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HYPERHIDROSIS BLOG

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How much do you know about hyperhidrosis? Although many people suffer with this condition, it is not widely known. There are many misconceptions about this condition, and many people don’t even know it is a condition.

As a hyperhidrosis specialist and surgeon in Tampa, I would like to share with you some basic facts on hyperhidrosis.

  • About 1 in 20 people have hyperhidrosis in the United States, which means more than 15 million Americans have the condition.
  • This condition is common in both men and women – gender plays no role in whether a person will develop the condition or not.
  • Hyperhidrosis is most common in people ages 18 to 39.
  • People with hyperhidrosis produce 4 to 5 times more sweat than the average person.
  • Hyperhidrosis can cause people to develop depression and anxiety.
  • Hyperhidrosis can cause a person to have a harder time doing everyday tasks at home, at work, and socially.
  • In a study, 85% of people with hyperhidrosis found their sweating to be embarrassing.
  • In one study, 71% of hyperhidrosis sufferers said their condition makes them anxious.
  • 65% of hyperhidrosis sufferers experience their excessive sweating in their underarms (axillary).
  • There are two types of hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary. Primary is not caused by another medical condition or medicine and often begins in childhood. Secondary is caused by another condition or is a side effect of a medicine.
  • 49 percent of hyperhidrosis sufferers suffer in silence for many years before seeing a doctor.
  • If you have a parent with primary hyperhidrosis, you have a 25 percent chance of developing primary hyperhidrosis yourself.
  • Primary hyperhidrosis doesn’t usually occur while sleeping, while secondary hyperhidrosis occurs at any hour.

As you can see, hyperhidrosis is more common than you think. If you suffer from this condition, you are not alone. Now is a great time to get a handle on your sweat! Make an appointment to talk to a hyperhidrosis specialist today. There are many treatment options.

Dr. Peter Mikhail is a Tampa hyperhidrosis physician and surgeon with offices in Tampa and New Port Richey, Florida. To book a consult, click our Tampa hyperhidrosis contact page or call 727-312-4844.


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Antiperspirants. Botox injections. Anticholinergic medications. Iontophoresis. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. These are all hyperhidrosis treatments, but now there’s a new treatment that comes in a cloth form.

A few months ago, the FDA approved Qbrexza, which is a prescription wipe that is a safe and effective topical treatment for treating hyperhidrosis in the armpits. This treatment is easy to use. Beginning this month, Qbrexza will be in pharmacies across the United States. Around 10 million people have primary axillary hyperhidrosis.

The biopharmaceutical company Dermira developed this anticholinergic cloth; it is used to treat primary axillary (under arms) hyperhidrosis. It is to be used once daily. This cloth can be used on adults and children 9 years old and older.

When the cloth is wiped on the skin, it blocks sweat production by inhibiting the sweat glands to activate. The main ingredient is glycopyrronium, which is what stops the sweat gland from being activated. The goal of the cloth is to reduce sweat and help a person return to their “normal” daily life and activities without having to worry about their sweaty underarms.

Some side effects of this cloth may include dry mouth, sore throat, dilated pupils, headache, urinary hesitation, dry nose, dry throat, dry eye, dry skin, blurred vision, and constipation. Some people in trials experienced burning, stinging, erythema, and pruritus on their skin.
The cloths are individually packaged. They are pre-moistened and medicated. A person’s under arms should be clean and dry before he/she uses the cloth. Wash hands after using and disposing of the cloth.

In the clinical trials, people who used the cloths once-a-day for a week had experienced a sweat reduction.

These cloths are easily available at the pharmacy with a prescription and are not as expensive as other hyperhidrosis treatments.

If you live with hyperhidrosis and want to use these cloths, talk to your doctor today to see if they are the right treatment option for you, especially if you have primary axillary hyperhidrosis.

Dr. Peter Mikhail is a Tampa hyperhidrosis physician and surgeon with offices in Tampa and New Port Richey, Florida. To book a consult, click our Tampa hyperhidrosis contact page or call 727-312-4844.

 


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We may not like it, but we all sweat. Sweating is natural. Sweating is healthy. It’s only when our sweat becomes excessive and hinders our abilities to do things that it becomes a problem.

Why do we sweat? Sweating is the body’s way to cool itself. It’s essential for us to sweat to survive. Our sweat glands are activated when the body is hot, from hormones, from stress/emotions, and from exercise or strenuous physical activity.

As a hyperhidrosis specialist and surgeon, I would like to share with you some facts about sweat and sweating.

  • There are 2 to 5 million sweat glands throughout the body.
  • The human body has two types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine.
  • Eccrine glands are found all over the body – these are the glands associated with hyperhidrosis.
  • Apocrine glands are found in specific areas like the armpits or groin.
  • Sweat that comes from the apocrine glands doesn’t have an odor, but odor usually occurs when oily fluids are combined with bacteria on the skin.
  • Women have more sweat glands than men.
  • Men’s sweat glands produce more sweat than women’s sweat glands.
  • Some people’s sweat is salty. If your sweat tastes salty or leaves white streaks on your skin or clothes, talk to a doctor.
  • During intense exercise, an athletic person can sweat 2 to 6 percent of their body weight off.
  • Sweat is made up of water, salt, and potassium. Sweat caused by stress is released by a different gland and is made up of fatty acids and proteins.
  • Sweat contains dermcidin, which is an antibiotic peptide that regulates bacterial growth on the skin.
  • If your sweat is red, you have hematohidrosis, which is when blood vessels rupture into the sweat glands. This is rare, but yes, this means you are sweating blood.
  • You can sweat blue, orange, or other colors — this is called chromhidrosis. This is also quite rare and can be treated.
  • A person’s sweat is unique like a fingerprint because it’s a blend of 307 compounds unique to the person.

Sweating is normal, but if you’re sweating excessively, you should get it treated. Make an appointment with a doctor who can determine the cause of your excessive sweating and treat you, so you can get back to living life without worrying about your sweat. There are many hyperhidrosis treatment options.

