No Sweat

Posting Date: 02/09/2004

Dr. Dean's Comments: Here's good resource on what's available out there for those of you who have sweating problems.

Excessive Sweating Patients No Longer Swimming in Anxiety

In a society that demands that you "never let them see you sweat," the excessive sweating condition known as hyperhidrosis can be a debilitating and life-inhibiting disorder if left untreated. Fortunately for patients with hyperhidrosis, dermatologists are successfully using several treatments to prevent the pain of perspiration.

Speaking today at the 62nd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), dermatologist Dee Anna Glaser, MD, Vice Chairman, Dermatology Department, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Mo., discussed the safety and effectiveness of five hyperhidrosis treatments, ranging from botulinum toxin to surgery.

Medical Condition, Not Cosmetic

Hyperhidrosis is a chronic medical disorder that results in the production of excessive sweat. A recent study determined that the condition - once thought to be rare - actually affects approximately 2.8 percent of the U.S. population, or 7.8 million people. Even more compelling, one out of three people surveyed with the condition said their sweating was intolerable or barely tolerable. Many sufferers said they were depressed and frustrated with daily activities, and they experienced interference with work and romance and had difficulty meeting people.

"It is important for people to realize that hyperhidrosis is not a mild nuisance that just a few people experience,? said Dr. Glaser. "This is a big problem that does not get better without proper treatment and can really be debilitating for those affected by it.''

No Hiding It

Hyperhidrosis tends to first occur during the already difficult period of puberty and early adolescence. It causes much of its social, psychological, emotional, and physical impairments because of its conspicuous locations: on the palms, underarms, and soles of the feet. At the same time, the amount of sweat that is produced is often too difficult to conceal.