating during these times.

• Medications – Some medications that treat other conditions may have a side effect of excessive sweating. If you’ve experienced more perspiration than usual following the start of a new medication, let your doctor or dermatologist know.

• Underlying Conditions – Physical conditions like diabetes, infections, cancers, auto-immune illnesses, and hyperthyroidism may cause excessive sweating as a symptom. Discussing your medical history with your dermatologist will help them identify the appropriate treatment for your excessive sweating.

How to Manage Excessive Sweating

Our bodies sweat to cool down in response to stressors, so keeping your body well aerated and hydrated can help reduce the amount you sweat. Drink lots of water, eat a lot of vegetables, and don’t wear clothes that are too tight.

When fabric stays too close to the skin, not only does it keep in heat to encourage sweating, but the cloth can absorb the moisture and create a damp environment that can lead to a skin rash. Wear breathable natural fabrics that don’t constrict your skin. To keep your skin cool, don’t use too hot of water to bathe, and keep air temperatures in your home at comfortable levels.

Dermatologist Treatments

If you’re dealing with excessive sweating, there are some things your dermatologist can do to support you. After assessing your situation, they will be able to identify the right hyperhidrosis treatment for you.

• Prescription topicals – Your dermatologist may prescribe an antiperspirant or topical cream to alleviate profuse sweating.

• Botox – You can get a Botox injection in the area that excessively sweats. It will effectively paralyze the sweat glands and prevent them from receiving the biophysical signal to sweat.

• Laser therapy – Laser treatments target the overactive sweat glands to heat and effectively deactivate them.

• miraDry® – This treatment is similar to a laser treatment, but it deactivates some of your sweat glands with low-radiation microwaves.

• Medications – Oral medications known as anticholinergics work to reduce sweating by interrupting the neurotransmission to the sweat glands.

Schedule a consultation with one of our dermatology experts if you’re worried about excessive sweating.