Dr. Peter Mikhail is a Tampa hyperhidrosis physician and surgeon with offices in Tampa and New Port Richey, Florida. To book a consult, click our Tampa hyperhidrosis contact page or call 727-312-4844.


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We all sweat; it’s a natural bodily function. Unfortunately, in our society, too much sweat is frowned upon. For those who sweat more than others, sweating can be a very stressful and embarrassing.

As a hyperhidrosis physician and surgeon, I want to share with you some hyperhidrosis facts and information. Even though many people suffer with this condition, there are a lot of misconceptions out there.

  • People who have hyperhidrosis are not dirty. This condition is not the result of a person’s hygiene habits. In fact, people with hyperhidrosis probably bathe more often than other people due to their extra sweat.
  • Many people with hyperhidrosis avoid satin and silk clothing. Polyester, nylon, and spandex can make people with this condition sweat more because these fabrics aren’t absorbent.
  • Many people with hyperhidrosis wear fabric-lined shoes to prevent their feet from sliding around inside the shoe.
  • People with hyperhidrosis can have trouble holding hands or turning a door knob due to sweat. It can be hard to use tools or put on gloves, as well.
  • Hyperhidrosis is constant, but some days are worse than others.
  • Certain scenarios can make a person’s hyperhidrosis worse, including stress, stressful situations, wearing a jacket, holding hands, public speaking, hot/humid weather, standing in line, shaking someone’s hand, and more.
  • People with hyperhidrosis often wear longer sleeves or black clothing to hide sweat and sweat stains.
  • Hyperhidrosis is undertreated because many people are too embarrassed to talk about it.
  • Many people with hyperhidrosis suffer from anxiety, depression, stress, and embarrassment because of their excessive sweat.
  • Many people with this condition skip events and social situations.
  • There are treatment options, but they work differently on each person – what works for one person may not work for another.

Don’t suffer in silence. Your hyperhidrosis is nothing to be ashamed about. Hundreds of people live with this condition. From prescription antiperspirants to Botox injections, there are many different treatment options to help you get a handle on your sweating. The sooner you talk to a doctor, the faster your sweating will calm down.   Dr. Peter Mikhail is a Tampa hyperhidrosis physician and surgeon with offices in Tampa and New Port Richey, Florida. Dr. Mikhail will determine the best treatment plan for you based on your symptoms.  To book a consult, click our Tampa hyperhidrosis contact page or call 727-312-4844.


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Do you sweat a lot? Do you sweat all day long? Do you sweat more than anyone else you know? Don’t be embarrassed – what you’re going through is a lot more common than you think. You’re not alone. If you suffer from excessive sweating, there’s a chance you have hyperhidrosis, which is a condition that can be treated through various types of treatments.

How can you tell the difference between extra sweat versus hyperhidrosis? As a hyperhidrosis physician and surgeon, I want to share with you some signs that may indicate you have hyperhidrosis.

  • With hyperhidrosis, you will sweat excessively in your armpits, bottoms of feet, face, and palms.
  • You avoid physical contact due to your sweating.
  • You skip physical activities and exercise, so you won’t sweat more.
  • Your sweat gets in the way of your job.
  • Your sweat makes it hard for you to open doors, drive, or carry items.
  • Your sweat makes you turn down social events.
  • Your sweat makes you change your clothes several times throughout the day.
  • You take multiple showers throughout the day.
  • You carry around towels, extra clothes, antiperspirants, and more to combat your sweat.
  • You apply antiperspirants several times per day.
  • You wear long sleeves or jackets often to hide sweat or sweat stains.

If this sounds familiar, you may have hyperhidrosis. It’s time for you to talk to a doctor. There are several treatments that can potentially calm down your excessive sweating including prescription antiperspirants, Botox injections, anticholinergic medications, iontophoresis, and endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.

Dr. Peter Mikhail is a Tampa hyperhidrosis physician and surgeon with offices in Tampa and New Port Richey, Florida. Dr. Mikhail will listen to your symptoms and patient history and determine the best treatment plan for you. Don’t sweat it, call Dr. Mikhail today! To book a consult, click our Tampa hyperhidrosis contact page or call 727-312-4844.


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Living with excessive sweat is no fun, but there can be “relief” if you get diagnosed with hyperhidrosis. How? Treatment options. Once you’ve been properly diagnosed with hyperhidrosis, a doctor can work with you to find the best treatment that will help combat your extra sweat.

In this article, we will discuss one treatment – Iontophoresis. In short, iontophoresis is when both the hands and feet are submerged into a bowl or pan of water. An electric current (painless) is passed through the water. Patients usually need two to four 20 to 30-minute treatments before sweating decreases.

If antiperspirants don’t work for you, you may want to try iontophoresis. This treatment has been around since the 1940s. Doctors recommend this treatment to patients who have tried and failed with prescription antiperspirants.

During the treatment, an electrical current (not strong) passes through the water to your skin. This treatment is not painful, but patients may feel some tingly sensations on their skin during the treatment.  This treatment is considered safe and the current will not damage the skin.

As for side effects, some patients experience dry skin, peeling, blistering and irritation, so it is suggested that people apply moisturizer to the skin after each session.

Patients who are pregnant, have a history of seizures and epilepsy, have a heart condition, have a pace maker, have recent wounds, scars, or skin grafts, or have metal implants cannot have iontophoresis.

Research has shown that iontophoresis can reduce sweating in 85% of patients who treat their feet or palms. It is less effective (70%) with patients treating their underarms.

This treatment needs to happen regularly for a patient to see improvement. On average, a doctor will recommend weekly treatments for the rest of a patient’s life, because this treatment cannot cure hyperhidrosis. The doctor will do this treatment in his or her office, but the patient can buy a machine to use at home.

The cost of this treatment is around $150 in the doctor’s office. The iontophoresis device that you can bring home costs around $550-$950. A patient can also rent a device for $100-$150 per month. Most insurances will cover the cost.

There is a good chance this treatment will improve your hyperhidrosis, but if you travel a lot or have a busy schedule and cannot do weekly treatments, you may need to seek out another solution. Also, another treatment may be better for you if you have excessive underarm sweating.

