Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is a condition characterized by unnecessary or overabundant sweat production that is not warranted by environmental circumstances or physical activity.
For example, if you walk a few yards from your office building to your car on a cool day when you are experiencing no anxiety and end up dripping sweat by the time you’ve reached your vehicle, you may be experiencing hyperhidrosis.
Excessive sweating may occur in patients who have abnormally large sweat glands, as well as those who are genetically predisposed to the condition.
Certain medications, thyroid and metabolic disorders and hormone changes associated with menopause and pregnancy may also cause hyperhidrosis.
Patches of dry, scaly skin ranging in size from a pen tip to a half dollar should be checked out by a dermatologist to prevent an occurrence of actinic keratosis from going untreated and progressing into a more serious skin condition.
Oral antihistamines, such as Benadryl, are used to treat severe allergic itching associated with eczema, and oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone, may be prescribed to treat acute eczema outbreaks.
Topical corticosteroids may be used to relieve skin inflammation and itching in the short term, however for long-term topical inflammation and itch relief, non-steroid immunosuppressant creams like Elidel or Protopic may be recommended.
Minimizing exposure to soaps and detergents, using gentle, soothing skin care products and keeping skin moisturized may also be an important part of treating your eczema.
