How to Handle Hyperhidrosis this Winter

Cool weather is a time to bundle up and stay cozy. But if you’re sweating through your winter layers, you might not be in the seasonal spirit. Those with hyperhidrosis experience excessive sweating all year, so this condition can be particularly challenging in the winter. This guide will help you stay dry, so you can enjoy your favorite sweaters.

Identifying and Treating Hyperhidrosis

What Is Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive sweating. If you experience hyperhidrosis, you might sweat in cool weather or when you’re sitting still. This condition most often affects the underarms, face, hands, and feet.

Hyperhidrosis doesn’t always have a clear cause, but people often experience excessive sweating because their eccrine sweat glands are always active. This may be linked to an underlying condition like thyroid issues, diabetes, and nervous system disorders. Hyperhidrosis may also be genetic.

If you sweat excessively without a clear cause, book an appointment with your doctor. They can provide a diagnosis and look into an underlying condition as a root cause. If you already have a hyperhidrosis diagnosis, a dermatologist can recommend excessive sweating treatment to keep you comfortable this winter.

How Can You Manage Excessive Sweating in the Winter?

Hyperhidrosis can cause you to sweat through your clothes, even in the winter. You might also notice that your palms and feet are sweaty when you’re otherwise feeling chilly. While sweating like this can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, there are options for relief. A dermatologist can recommend a number of hyperhidrosis treatment options, including:

• Prescription Antiperspirants: Over-the-counter antiperspirants are often not effective for those with hyperhydrosis. In this case, your dermatologist may recommend a prescription antiperspirant as the first step in treatment. You can generally use these products on the underarms, hands, feet, and other affected areas.
• Topical Treatments: Dermatologists may recommend prescription creams that contain glycopyrrolate as treatment for excessive sweating on the head and face.
• Thermal Treatment: Through this type of treatment, a dermatologist would target the sweat glands using a hand-held thermal device. Some people will experience results in as little as one session.
• Medications: Certain oral medications can block the nerves that cause sweating. These work by preventing the nerves from communicating with each other.
• Botox Injections: Botox can be an effective treatment for excessive sweating in the underarms. You will likely need to return for a series of injections, since it can take four to six months to notice results.
• Surgery: If alternative treatments aren’t effective, your dermatologist may recommend surgery. The surgical procedure would likely involve either removing the sweat glands or the associated nerves.

Keep in mind that you may need to try a number of treatments to control your hyperhidrosis, especially in severe cases. Be sure to track your symptoms and see your dermatologist regularly. They will ensure that your treatments are working for you.

If you want to stay ahead of excessive sweating this Winter, contact the skin experts at Pacific Dermatology Specialists. We offer a number of medical and surgical treatments to treat hyperhidrosis. Our licensed dermatologists will recommend a targeted treatment based on your needs. With locations in Seal Beach, CA and the surrounding area, we look forward to working with you.