If this treatment sounds promising to you, contact Dr. Peter Mikhail today. Dr. Mikhail will determine if you are a good candidate for this treatment. Dr. Mikhail is a hyperhidrosis physician and surgeon with offices in Tampa and New Port Richey, Florida.

Get ready to start sweating less! To book a consult, click our Tampa hyperhidrosis contact page or call 727-312-4844.

 


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Fifteen million Americans live with hyperhidrosis but 49% of these individuals have never discussed their excessive sweating with a doctor. If you have hyperhidrosis or think you do, clearly the numbers indicate you are not alone.

For those of you who haven’t spoken to a doctor, please know there ARE treatments for what you’re experiencing. A doctor can help your symptoms improve and alleviate a lot of your extra sweat. From prescription antiperspirants to injections, there are several ways to combat hyperhidrosis.

One treatment method is medication. Two new medications, Qbrexza (Dermira) and RVT-504 (TheraVida), were put through trials recently.

Qberxza is a topical anticholinergic that patients put on their skin. Patients applied this topical treatment once a day for four weeks. In the trials, patients saw significant improvement in their sweat and had mild to moderate side effects. Side effects included dry mouth, urinary hesitation, constipation, headaches, dry nose, dilated pupils, dry throat, and dry skin.  72-77 percent of the patients saw at least a 50 percent reduction in their sweating. Qbrexza received FDA approval in 2018 and will be available at pharmacies in October 2018 in a medical cloth form. This treatment is for adults and children 9 years old and older.

RVT-504 is an oral anticholinergic combined with another medication to lessen the side effects of the anticholinergics. It helps patients with primary hyperhidrosis throughout their entire body. This medicine has demonstrated a limitation of overall sweating and reduction of dry mouth when taken twice a day. This drug is still in development and won’t be in the pharmacy soon, but hopefully will be released in the near future.

If your antiperspirant isn’t cutting it and you’re sick of taking countless showers, talk to a doctor about taking a hyperhidrosis medication. Whether it’s through medication or another hyperhidrosis treatment option, you can start to sweat less! Act now, so you can change your life!

Dr. Peter Mikhail is a hyperhidrosis physician and surgeon with offices in Tampa and New Port Richey, Florida. Dr. Mikhail will determine the best treatment plan for you based on your symptoms. To book a consult, click our Tampa hyperhidrosis contact page or call 727-312-4844.

 


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We all sweat. We usually sweat more if we exert ourselves, are nervous, or if it’s a hot, sunny day. Some people sweat more than others, naturally. However, there is a difference between normal sweating and hyperhidrosis. You can sweat a lot, and still not have hyperhidrosis, an excessive sweating condition.

It can be hard to know if you have this disorder or if you just sweat more than the average person. Usually, hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating in one or many parts of the body that’s not related to exercise or heat. Here are some questions to ask yourself to see if you may have the condition:

  • Are you afraid to go out anywhere because of the amount you sweat?
  • Are you often sitting in sweat-stained clothes?
  • Do you carry various supplies with you everywhere to get rid of sweat? Towel? Antiperspirants? Wipes?
  • Do you change your shirts or socks often throughout the day?
  • Do you soak through your clothing a lot?
  • Is it hard for you to turn a doorknob, use a touchscreen, shake hands, or grab items because of how sweaty your palms are?
  • Are you embarrassed to leave the house?
  • Do you think a lot about how much you’re sweating?
  • Do you sweat for no apparent reason?

If you answer “yes” to a few of these questions, there’s a good chance you may have hyperhidrosis, and you should talk to a doctor about your symptoms. When you go to the doctor, let him or her know what you’re currently using or doing to help combat sweat. Let him or her know if you tried other treatments before and how they worked or didn’t work. Discuss any skin irritation that has occurred from the sweating.

Sweating excessively isn’t fun. Many people suffer from hyperhidrosis, and you’re not alone in what you are going through. It’s time to take the steps to sweating less. There are several treatments that can help you. Dr. Peter Mikhail is a Tampa hyperhidrosis physician and surgeon in New Port Richey, Florida. Dr. Mikhail will ask you questions about your excessive sweating and determine the best treatment plan for you.  To book a consult, click our Tampa hyperhidrosis contact page or call 727-312-4844. Dr. Mikhail treats patients in the Tampa and Clearwater area.

 


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If you sweat excessively and antiperspirants fail you, hope is not lost! You have a lot more options to treat your sweatiness. Have you been diagnosed with hyperhidrosis? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re one of 7.8 million Americans with this condition.

If it’s determined you have hyperhidrosis, talk to your doctor about treatment options. The two of you can work together to decide what treatment is the best for you. In this article, we share with you some available treatments, so you can have an idea of what you may be interested in pursuing.

Prescription-strength antiperspirants – Usually, a doctor will recommend this first, especially because it’s noninvasive and cheaper. However, antiperspirants can irritate the skin over time from the chemicals within them.

Botox Injections – Botox can help sweating in the head, hands, underarms, and feet. An altered bacterium is injected into the skin to block nerve signals that trigger the sweat glands. The injections last for a few months, so you will need them a few times a year. This treatment can be costly.

Iontophoresis – A device sends low electrical currents to your hands and/or feet through water. This treatment needs to be done daily/weekly for life to see results.

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) – This is a minimally-invasive procedure where the doctor cuts a nerve to reduce the number of nerve signals that are stimulating the sweat glands. The effects of this surgery are immediate and permanent. It is proven to be effective in hands, feet, and underarms.

miraDry – This is a procedure that uses electromagnetic energy in the underarms to neutralize glands that cause sweat. Results are fast and permanent. It usually requires one or two treatments.

Tumescent liposuction – This is a surgery where the sweat glands in the underarms are removed. It is an effective treatment but results vary in every patient.

Anticholinergics – These medications block nerve transmissions. They are good for people who sweat in large areas or all over the body.

