Hyperhidrosis is characterized as excessive sweating that is not related to heat or physical exertion. A person with this condition can sweat so much that it stains their clothing. It can cause acute social embarrassment. It usually on the the hands, feet, underarms or face, on both sides of the body.

What causes it?

Normally, the human body sweats when it needs to cool itself on a hot day, after physical exertion or as a nervous reaction. With hyperhidroisis, however, the triggers are completely different.

The most prevalent form of hyperhidrosis is known as primary focal (essential) hyperhidrosis. With this condition, the nerves responsible for signaling your sweat glands become overactive, even though they haven’t been triggered by the causes listed above. However, stress and nervousness can make it worse.

There is no known medical cause for this type of hyperhidrosis. It may have a hereditary component, however, because it sometimes seems to run in families.

Another form of hyperhidrosis, known as secondary hyperhidrosis, occurs when the excess sweat is caused by a medical condition. Though it’s a less common type it’s more likely to cause sweating all over your body. Medical conditions that can lead to secondary hyperhidrosis include:

• Diabetes
• Menopause (hot flashes)
• Thyroid problems
• Low blood sugar
• Certain types of cancer
• Heart attack
• Nervous system disorders
• Infections

If your sweating is accompanied by lightheadedness, chest pain or nausea, see a medical professional immediately.

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history during your appointment. A physical exam or lab tests my also be in order. Blood, urine or other lab tests may be in order to see if the sweating is caused by other conditions, such as low blood sugar or an overactive thyroid,

Sweat tests may also be conducted to determine how severe the condition is. These include an iodine-starch test and a thermoregulatory sweat test.

How is it treated?

After any underlying medical condition is ruled out, the focus will be on the excessive sweating. Drugs include:

Prescription Antiperspirant

This antiperspirant contains aluminum chloride. It is applied at bedtime and washed off in the morning.

Prescription Cream

This cream contains glycopyrrolate, which may help hyperhidrosis that affects the face and head.

Nerve-Blocking Medications

Some oral medications prevent the nerves from communicating with each other, which can help with excessive sweating.

Botox Injections

This procedure temporarily blocks the nerves that cause sweating. It can last six to 12 months and then will need to be repeated.

Sometimes surgical treatments may be called for, but they can only be effective for certain areas of the body. For example, sweat gland removal can only be performed in the armpits.

There are things you can do at home to help alleviate the symptoms of hyperhidrosis. These. include over-the-counter antiperspirants and astringents. Both tighten the skin and may help to decrease sweating. Change your socks often and air out your feet. Wear clothes made from natural fibers that allow your skin to breathe. Try relaxation techniques such as yoga, which may help you to avoid the anxieties that trigger excess sweating.

DeSilva Dermatology can counsel you about the condition and suggest treatment options. If you are experiencing excess sweating, call us at (830) 331-4150 for an appointment.

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Atopic dermatitis is a skin condition. A person with this condition has skin that becomes extremely itchy. Scratching leads to redness, swelling, cracking, “weeping” clear fluid, crusting and scaling. Often, the skin gets worse (flares), and then it improves or clears up (remissions). Atopic dermatitis is the most common kind of eczema, a term that describes many kinds of skin problems.

Who gets atopic dermatitis?

It is most common in babies and children, but it can happen to anyone. People who live in cities and dry climates may be more likely to get this condition. You can’t “catch” it or give it to other people.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms of atopic dermatitis are:

• Dry and itchy skin
• Rashes on the face, inside the elbows, behind the knees and on the hands and feet

Scratching the skin can cause:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Cracking
• “Weeping” clear fluid
• Crusting
• Thick skin
• Scaling

What causes it?

No one knows what causes atopic dermatitis. It is probably passed down from your parents (genetics). Your environment can also trigger symptoms. Stress can make the condition worse, but it does not cause the condition.

Is there a test for it?

Currently, there is no single test to diagnose atopic dermatitis, but your doctor may ask you about your medical history, including your family history of allergies, and whether you have hay fever or asthma. Also, exposure to irritants, including:

• Wool or synthetic fibers
• Soaps and detergents
• Some perfumes and cosmetics
• Substances such as chlorine, mineral oil, or solvents
• Dust or sand
• Cigarette smoke

Additionally, the doctor will ask you about:

• Sleep problems
• Foods that seem to be related to skin flares
• Previous treatments for skin-related symptoms
• Use of steroids or other medications

How is it treated?

The goals in treating atopic dermatitis are to heal the skin and prevent flares. You should watch for changes in the skin to find out what treatments help the most. These can include:

• Skin creams or ointments that control swelling and lower allergic reactions
• Corticosteroids
• Antibiotics to treat infections caused by bacteria
• Antihistamines that make people sleepy to help stop nighttime scratching
• Drugs that suppress the immune system

The doctor may also recommend:

• Light therapy
• Skin care that helps heal the skin and keep it healthy
• Avoiding things that cause an allergic reaction

Living with atopic dermatitis

Besides medications, there are a number of things you can do to help control your atopic dermatitis. Skin care is most important, including:

• Taking lukewarm baths to cleanse and moisturize the skin without drying it out
• Using mild bar soap or nonsoap cleanser
• Gently patting the skin dry after bathing
• Applying a moisturizer to seal in the water after bathing
• Using creams and ointments — and avoid lotions with high water or alcohol content
• Protecting the skin from rough clothing, such as wool or man-made fibers

Stay away from things you are — or can be — allergic to, such as:

• Dust mites
• Molds
• Pollen
• Cat or dog dander
• Some perfumes and makeup
• Certain foods such as eggs, peanuts, milk, fish, soy products, or wheat

Above all, prevent scratching or rubbing, which irritates the skin, increases swelling, and actually increases itchiness. Keep your child’s fingernails short to help reduce scratching.

If you exhibit any of the above symptoms, make sure to get your skin checked out by a professional. Schedule an appointment with DeSilva Dermatology today.

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