Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating) Treatment in Chicago | Illinois Dermatology Institute
Sweating is a normal, healthy way for your body to regulate temperature. But if you sweat heavily for no clear reason, even when you’re not hot, active, or anxious, you may have hyperhidrosis.
At Illinois Dermatology Institute, our board-certified dermatologists offer a full range of treatment options for excessive sweating in Hinsdale and Chicago Lakeview & Chicago Loop, along with surrounding areas.
What Is Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis causes aggressive sweating from the face, hands, armpits, or feet, beyond what’s needed to cool the body. It affects roughly 2% of the American population.
Excess sweating in the hands and feet is usually first noticed around puberty, while excessive underarm sweating typically appears in the late teens or early twenties.
What Causes Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis results from overstimulation of the nerves that control sweat release. This overactivity often has no clear explanation, though it can worsen with heightened emotion or stress.
Types of Hyperhidrosis
Primary Hyperhidrosis: No underlying medical cause. It’s believed to be genetic and often runs in families.
Secondary Hyperhidrosis: Triggered by an underlying medical condition, including:
- Certain infections
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Narcotic dependency or withdrawal
Hyperhidrosis Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored
You should schedule an evaluation if you experience:
- Sweating that interferes with daily activities like work or gripping objects
- Sweating on one side of the body only
- Night sweats without a clear cause
- Excessive sweating along with unexplained weight loss or fever
- No relief from over-the-counter antiperspirants
Hyperhidrosis Diagnosis
Your dermatologist reviews your medical history and may run tests to check for a medical condition contributing to secondary hyperhidrosis. If no underlying cause is found, treatment focuses on managing primary hyperhidrosis directly.
Hyperhidrosis Treatment Options
Topical & Prescription Treatments
Prescription-strength antiperspirants and topical 20% aluminum chloride offer a stronger alternative to over-the-counter products for mild to moderate sweating.
Botulinum Toxin Injections
Botox and Dysport injections block the nerve signals that trigger sweating in commonly affected areas, offering relief that lasts for several months at a time.
Surgical Intervention
For severe cases that don’t respond to other treatments, surgical options may be considered.
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What Is the Most Effective Hyperhidrosis Treatment?
The right approach depends on where you sweat, how severe it is, and whether an underlying condition is involved. Many patients see the best results from a combination of topical treatment and Botulinum toxin injections.
How Long Does Hyperhidrosis Treatment Take?
Topical treatments can show improvement within a few weeks. Botulinum toxin injections typically take effect within 2 to 4 days and provide relief for several months at a time. Surgical options offer more lasting results but involve a longer recovery.
When Should You See a Dermatologist for Excessive Sweating?
You should schedule an evaluation if:
- Sweating interferes with daily activities like work or gripping objects
- Sweating occurs on one side of the body only
- You experience night sweats without a clear cause
- Excessive sweating is accompanied by unexplained weight loss or fever
- Over-the-counter antiperspirants haven’t helped
Hyperhidrosis Treatment in Hinsdale & Chicago
Illinois Dermatology Institute provides hyperhidrosis evaluation and treatment at multiple convenient locations, including:
- Hinsdale
- Chicago Lakeview
- Chicago Loop
Our team helps you find a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle.
Our Hyperhidrosis Specialists
Our board-certified dermatologists evaluate and treat excessive sweating using both topical and advanced injectable options. We focus on finding the treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and symptoms.
Stop Letting Sweat Run Your Day
From topical treatments to Botox to surgical options, there’s a real range of ways to manage hyperhidrosis. Our dermatologists will help you find the one that matches your symptoms and how you live.
Book your appointment today at a location near you.