Looking to get treated for your excessive sweating? Don’t wait any longer. Contact Dr. Mikhail today! Dr. Peter Mikhail is a Tampa hyperhidrosis physician and surgeon in New Port Richey, Florida. Dr. Mikhail will ask questions then determine the best treatment plan for you based on your symptoms and medical history.  To book a consult, click our Tampa hyperhidrosis contact page or call 727-312-4844. Dr. Mikhail treats patients in the Tampa and Clearwater area.


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Hyperhidrosis, which is excessive sweating, is a condition that has a lot of myths surrounding it. Why? It’s a lesser-known disease and most people have little knowledge about it, so there’s a lot of false or misleading information on it. There are 7.8 million Americans living with hyperhidrosis, so a lot of people want to know, and want other people to know, the truth about what they’re going through.

As a hyperhidrosis physician, I would like to share with you some myths about hyperhidrosis, and then share facts about the condition to set the record straight.

Myth: People with hyperhidrosis smell bad.

Truth: Excessive sweating doesn’t have a smell. The smell comes from glands other than the sweat glands.

Myth: Hyperhidrosis sufferers have larger sweat glands.

Truth: False. People with hyperhidrosis do not have bigger sweat glands. They sweat more because their nerves are not functioning properly and trigger extra sweating.

Myth: Drinking less water helps you sweat less.

Truth: Whether you drink a lot or a little, this has zero effect on the extent of your sweating.

Myth: Only antiperspirants help with hyperhidrosis.

Fact: There are several other treatments out there for hyperhidrosis that are more effective than antiperspirants, including endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS), iontophoresis, Botox injections and miraDry.

Myth: Hyperhidrosis surgery is dangerous.

Fact: There are risks with any surgery, but hyperhidrosis surgeries are minimally invasive, which is a lot less traumatic and has a better recovery rate than traditional surgeries.

If you have hyperhidrosis, make sure you know the truth about the condition. Knowledge is power. Don’t spend another minute suffering with excessive sweat. Contact Dr. Mikhail today! Dr. Peter Mikhail is a Tampa hyperhidrosis physician and surgeon in New Port Richey, Florida. Dr. Mikhail will determine the best treatment plan for you based on your symptoms and medical history.  To book a consult, click our Tampa hyperhidrosis contact page or call 727-312-4844. Dr. Mikhail treats patients in the Tampa and Clearwater area.

 


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If you sweat a lot, antiperspirants and deodorants can be lifesavers. Unfortunately for people with hyperhidrosis, many over-the-counter antiperspirants can’t stop the excessive sweating, but prescription-level antiperspirants may do the trick. Whether you sweat a lot or a “normal” amount, you likely use an antiperspirant in your daily life. However, do you know what’s in an antiperspirant? What ingredients are in it? What is keeping you from sweating?

As a hyperhidrosis physician and surgeon, I want to share with you some main ingredients that are found in antiperspirants. It’s a good idea you know what you’re rubbing on your skin, as many of these ingredients are controversial. Researchers are worried about long-term effects.

Parabens – These were developed in the 1950s and they help preserve products and prevent bacteria from developing. Parabens include butylparaben, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, methylparaben, and propylparaben.  It’s debated if parabens are bad for the body, because they have been known to disrupt hormones in the body, which can lead to several medical conditions.

Sulfates – Sulfates are used in foaming and cleansing products and they are known to break down proteins, which can cause cell membranes to degenerate.

Aluminum – Aluminum can plug the sweat ducts and keep moisture from leaving your sweat glands. Being a heavy metal, there is concern that it is absorbed into the skin and, over time, lead to a higher risk of breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

Propylene glycol – This chemical keeps substances from drying out and was originally developed as an antifreeze product. It has been known to cause kidney damage, liver damage, and dermatitis.

For most, these ingredients are a necessary evil to keep sweat away. However, there are alternatives. There are plenty of natural antiperspirants out there that contain none of the above ingredients. But for people with hyperhidrosis, natural antiperspirants may not be enough, so other hyperhidrosis treatments like iontophoresis or endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy may be the better solution.

If antiperspirants are not working for you or you don’t want these chemicals on your skin, it’s time to talk to a doctor about alternative treatments for your hyperhidrosis. Dr. Peter Mikhail is a Tampa hyperhidrosis physician and surgeon in New Port Richey, Florida. Dr. Mikhail will determine the best treatment plan for you.  To book a consult, click our Tampa hyperhidrosis contact page or call 727-312-4844. Dr. Mikhail treats patients in the Tampa and Clearwater area.

 


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Sweating is natural. Although it can be “gross” and uncomfortable, it’s a normal body function. Every person sweats a little differently, and some people sweat more than others. The amount a person sweats depends on genetics, gender, temperature, age, amount of exercise, weight, and fitness level.

The body has two types of sweat glands: eccrine glands and apocrine glands. There are thousands of eccrine glands in the body that regulate the body’s temperature. When the body’s temperature rises, the eccrine glands release sweat in response to stimulation from the nervous system. Apocrine glands are found in the armpits and groin. The apocrine glands produce sweat when stimulated by the body’s rising temperature, along with stress, anxiety, and hormones. Unlike eccrine glands, the apocrine glands produce bacteria that cause odor, which is why people use deodorant under their arms.

What is sweat? Sweat is a combination of water, sodium, and other bodily substances that help cool the body down. Sweating is normal, especially when exerting oneself or being in a high-temperature environment; however, if you feel you’re sweating excessively, it’s a good idea to get checked by a doctor. Excessive sweating isn’t normal, and it’s not easy (or fun) to live with. You could potentially have hyperhidrosis, a condition where the nerves are in overdrive and cause sweat to occur all day long.

Besides hyperhidrosis, there are other reasons why a person can sweat excessively, including pregnancy, diabetes, thyroid issues, perimenopause, anxiety, and medication. Whatever the reason, excessive sweating is inconvenient and not normal, and it should be evaluated by a doctor. You want to learn if you have a condition and how to properly manage it, so it does not get worse.

If you are diagnosed with hyperhidrosis, be assured that it is treatable. From antiperspirants to Botox injections, there are several treatments available to help you lead a comfortable, less sweaty, life again.

