How to Manage Your Hyperhidrosis This Winter
If you’re living with hyperhidrosis and you’re not sure how to cope during the winter months, you’ve come to the right place. Here are a few things you need to know about hyperhidrosis and how to manage it during the winter months.
How to Treat Hyperhidrosis
What Causes Excessive Sweating?
While sweating is a normal bodily function that helps regulate body temperature and rid the skin of dirt and bacteria, there is such a thing as sweating too much. Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) is sweating that occurs on such an excessive level that it can cause physical discomfort and serious emotional distress. There are a number of things that can contribute to hyperhidrosis, most of which are underlying conditions. Fortunately, that means your excessive sweating may stop once the underlying cause is treated. Some of the most common underlying conditions that contribute to excessive sweating include hormonal changes in the body during life events such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. It’s also possible that anxiety or hyperthyroidism could be contributing to your excessive sweating. That being said, hyperhidrosis can exist without an underlying cause. If that’s the case for you, let’s get into some treatment options that could help you this winter.
Prescription Antiperspirant
Antiperspirants are useful whether you have hyperhidrosis or not, but sometimes over-the-counter products just don’t cut it for hyperhidrosis patients. If your excessive sweating is really bothering you, then it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor about a prescription antiperspirant. Aluminum chloride is the primary ingredient in most of these prescription products. This ingredient can cause skin irritation though, so make sure you follow the application instructions carefully. In most cases, you’ll apply this product before you go to sleep each night and wash it off when you wake up in the morning. And if you do experience skin irritation, an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help.
Prescription Topical Creams
Topical creams are another common treatment option to help manage hyperhidrosis. Similarly to the antiperspirant, a topical treatment is applied daily to the areas producing the most sweat. That being said, topical creams are more commonly used on the face and head as opposed to the underarms. In addition, the main ingredient in these products is glycopyrrolate. It’s typically less irritating to the skin, which is why these creams are more commonly used on the delicate skin of your face.
Botox Injections
Botox might seem like an invasive treatment for a problem like excessive sweating, but if you want to be able to wear sweaters comfortably this winter, it’s worth considering. One of the biggest benefits of Botox injections for hyperhidrosis is the length of time they’re effective for. Each problem area will require multiple injections, but the effects of this treatment will last for six months to a whole year. It’s a big decision to make, but managing your hyperhidrosis during the winter is well worth it.
Managing hyperhidrosis during the winter can feel like a monumental challenge. If you have more questions about how these treatments can help you, contact a doctor at SE Dermatology Specialists today.