IMPORTANT UPDATES

What Is Hyperhidrosis and How Is It Treated?

Hyperhidrosis is a sweating disorder caused by the nervous system. This type of sweating is not due to body temperature, anxiety or weight. Hyperhidrosis can make it difficult to perform normal tasks, such as writing, driving and playing sports.

Hyperhidrosis can cause the following symptoms:

  • Excessive and continuous sweat (mainly on the hands, feet and armpits)
  • Night sweats with no apparent cause

How is hyperhidrosis treated?

The first step in treating hyperhidrosis usually involves a topical or oral medicine. If medicine doesn’t work, surgery may be recommended.

At Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, our surgeons can perform a minimally invasive surgery to stop excessive sweating by making a small cut in the nerves that are causing the sweating. This procedure is usually outpatient, meaning most patients will go home the same day. Many patients can return to normal activities within a few days. This surgery can provide an immediate and permanent solution with little to no side effects.