Ready to sweat less? Dr. Peter Mikhail is a hyperhidrosis physician and surgeon in New Port Richey, Florida. He will determine the best treatment plan for you.  To book a consult, click our Tampa hyperhidrosis contact page or call 727-312-4844. Dr. Mikhail treats patients in the Tampa and Clearwater area.

 


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Excessive sweating is embarrassing. Stains on your clothes. Dampness all the time. Bad smells, even if you just showered. It’s a pain. Besides going to the doctor, there are some things you can do at home that can potentially alleviate some of your symptoms.

Your diet can be your medicine. The food we ingest can help (or harm) us. So many of the foods we eat are filled with vitamins and nutrients that can help heal our bodies and keep us thriving.

When you eat foods that are harder to break down, your internal body temperature rises, which can make you sweat more. It’s a good idea to eat foods that ease digestion. We want to share with you some foods that help reduce excessive sweating:

  • Water – Water helps keep your body cooler, so your body isn’t working hard to lower its internal temperature through sweating.
  • Fruits and vegetables – Choose to eat fruit and vegetables that are also loaded with water such as broccoli, grapes, watermelon, cauliflower, peppers, and spinach.
  • Calcium – Calcium helps regulate body temperature, so enjoy some cheese and milk!
  • Olive oil – It helps your body digest better so your body temperature won’t spike.
  • Magnesium – Magnesium-rich foods such as almonds, pumpkins, and soy beans improve digestion.
  • Oats – Oats are digested quickly so your body doesn’t have to work hard.
  • Bananas – Bananas are loaded with potassium which is an electrolyte that helps keep you hydrated.
  • Green tea, whey protein, and sweet potatoes – These foods help calm the nervous system, which can help keep sweat away.

Food cannot completely solve your excessive sweating problems, especially if you have hyperhidrosis, but it can calm down some of your symptoms. Don’t live with your extra sweat any longer! Dr. Peter Mikhail is a hyperhidrosis physician and surgeon in New Port Richey, Florida. To book a consult, click our Tampa hyperhidrosis contact page or call 727-312-4844. Dr. Mikhail treats patients in the Tampa and Clearwater area.

 


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Dermatologists estimate that 3% of people in the United States have excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis isn’t curable, but it is treatable and manageable.

If you sweat a lot, don’t ignore it! Your condition is treatable, and you can get a handle on excessive sweating. First, go to a dermatologist to get a diagnosis. A dermatologist will let you know if you have hyperhidrosis and what kind you have. He or she will also recommend what treatment would be best for you and your symptoms.

You’ll want to let your doctor know:

  • If anyone else in your family sweats excessively
  • If you sweat a lot in your sleep
  • How long your excessive sweating has been going on
  • If your sweat keeps you from doing certain activities
  • If your sweat keeps you from working
  • If your sweat is triggered by anything in particular

There are a few things you can do to manage your hyperhidrosis. You want to use an antiperspirant not a deodorant. Apply it before bed. Your doctor may prescribe a specific type of antiperspirant that is stronger than over-the-counter brands.

It’s also a good idea to keep a log of your sweating. You can learn if certain situations have been triggering your sweat, and this may help you control your sweating.  When it comes to excessive sweating, some common triggers include heat, anxiety, alcohol, hot sauces, certain spices, caffeine, and food with MSG.

If your hyperhidrosis isn’t getting better from using antiperspirant or dietary changes, you should ask your doctor about other hyperhidrosis treatments, including anticholinergic medications, Botox injections, iontophoresis, and endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.

You CAN manage your sweat, and live a less sweaty life! Dr. Peter Mikhail is a hyperhidrosis physician and surgeon in New Port Richey, Florida. To book a consult, click our Tampa hyperhidrosis contact page or call 727-312-4844. Dr. Mikhail treats patients in the Tampa and Clearwater area.


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If you sweat excessively, you are not alone. 7.8 million other Americans suffer from an excessive sweating condition called hyperhidrosis. If you think you may have a problem or want to rule out an underlying condition, please see a doctor.

This condition is not life-threatening, but it can be extremely uncomfortable and cause people psychological distress. Most people who suffer from this disorder find the condition to be embarrassing as the excessive sweating can stain clothes and get in the way of business, and social situations.

It is highly suggested that you see a doctor, be diagnosed, and properly treated if you do in fact have hyperhidrosis. Proper medical treatment can help you manage the condition and live a happier life. Along with medical treatments, there are some home remedies that you can try in addition to the doctor-prescribed treatments to help alleviate your symptoms.

  • Avoid processed foods loaded with chemicals. A poor diet can trigger more sweating.
  • Maintain a healthy weight with a good diet and exercise routine. By being overweight, you will generally sweat more.
  • Use apple cider vinegar. If you mix it with water and drink it, it can help control sweating and balance pH levels in the body. It works as an antiperspirant. To use externally, dab some apple cider vinegar on to a cotton ball, apply to your underarms, and leave it on overnight. Rinse your underarms in the morning and then apply deodorant.
  • Use baking soda. Baking soda balances out the acids in sweat and lowers the pH level in the body, acting like a natural deodorant as it absorbs and neutralizes odors. To use baking soda, simply combine equal parts of cornstarch and baking soda, and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Clean your underarms and apply the mixture on them using a slightly damp cloth. Allow it to dry. If you don’t have much time, dab a little baking soda onto your underarms with a powder puff.
  • Use coconut oil. Rub coconut oil on any sweat areas. It helps combat the sweating.
  • Use black tea. Black tea has antiperspirant and astringent properties that can control the extra sweating due to the tannic acid ingredient. Dab black tea onto your underarms or soak your feet in it for 20 minutes.
  • Use sage. Sage is known for its antibacterial properties as it restricts the growth of bacteria, which can slow down the amount of sweating. Like black tea, it also contains tannic acid, which helps constrict sweat glands and reduce sweating. You can either drink sage tea or apply to feet or underarms.

