Hyperhidrosis Treatment in Washington, DC

What Is Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that occurs more than the body needs for normal temperature regulation.

For some people, sweating may occur even when the environment is cool or when they are not exercising. Excessive sweating can affect specific areas of the body or occur more generally.

Hyperhidrosis can be frustrating and may interfere with everyday activities, social situations, work, or clothing choices.

What Areas Can Hyperhidrosis Affect?

Excessive sweating may affect one or more areas, including:

• Underarms
• Hands
• Feet
• Face
• Scalp
• Groin
• Other areas of the body

The location and pattern of sweating can provide important information during a dermatologic evaluation.

What Causes Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis can occur for different reasons.

Some people experience primary hyperhidrosis, in which excessive sweating occurs without another underlying medical condition. It may affect specific areas such as the hands, feet, underarms, or face.

Other cases may be related to medications, medical conditions, hormonal changes, or other factors.

Because excessive sweating can sometimes have an underlying cause, a dermatologic evaluation can help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms.

Primary vs. Secondary Hyperhidrosis

Primary Hyperhidrosis

Primary hyperhidrosis typically causes excessive sweating in specific areas of the body and may begin earlier in life. It often occurs without an identifiable underlying medical condition.

Secondary Hyperhidrosis

Secondary hyperhidrosis occurs when excessive sweating is associated with another condition, medication, hormonal change, or other underlying factor.

The timing, distribution, and circumstances of sweating can help your dermatologist determine whether additional evaluation may be appropriate.

Common Symptoms of Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis may cause:

• Excessive sweating of the hands
• Sweating of the feet
• Excessive underarm sweating
• Facial or scalp sweating
• Clothing becoming noticeably damp or soaked
• Difficulty holding objects because of sweaty hands
• Frequent need to change clothing
• Skin irritation related to persistent moisture
• Embarrassment or discomfort in social situations

Not everyone experiences the same symptoms or degree of sweating.

When Should You See a Dermatologist for Excessive Sweating?

Consider scheduling a dermatology evaluation if:

• You sweat significantly more than other people in similar situations
• Excessive sweating interferes with work or daily activities
• Sweating affects your clothing choices
• Your hands or feet are frequently wet
• You experience persistent underarm sweating
• Sweating interferes with social activities
• Excessive sweating is new or has recently worsened
• You are unsure what is causing your excessive sweating

A dermatologist can evaluate the pattern of sweating and determine whether treatment or additional evaluation may be appropriate.

How Is Hyperhidrosis Diagnosed?

Hyperhidrosis is generally diagnosed through a medical history and physical examination.

Dr. Holmes may consider:

• When excessive sweating began
• Which areas are affected
• How frequently sweating occurs
• Whether sweating occurs during sleep
• Situations that trigger or worsen sweating
• Medications you are taking
• Other symptoms or medical conditions
• Your personal and family history

The pattern of sweating can help distinguish primary hyperhidrosis from excessive sweating that may have another underlying cause.

Hyperhidrosis Treatment Options

Treatment for hyperhidrosis depends on the affected areas, severity of symptoms, underlying cause, and individual needs.

Depending on your situation, treatment options may include:

• Prescription topical treatments
• Oral medications when appropriate
• In-office treatments
• Other therapies designed to reduce excessive sweating

Dr. Holmes will evaluate your symptoms and discuss appropriate treatment options based on your individual needs and treatment goals.

Managing Hyperhidrosis

In addition to medical treatment, certain strategies may help manage excessive sweating.

Depending on the areas affected, your dermatologist may recommend:

• Using appropriate antiperspirant products
• Wearing breathable clothing
• Changing damp clothing when necessary
• Keeping affected areas clean and dry
• Identifying situations that worsen sweating
• Following your dermatologist's treatment plan

Management strategies may vary depending on the severity and location of your symptoms.

Hyperhidrosis and Skin Health

Persistent moisture can sometimes contribute to skin irritation or discomfort.

Excessive sweating may increase moisture in areas where skin touches skin, potentially contributing to irritation or other skin concerns.

If you develop persistent irritation, rash, odor, or changes in the skin associated with excessive sweating, a dermatologic evaluation can help determine the appropriate approach.

Learn more about Dermatitis Treatment →

Hyperhidrosis and Skin of Color

Hyperhidrosis can affect people of all skin tones.

While excessive sweating itself does not necessarily appear differently based on skin tone, persistent moisture and irritation may contribute to changes in the skin.

Dr. Holmes considers each patient's skin characteristics when evaluating hyperhidrosis and related skin concerns.

Learn more about Dermatology for Skin of Color in Washington, DC →

Frequently Asked Questions About Hyperhidrosis

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Why Choose Dr. Holmes for Hyperhidrosis Treatment

Meet Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes

Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience serving patients in Washington, DC.

She provides individualized evaluation and treatment for hyperhidrosis and other dermatologic concerns. Dr. Holmes considers the location, severity, pattern, and potential causes of excessive sweating when developing a treatment plan.

With a focus on skin of color, Dr. Holmes considers each patient's individual skin characteristics when evaluating hyperhidrosis and related skin concerns.

Learn more about Dr. Holmes →