Tiffany J. Carmichael, FNP

Before the procedure, a skin evaluation is done to determine which type of peel will produce the best results. Dark skin tends to respond well to light peels, while severely sun-damaged skin will likely benefit from a moderate or deep peel. Pre-treatment creams and sunscreen need to be applied every day for several weeks prior to the procedure. Doing this may help shorten the healing process.

During the peel, the area to be treated is cleaned thoroughly, and the chemical solution is applied on the skin for several minutes, which produces a stinging sensation. A neutralizing agent is then used, and the stinging sensation gradually goes away. For more intense peels, a cool compress may be placed on the area to relieve any stinging or burning, or the solution may be applied in intervals to limit exposure to the strong chemicals.

Following a light peel, there will be redness and swelling, which typically fade in a few days. Swelling after a moderate or deep peel may last for a week, and mild redness may continue for a few weeks. To help improve the final results of a peel, treated areas must be kept cool, moisturized, and protected from sunlight.

When excessive sweating is the main complaint and is not related to any other condition, it is called primary hyperhidrosis. There is no known cause, but it does tend to run in families. Secondary hyperhidrosis is sweating that is caused by another medical condition, such as anxiety, cancer, hyperthyroidism, or menopause. Sometimes treating the underlying condition can improve this type of sweating.

There are tests doctors can use to diagnose hyperhidrosis. One involves simply soaking up the perspiration with paper and then weighing the paper to measure how much extra sweat is being produced. Another test, called the starch-iodine test, involves covering the body with powder. This powder turns blue in any areas where sweat is produced.

Treatment depends on the severity of the hyperhidrosis and the areas affected. Some options are:

• Prescription antiperspirants, which contain aluminum chloride and work by plugging the sweat ducts. This signals the sweat glands to decrease sweat production. They work for moderate cases of hyperhidrosis and are relatively affordable.
• Lontophoresis, a procedure that uses small amounts of electricity and a tray of tap water to decrease production of sweat glands in the hands or feet.
• Botox, which can be injected into the nerves that control sweat glands in the underarms.
• Sympathectomy, a surgery for severe cases that can be performed to cut the nerves that stimulate sweat production. Sympathectomy is most effective for hyperhidrosis of the hands. It may cause new symptoms of sweating elsewhere on the body.
• Surgery to remove sweat glands, most often in the underarms.

Hyperhidrosis is a serious medical condition that causes both physical and emotional distress. Treatments are available, and support groups exist to help patients cope.