All the above home remedies can help relieve symptoms of hyperhidrosis, but you may need more serious medical help from a doctor.  Dr. Peter Mikhail is a hyperhidrosis physician and surgeon in New Port Richey, Florida. To book a consult, click our Tampa hyperhidrosis contact page or call 727-312-4844. Dr. Mikhail treats patients in the Tampa and Clearwater area.


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You don’t have to be a slave to your sweat. Excessive sweating can be managed and treated! You may be pretty discouraged after every antiperspirant in the store hasn’t worked for you. We don’t blame you! Living with a sweating problem can take a toll on your mental state and your clothes! There is hope!

If you think you may have a sweating condition, talk a doctor and get evaluated to determine why you have been sweating excessively. During the visit, the doctor will listen to your symptoms and determine the severity of your condition. He or she may suggest you go for testing to determine if you have hyperhidrosis or an underlying medical condition that is causing you to sweat more than normal.

If it is determined you have hyperhidrosis, the doctor will treat you, and your treatment will vary depending on what is causing it. The goal of the treatment is to lessen the amount you sweat and improve your quality of life.

Here are a few treatments for hyperhidrosis:

Anticholinergic medications
These medications inhibit the transmission of parasympathetic nerve impulses. On average, patients will notice improved symptoms in two weeks.

 

Botulinum toxin (Botox injections)
These injections block the nerves that trigger the sweat glands. Several injections are needed for effective results. This is best for underarm sweating.

 

Iontophoresis
Both the hands and feet are submerged into a bowl of water. An electric current (painless) is passed through the water. Patients usually need two to four 20- to 30-minute treatments.

 

Antiperspirants
Antiperspirant sprays (not deodorants) can stop sweating. Some prescription-level antiperspirants contain aluminum chloride hexahydrate, which plugs the sweat glands. These may work better on you than over-the-counter antiperspirants due to their strength and ingredients.

 

ETS (Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy)
This is a surgical procedure used in severe cases of hyperhidrosis when patients are not responding to other treatments. In this procedure, the nerves that carry messages to the sweat glands are cut. This procedure helps with hyperhidrosis in the face, hands, and/or armpits.

 

Don’t give up on your sweating. There are options out there that can help you. Dr. Peter Mikhail is a Tampa hyperhidrosis physician and surgeon in New Port Richey, Florida. Dr. Mikhail will ask you a series of questions about your sweating and determine the best treatment plan for you.  To book a consult, click our Tampa hyperhidrosis contact page or call 727-312-4844. Dr. Mikhail treats patients in the Tampa and Clearwater area.


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Sweating like crazy isn’t fun. It can be extremely embarrassing and shameful. Excessive sweating, when due to a condition like hyperhidrosis, can be even more frustrating because it’s not the fault of the sufferer. It isn’t about proper hygiene. A shower won’t stop the sweating. Neither will most deodorants. People are left feeling disgusted and discouraged. Living with hyperhidrosis can be hard.

Recent research has shown that hyperhidrosis affects many aspects of everyday life and can be a burden for many people.

From this recent research, here’s what people experience, mentally or physically, because of hyperhidrosis.

  • Constant worry from the excessive sweating
  • Low self-esteem
  • Low self-confidence
  • The feeling of being trapped or restricted in life
  • The inability to work or go to school
  • Not wanting to socialize or be in public
  • Not wearing the clothing that he/she would prefer to wear
  • Missing out on certain recreational activities
  • Avoiding traveling to warm destinations
  • Avoiding exercise
  • Inability to use touchscreens
  • Inability to work with tools, open jars, turn door handles, hold objects, clean, cook, and more
  • Having to take extra showers or change into a different outfit several times throughout the day

As you can see, hyperhidrosis can hinder many everyday activities, while also being a mental burden on a person. People are afraid of being seen with their excessive sweat, but they are also frustrated when their sweat keeps them from doing everyday tasks. There is hope. Excessive sweating is serious and is taken seriously by medical professionals.

From Botox and medications to iontophoresis and antiperspirants, there are many ways to manage hyperhidrosis so you can live a less sweaty life. We all sweat, but when it is hindering your lifestyle it’s beyond normal and could possibly be hyperhidrosis.

Don’t stress about your sweat anymore. It’s time to turn to a medical doctor for help. Dr. Peter Mikhail is a hyperhidrosis physician and surgeon in New Port Richey, Florida. His treatment plan for you will reflect your symptoms and medical history. To book a consult, click our Tampa hyperhidrosis doctor contact page or call 727-312-4844. Dr. Mikhail treats patients in the Tampa and Clearwater area.

 


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You may be aware that hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating, but did you know there are different types?  The two types of hyperhidrosis are Primary Focal and Secondary Generalized. Each one is unique and requires different treatment options.

With primary focal, excessive sweating is its own medical condition. The sweating is not caused by another medical condition or medication. Primary focal hyperhidrosis occurs most commonly on the hands, feet, underarms, face, and/or head. The sweatiness is usually experienced on both the left and right sides of the body and can occur in more than one area of the body at the same time.

Primary focal hyperhidrosis usually begins during childhood and adolescence, especially sweatiness of the hands and feet. People usually experience the excessive sweating at least once a week, but not during sleep. This condition can be hereditary. With this condition, many people feel impaired when doing their daily activities but are often too embarrassed to talk about it.

With secondary generalized hyperhidrosis, people experience excessive sweating due to another medical condition or as a side effect of a medication. With this type of hyperhidrosis, people experience sweating on large areas of the body and often experience their sweating while sleeping. This type of excessive sweating is known to begin during adulthood.

If you…

  • Experience excessive sweating
  • Sweat at night
  • Sweat on both sides of your body
  • Sweat in generalized, large areas
  • Sweat only on your feet, hands, face, or underarms
  • Sweat since you were a child
  • Sweat since starting a new medicine or out of the blue
  • Have a family member with diagnosed hyperhidrosis or also excessive sweats

… there is a good chance you have hyperhidrosis. Don’t live with your sweaty self anymore! Hyperhidrosis can be treated.

