Control Excess Sweat With Hyperhidrosis Treatment in Queens
Hyperhidrosis
What Is Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a sweating disorder that causes you to sweat more than most people. The excessive sweating might not be linked with exercise or heat. Sweating can be so excessive that it drips off of your hands and soaks through your clothes.
Heavy sweating can affect your social life and cause general embarrassment. Fortunately, treatment helps you sweat less during normal everyday activities.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Hyperhidrosis?
Common symptoms of hyperhidrosis include:
- Sweating that soaks through your clothes
- Excessive armpit sweat
- Excessive sweating in your hands or feet
- Sweat that drips off of your face
Hyperhidrosis happens at least once weekly during the times you’re awake, and it often occurs on both sides of your body. Complications that can develop because of hyperhidrosis include infections and social and emotional struggles.
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What are the risk factors for hyperhidrosis?
If you have hyperhidrosis, nerves involved in sweat signaling become overactive. Risk factors for hyperhidrosis include:
- Family history of hyperhidrosis
- Menopause
- Hot flashes
- Low blood sugar
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disorders
- Heart attack
- Some cancers
- Infections
- Nervous system disorders
- Opioid withdrawal
- Use of some medications
How does my doctor
diagnose hyperhidrosis?
Your Hyperhidrosis Specialist in Queens
Hyperhidrosis treatment at Adult and Pediatric Dermatology is provided by Dr. Michael Paltiel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the practice’s Founder and Medical Director. Dr. Paltiel earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins and completed his dermatology residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center. He is certified by the American Board of Dermatology and has extensive experience treating hyperhidrosis with both medical therapies and Botox injections. Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual patient’s sweating pattern, severity, and lifestyle.
Hyperhidrosis Treatment Options
Treatment for hyperhidrosis depends on the severity of your sweating, which areas are affected, and how your condition responds to initial therapies. Dr. Paltiel develops a personalized treatment plan for each patient, starting with the least invasive options and adjusting based on your results.
Prescription-Strength Antiperspirants
For mild to moderate hyperhidrosis, the first line of treatment is typically a prescription antiperspirant containing aluminum chloride. These products are stronger than anything available over the counter and work by temporarily blocking sweat ducts. They are applied at night to dry skin and can significantly reduce sweating in the underarms, hands, and feet within the first few weeks of use.
Oral Medications
When topical treatments are not enough, oral anticholinergic medications such as glycopyrrolate or oxybutynin can reduce sweating throughout the body. These medications work by blocking the chemical signals that activate sweat glands. Dr. Paltiel discusses the benefits and potential side effects with each patient before prescribing, as these medications can cause dry mouth and other effects that need to be weighed against the sweating reduction.
Botox Injections for Sweating
For patients with moderate to severe hyperhidrosis, Botox injections are one of the most effective treatments available. Botox is FDA-approved for underarm sweating and is also used off-label for the palms, soles of the feet, and forehead. The treatment works by blocking the nerve signals that trigger sweat glands in the injected area. Most patients notice a significant reduction in sweating within 2 to 4 days, with full results at about two weeks. Results typically last 4 to 6 months before retreatment is needed.
Iontophoresis
Iontophoresis uses a low-level electrical current delivered through water to reduce sweating in the hands and feet. During treatment, the affected areas are submerged in shallow water while the device sends a mild current through the skin. Sessions are typically 20 to 30 minutes and are repeated several times per week initially, then tapered to a maintenance schedule.
What to Expect from Botox Treatment for Hyperhidrosis
Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) received FDA approval for the treatment of severe underarm sweating in 2004, and it remains one of the most reliable options for patients who have not responded to topical treatments or oral medications.
The Procedure
During your appointment, Dr. Paltiel uses a fine needle to administer small injections of Botox into the affected area. For underarm treatment, approximately 50 units are injected per side across a grid pattern covering the sweating zone. The entire procedure takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Most patients describe the sensation as a series of small pinches. No anesthesia is required, though a topical numbing cream can be applied if you prefer.
