Are you embarrassed about how much you sweat?
We all sweat, whether it’s during our morning run or just sitting outside on a hot day. But when does sweating become something to actually be concerned about? If you find yourself needing to bring multiple shirts to work or you have felt so embarrassed by excessive sweating that you’ve avoided a date or social engagement, you could be dealing with hyperhidrosis. If so, our Honolulu, HI, dermatologists Dr. Kevin Dawson, Dr. Douglas Chun, and Dr. Sarah Grekin can help.
What are the symptoms of hyperhidrosis?
Someone may have hyperhidrosis if they sweat profusely even when they aren’t physically exerting themselves or regardless of the temperature. People with hyperhidrosis will sweat in just about any environment—they may be simply sitting at their desk—but experience excessive sweating typically in and around the underarms, feet, and palms of the hands.
Why does hyperhidrosis happen?
While doctors still don’t know what causes this condition there are certain preexisting conditions and issues that can increase your risk for developing hyperhidrosis. Our Honolulu, HI, dermatologists most often see hyperhidrosis in those with thyroid conditions, nervous system disorders, and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
How is hyperhidrosis treated?
Think you’re dealing with hyperhidrosis? If you are dealing with intense sweating that makes you uncomfortable or embarrassed or leaves you with cracked and chapped skin, then you’ll want to consult with our dermatologists here in Honolulu, HI, to find out if you have hyperhidrosis and to figure out how to best treat it. The type of treatment you receive will depend on certain factors such as your health and age. Some treatment options include,
- Lifestyle changes: wearing breathable shoes that keep feet dry and clothes with lightweight material that wick away moisture
- Prescription antiperspirants: contains a high concentration of aluminum chloride (much higher than what you can get with regular drugstore antiperspirants)
- Oral medication: typically anticholinergics
- Botox: along with treating wrinkles, Botox has also been FDA approved to treat excessive sweating caused by hyperhidrosis
- Surgery: this isn’t typically recommended unless the patient has exhausted all other nonsurgical treatment options and still hasn’t experienced relief
If hyperhidrosis is caused by underlying conditions such as low blood sugar or thyroid issues, then your doctor will determine the best way to treat those conditions in order to improve your symptoms. It’s important that you talk to us about your different treatment options before deciding.
Don’t let excessive sweating keep you from living life. The team at Dawson Dermatology in Honolulu, HI, can help. Call us today at (808) 599-3780 to schedule an evaluation.
Drs. Kevin Dawson, Douglas Chun, and Sarah Grekin of Dawson Dermatology, in Honolulu, HI, understands the difficulties of acne. About 5% of adults and 80% of adolescents suffer from acne, a confidence-crippling condition.
More About Acne
Sebaceous glands secrete sebum, an oil, that moisturizes the skin. Sebum travels from the root of the hair follicle to the surface of the skin. People suffering from acne have a problem with this process. The sebum doesn't reach the surface of the skin but, instead, creates a blockage of sebum and dead cells.
Whiteheads vs. Blackheads
- Whiteheads are formed when the opening of the hair follicle is completely blocked.
- Blackheads are formed when the hair follicle's pore is still open.
The inflammation of whiteheads and blackheads can produce red pustules that lead to skin scarring when inflamed.
How can you treat acne?
Treating acne isn't easy but your Honolulu dermatologist knows just how to help. Here are a few treatment options your dermatologist provides:
- Benzoyl Peroxide can reduce blocked skin pores for mild acne
- Antibiotics, oral and topical, can help you deal with acne infections
- Vitamin A, like tretinoin, helps exfoliate blocked pores
- Metal instruments extract whiteheads and blackheads manually
What are the acne scars?
Here are some procedures your dermatologist provides:
- Microneedling: This is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that treats skin using collagen induction therapy.
- Chemical peels: This treatment targets different pathophysiological factors to help you deal with photoaging, deep scars, wrinkles, and precancerous skin lesions.
- Laser Skin Treatment: Your dermatologist treats acne scars using laser skin treatment to minimize the appearance of scars by removing people's residual scarring.
Contact Dawson Dermatology
Acne isn't fun for anyone and can deteriorate confidence. Drs. Kevin Dawson, Douglas Chun, and Sarah Grekin of Dawson Dermatology can help you treat acne. For more information on acne, acne scars, and the various acne treatments, call your Honolulu, HI, dermatologists at 808-599-3780.
Not all organs are internal. The skin is the largest and contains three layers: the epidermis (outer), dermis (middle), and hypodermis (deepest). When cancer cells affect any of these areas, the situation can potentially be life-threatening. Several factors can raise an individual's risk of developing skin cancer. But the condition is preventable. Minimizing your exposure begins with a visit to the dermatologist. At Dawson Dermatology, you can expect a quick and efficient head-to-toe examination from Dr. Kevin L. Dawson, Dr. Douglas Chun, or Dr. Sarah J. Grekin performed in our Honolulu, HI, office to review family medical history and look for suspicious moles that may need additional testing.