A knowledgeable physician, like Dr. Peter Mikhail, can examine you to diagnose and treat your hyperhidrosis. Dr. Peter Mikhail is a hyperhidrosis physician and surgeon based in New Port Richey, Florida. To book a consult, click our Tampa hyperhidrosis doctor contact page or call 727-312-4844. Dr. Mikhail treats patients in the Tampa and Clearwater area.


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We all sweat. Whether it’s from hot temperatures or a hard workout, we sweat. It’s a normal response from our body; however, when you sweat too much, this must be a sign of hyperhidrosis.

With hyperhidrosis, you probably spend a good part of your day excessively sweating and worrying about it. You change clothes often. You take multiple showers. You wipe off your skin with napkins or clothes. You wear bulky or dark-colored clothes to hide the sweat and stains. You make excuses to stay home. Your palms are sweaty, your feet are slippery, your face is glistening, and your armpits are damp…often and/or always.

If you think you sweat more than “normal” and it is interfering with your life, your best bet is to go to a doctor. At your appointment your doctor will ask you about your symptoms. Some tests will help evaluate the cause of your excessive sweating. Blood tests will help to rule out if your sweating is caused by another medical condition like hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

A doctor can also order a thermoregulatory sweat test, or an iodine-starch test to determine if you have hyperhidrosis. When your sweat reaches the surface of the skin during an iodine-starch test, the starch and iodine combine causing a dramatic color change to a dark blue, which allows sweat production to be actively visualized. This will help the doctor diagnose if you have hyperhidrosis. A thermoregulatory sweat test measures your ability to sweat in a special laboratory that has controlled temperature, humidity, and air flow regulation capabilities. During the test, you will lie on a bed and are powdered with a substance that changes color from yellow to bright purple as you sweat. A video camera will allow the doctor to analyze how your autonomic system reacts to the room’s conditions. There are heat and humidity controls in the room to help you sweat in all skin regions that are capable of sweating.

Before you meet with the doctor, be prepared with answers about your sweating. Here are some questions for you to think about that will help the doctor greatly.

  • How many times per day do you think or worry about sweating?
  • How many times per day do you change clothes? Bathe?
  • Do you change or cancel plans because of your sweating?
  • Do you carry around pads, napkins, powders, antiperspirants or towels to help dry your sweat?
  • Do you buy new clothes and shoes often?
  • What have you used to control your sweating?
  • Does your sweating affect your job?
  • Have you experienced skin irritation or infections due to excessive sweating?
  • Does sweating in public cause you to be stressed or have anxiety?

It’s time to stop that sweat and to turn to a medical doctor for a diagnosis. Dr. Peter Mikhail is a hyperhidrosis physician and surgeon in New Port Richey, Florida. To book a consult, click our hyperhidrosis contact page or call 727-312-4844. Dr. Mikhail treats patients in the Tampa and Clearwater area.


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This article and photo originally appeared on www.hyperhidrosismd.com

Do you find yourself slipping and sliding in your shoes or changing socks several times during the day? If you’re nodding your head  “yes” over sweaty feet disrupting your life, then you could have feet hyperhidrosis (plantar hyperhidrosis). Of the two to four million sweat glands in our bodies, a whopping 250,000 of them are in our feet, and on average, we produce about half a cup of sweat a day. If you have hyperhidrosis, then your sweat production can be up to four times the average daily amount.

There are numerous treatments available, but many people with hyperhidrosis, unaware they have a medical condition, don’t discuss the problem with their doctor. The specialists at the Hyperhidrosis Center of Excellence have helped many patients overcome excessive sweating and smelly feet and they would like to help you. Our board-certified doctors can tell you more about the condition, what causes sweaty feet, and treatment recommendations. Together, we can determine the best method to stop your feet from excessively sweating.

Practical Treatment Options

Most doctors recommend a conservative approach first, and the Hyperhidrosis Center of Excellence specialists are no exception. They will typically first advise a patient to try some home remedies and practical advice, such as:

  • Wear well-fitting leather shoes
  • Apply antiperspirant on your feet
  • Use cotton or moisture-wicking socks
  • Insert absorbent or deodorizing insoles into shoes

Maintain a daily foot hygiene routine such as washing feet with anti-bacterial soap, apply absorbent foot powder, and wear different shoes each day.

After three weeks if these simple remedies are not effective for you, then you will want to follow up with your doctor to review medical treatment options and determine the best one for you.

Best Medical Solutions

The doctors at the Hyperhidrosis Center of Excellence have helped numerous patients with treatments that either minimize or prevent excessive foot sweating. If you’re seeking a more permanent fix, then you’d want to consider thorascoscopic sympathectomy, a highly effective gland removal method.

The Hyperhidrosis Center of Excellence doctors perform some of the most advanced procedures on an out-patient basis, including:

  • Medications
  • Botox injections
  • Iontophoresis – low-level electrical current
  • Thorascoscopic sympathectomy – minimally invasive procedure treating sweat glands

Our doctors area highly qualified team of thoracic surgeons who have successfully treated numerous patients, removing their discomfort and restoring a better quality of life.

Call the Hyperhidrosis Experts

You don’t have to put up with the inconvenience and embarrassment of hyperhidrosis. There are several safe and highly effective treatment options, which can restore your life to normal. The Hyperhidrosis Center of Excellence offers technologically advanced medical solutions from board-certified thoracic surgeons. Call 888.349.1398 today to schedule an appointment with a hyperhidrosis expert.

Dr. Peter Mikhail treats patients suffering from hyperhidrosis in the Tampa, Clearwater, and New Port Richey areas of Florida. Call him to book an appointment for an evaluation of your excessive sweating at 727-312-4844. 

 


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This article and photo originally appeared on www.sweathelp.org. 

 

A new research published in Archives of Dermatological Research shows that hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) is more prevalent, severe, and socially debilitatingthan previously reported.

We already knew this and you probably did, too, but having data reported in a medical journal both affirms and further empowers our advocacy work. This sort of news garners the attention of more healthcare providers (to make diagnosis and treatment a priority) and more treatment developers (to provide patients with additional options).