Treatment Areas
At our Forest Hills office, we administer Botox for sweating in the underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis), palms (palmar hyperhidrosis), soles of the feet (plantar hyperhidrosis), and the forehead. Underarm treatments are the most common and tend to produce the most consistent results. Palm and foot treatments may involve slightly more discomfort due to the sensitivity of those areas.
Results and Maintenance
Most patients see a noticeable decrease in sweating within 2 to 4 days of their injections, with maximum dryness reached by the two-week mark. Results last an average of 4 to 6 months, though some patients report relief for up to 9 months. Retreatment is scheduled as sweating gradually returns. Many patients find that their results last longer after several rounds of treatment, allowing them to extend the time between appointments.
What Results Can You Expect
The timeline for improvement depends on the treatment you receive. Prescription antiperspirants may begin reducing sweating within the first week or two of consistent use. Oral medications typically take effect within one to two hours of each dose.
For Botox treatments, most patients notice a meaningful reduction in sweating within 2 to 4 days, with the full effect reaching its peak at about two weeks. Results from Botox typically last 4 to 6 months. Dr. Paltiel schedules a follow-up visit 2 to 3 weeks after your first injection to assess your response and make adjustments if needed. Maintenance treatments are scheduled before your sweating returns to its baseline level.
Most Major
Insurances Accepted
Please call our office if you do not see your insurance plan listed below. If your insurance plan requires you to obtain a referral from your primary care doctor, please obtain one prior to your visit or call our office to ask if a referral or authorization is needed for your insurance. If referral is not available at the time of the visit, your appointment will be rescheduled.
Choose Your Provider
Meet our team of board-certified specialists dedicated to your skin health and beauty
Michael Paltiel,MD
Dermatology
Zina Goldvekht, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Aleksey Babakhanov, FNP
Family Nurse Practitioner
John Perrotti, MD
Plastic Surgery
Irma Meni
Cosmetologist
Frequently Asked Questions About Hyperhidrosis
Q: What is hyperhidrosis?
A: Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating that goes beyond what is needed to regulate body temperature. It can affect the underarms, palms, soles of the feet, and face, and can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.
Q: What causes hyperhidrosis?
A: Primary hyperhidrosis has no identifiable medical cause and is thought to result from overactive sweat glands. Secondary hyperhidrosis may be caused by an underlying medical condition, medication side effects, or hormonal changes.
Q: How is hyperhidrosis treated?
A: Treatment options include prescription-strength antiperspirants, Botox injections, iontophoresis, oral medications, and in some cases, minimally invasive procedures. Your dermatologist will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on the severity and location of your sweating.
Q: Does insurance cover hyperhidrosis treatment?
A: Many insurance plans cover hyperhidrosis treatment when it is deemed medically necessary. Coverage varies by plan and treatment type. Our office can help verify your insurance benefits before beginning treatment.
Q: How effective is Botox for excessive sweating?
A: Botox injections are highly effective for treating underarm hyperhidrosis, reducing sweating by up to 80-90% in treated areas. Results typically last 4 to 12 months, after which repeat treatments may be needed to maintain the effect.
Q: Can hyperhidrosis be a sign of a more serious condition?
A: In some cases, excessive sweating can be a symptom of an underlying condition such as thyroid disease, diabetes, or infection. If you experience sudden onset of excessive sweating or sweating accompanied by other symptoms, a medical evaluation is recommended.
How is hyperhidrosis treated?
The Adult and Pediatric Dermatology team personalizes your hyperhidrosis treatment based on its severity and your preferences. They can recommend:
- Lifestyle changes
- Prescription creams
- Prescription antiperspirants
- Nerve-blocking medications
- Some oral medications
- Botulinum toxin injections
- Antidepressant medications
- Microwave therapy
- Nerve surgery
- Sweat gland removal
Some hyperhidrosis solutions require several treatment sessions to give you the most effective, long-lasting results. Your provider could recommend more than one of these treatments.
Over time, you can expect less sweating and a better quality of life. If you have hyperhidrosis and want relief from excessive sweating, call the Adult and Pediatric Dermatology office today or schedule an appointment online.