Tips to Prevent Skin Cancer
Skin cancer prevention starts with protection. UV rays that emit from the sun, as well as tanning beds, are harmful, so it's best to avoid both whenever possible. When you're outside, be sure to apply 30-SPF sunscreen and lip balm year-round, wear additional clothing like a brimmed hat and stay in the shade - especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when rays are the strongest. It also helps to wear sunglasses, avoid reflective surfaces, and choose cosmetic products that offer sun protection.
Signs and Symptoms to Observe
Different types of skin cancer have distinct traits. We encourage you to visit our Honolulu, HI, office at the first sign of something unusual. If you're unsure of what to look for when performing a physical exam at-home, our dermatologist can teach you how to spot skin damage. At Dawson Dermatology, we always remind our patients to remember their "ABCDE's." This acronym stands for asymmetrical, border, colorful, diameter, and evolving. When a mole or freckle doesn't look like the rest, has an irregular border, color changes, or becomes bigger than a pencil eraser, it may be cause for concern and require extra attention.
If you observe new moles, lesions, or freckles with an "ugly duckling" appearance, or find yourself itching or bleeding, schedule a consultation with our dermatologist. We have a team of board-certified professionals who are dedicated to catching signs and symptoms early when they are most treatable. For more information about skin cancer, other conditions we treat, and services provided at Dawson Dermatology, visit our website. Please call (808) 599-3780 for appointment scheduling with Dr. Kevin L. Dawson, Dr. Douglas Chun, or Dr. Sarah J. Grekin in our Honolulu, HI, office.
If you notice recurring bouts of red, scaly, itchy patches of skin then you could be dealing with eczema. Eczema refers to a variety of skin conditions that cause plaques that can sometimes ooze, crust over, and lead to infection. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with eczema, you must seek professional dermatology care from qualified skin-care professionals.What triggers eczema?
It’s important to figure out what triggers your eczema so you can make lifestyle changes to avoid exposure. Common eczema triggers include:
- Cold or hot weather
- Dry skin
- Stress
- Cigarette smoke
- Fragrances and detergents
- Dust mites, pollen, and mold
- Exercise
How can I manage my eczema symptoms?
While there is no cure for eczema, a dermatologist can help you get your symptoms under control. First and foremost, you mustn't scratch your skin, as scratching will only make the itching more intense. Scratching your skin can also lead to more serious problems including infections.
It’s also important to establish a proper skin-care regimen with your dermatologist to determine which products are not only safe to use but also can ease eczema symptoms. It’s best to choose mild products that do not contain fragrances or chemicals and to keep skin moisturized, as dry skin can lead to flare-ups.
Of course, your dermatologist can also provide you with prescription topical creams and medications to help control your symptoms. Sometimes laser therapy can also help if you are dealing with severe eczema symptoms that don’t seem to respond to traditional medications and lifestyle changes.
Whether you are experiencing symptoms of eczema or you’ve already been diagnosed with eczema, you must have a skin-care professional that can help you get your eczema under control with proper dermatology treatments and remedies.
As kids, we dealt with that notoriously itchy rash caused by chickenpox. Unfortunately, as we get older, the same virus that caused our childhood chickenpox can also cause shingles. If you’ve had chickenpox in the past, then that same virus is lying dormant within the body. This means that at some point during your lifetime, the virus does have the ability to reactivate, causing a painful, blistering rash on the stomach and sides. This is known as shingles.Think You Have Shingles?
If you notice a blister-like rash developing on one side of the body it’s possible that you could have shingles. If you suspect that you have shingles, you must see a doctor.
Those over the age of 60 years old as well as those with chronic conditions such as diabetes are more at risk for complications related to shingles, so you must seek immediate dermatology care from a qualified doctor. A dermatologist can also rule out other possible conditions or infections.
Treating Shingles
For the antiviral medication to be most effective, you must see a doctor right away if you think you have shingles. The most common types of antiviral medications used to treat shingles include acyclovir and valacyclovir. These antivirals can speed up the healing process and reduce the severity of your symptoms.
- Applying cold compresses to the rash
- Soaking in a cool oatmeal bath
- Wearing light, loose-fitted clothing that won’t rub against the rash
- Applying calamine lotion to reduce itching
- Managing stress effectively and finding ways to help you relax
- Eating healthy, balanced meals
- Getting good quality sleep every night
The good news is that there is a shingles vaccine that can protect you against this infection. If you are over the age of 50, you could benefit from the shingles vaccine so ask your doctor. The vaccine can protect you from shingle for up to five years.
If you are worried that you might have shingles, or if you’re interested in finding out whether or not you should get the shingles vaccine, a qualified dermatologist will be able to answer all of your questions and provide you with the custom dermatology treatment you need to ease your symptoms.
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