What is Hyperhidrosis?Hyperhidrosis is commonly known as excessive sweating. Although sweating is important for the body’s temperature regulation, this is a condition in which the body sweats when it does not need cooling. Many areas on the body can be affected by hyperhidrosis, the sites most commonly affected are the palms, soles of feet, and axillae (underarms). People diagnosed with hyperhidrosis may experience other issues associated with excess sweating such as: skin irritation as a result of fungal or bacterial infections, worrying about stained clothing, worrying about body odor, be self-conscious, be more reluctant to make physical contact.There are two types of hyperhidrosis; primary hyperhidrosis usual appears in childhood or adolescence and seems to be inherited and secondary hyperhidrosis is usually a side effect of medication or caused by another underling medical condition. The international hyperhidrosis society has compiled a list of drugs/medications that are known to cause secondary hyperhidrosis: http://www.sweathelp.org/pdf/drugs_2009.pdfHow Can It Be Treated?Hyperhydrosis can be treated by topical and systemic medications. Other treatments include botulinum toxin injections (botox). Most physicians will start by recommending an over-the-counter or prescription aluminum chloride hexahydrate (Drysol, various generics) antiperspirant. Oral prescription medications can be quite effective for this condition, but they often  produce side effects such as dry mouth, insomnia, and blurred vision. Botox injections have been in the news for the treatment of cosmetic wrinkles, but the anticholinergic substance in botox blocks the chemical messenger sent to your nerves that triggers sweat production.Treatment with botox is not a cure for hyperhidrosis, but it provides temporary relief and would need to be repeated every three to six months for maximum effect.If you feel like you’re experiencing heavier than normal sweating make an appointment to discuss treatment with your provider.