The research was conducted by Brickell Biotech and Burke Healthcare with collaboration from the International Hyperhidrosis Society, and hyperhidrosis community members like you!

As part of the study more than 8,000 people participated in an online survey regarding their experiences with excessive sweating.

The results show:

• Approximately 4.8% of the U.S. population, or 15.3 million Americans, live with severe excessive sweating.
• About 75% of those with excessive sweating say the condition has had negative impacts on their social life, sense of well-being, and emotional and mental health.
• Only about half of those (49%) suffering from hyperhidrosis have discussed their condition with a healthcare provider, either because they don’t realize excessive sweating is a medical condition or because they don’t believe that treatment options exist.
• 53% of those who do see a healthcare provider about their excessive sweating are not diagnosed!

Previous (2004) research had found that 2.8% of Americans experience hyperhidrosis. The new study results put that prevalence number much higher – at 4.8%.

Similar to other studies, the researchers found that excessive sweating causes major limitations in work and social relationships, physical and leisure activities, and impairments in emotional and mental health.

For example:

• 85% percent of respondents agreed that excessive sweating is embarrassing
• 71% reported that sweating caused anxiety
• 35% stated they sacrificed many important things in their lives because of excessive sweating.

“When you’re worried about hiding your sweating, you limit your experiences and you aren’t getting joy out of life,” says Sophia Wastler, a trailblazing entrepreneur (check out her Starz Program) who has been living with hyperhidrosis since she was in elementary school. Sophia has been a tireless advocate for the International Hyperhidrosis Society for nearly a decade — fundraising, raising awareness, and attesting that effective hyperhidrosis treatment from a compassionate and knowledgeable physician, Dr David Pariser, changed her life.

“The results of this study are significant because it shows that the number of people in the U.S. who are living with this debilitating condition is nearly double previous estimates,” says Patricia Walker, MD, PhD, President and Chief Scientific Officer, Brickell Biotech, and one of the authors of the study. “Not only is the prevalence much higher than previously thought, but there is a clear and urgent need for greater awareness of hyperhidrosis and its treatment options among medical professionals and those living with the condition.”

“People living with hyperhidrosis must not only live with its very visible symptoms but they also have to deal with the anxiety and social stigma associated with excessive sweating, which can be debilitating to their daily lives” says Lisa J. Pieretti, Co-Founder and Executive Director, of the International Hyperhidrosis Society.“It’s high time that the broader medical community learn more about hyperhidrosis so that they can properly diagnose it and then help their patients manage the symptoms.”

“People with excessive sweating should absolutely speak with their primary care doctor or a dermatologist about their condition; no one should suffer alone,” says David Pariser, MD, Co-Founder and Board Member of the IHHS and a beloved world-renowned expert in hyperhidrosis. “There’s a great deal of exciting research in hyperhidrosis treatment right now and I believe that patients will have more safe, effective and convenient treatment options available to them in the coming years.”

And that, my friends, is why we keep asking you to keep the faith, and to participate in research. Subscribe to our news blog and SweatHelp.org/research for updates about all the new treatments currently in development and ways you can be part of the renaissance in hyperhidrosis care and understanding.

Brickell Biotech is in the process of developing sofpironium bromide (an anticholinergic) as a novel, self-administered, topical hyperhidrosis therapy. Watch for our alerts when the next huge study opens!

Dr. Peter Mikhail treats patients suffering from hyperhidrosis in the Tampa, Clearwater, and New Port Richey areas of Florida. Call him to book an appointment for an evaluation of your excessive sweating at 727-312-4844. 

 


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This article and photo originally appeared on www.sweathelp.org. 

 

According to data collected by International Hyperhidrosis Society researchers and presented at the recent American Academy of Dermatology’s (AAD) 2017 Annual Meeting, 17% of teens (nearly 1 in 5) experience excessive, uncontrollable sweating!

That’s at least SEVEN TIMES MORE teens affected than reported by prior studies, which put prevalence statistics at only 1.6% to 2.1%.

Additionally, the International Hyperhidrosis Society study found that among those teens affected by excessive sweating:
— 75% indicate daily impairment from sweating is major or moderate.
— More than 25% reported onset at or before age 10.
— Average reported age of onset is 11 years.

Dr. Adelaide Hebert, co-author of the research abstract, founding board member of the International Hyperhidrosis Society, President of the Women’s Dermatologic Society, pediatric dermatologist, and professor at the UTHealth McGovern Medical School presented the data at the AAD meeting.

“Our results,” she says, “show an even greater need than previously recognized for the accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of excessive sweating in teens and children. The teen and pre-teen years are an important time in young people’s development of self-concept; helping them to thrive includes the appropriate management of impactful health conditions – like excessive sweating.”

Lisa J Pieretti, Executive Director of the International Hyperhidrosis Society and lead investigator of the study adds, “These are important results for pediatricians, pediatric dermatologists, school nurses, parents, and teens. By helping to increase awareness of the problem, we hope we can inspire teens to bring their excessive sweating issues out into the open – and for medical professionals to provide more empathetic, effective management. Our organization is uniquely and powerfully positioned to conduct this type of research, and we were delighted to have been chosen among a select few research groups to present our data at the American Academy of Dermatology 2017 Annual Meeting.”

To collect the data, the International Hyperhidrosis Society surveyed a US-representative, national online consumer panel of teens. The research was made possible by the generous support of GlaxoSmithKline’s non-interventional grant program, which provided the necessary funding to the International Hyperhidrosis Society. The results were accepted to be presented as an abstract at the prestigious AAD Late Breaking Research Forum. Researchers will submit a full manuscript including additional data for medical journal peer-review later this year. Watch this blog for updates.

 

Dr. Peter Mikhail treats patients suffering from hyperhidrosis in the Tampa, Clearwater, and New Port Richey areas of Florida. Call him to book an appointment for an evaluation of your excessive sweating at 727-312-4844. 


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Dr. Peter Mikhail is a thoracic and cardiac surgeon in Tampa, Clearwater, and New Port Richey, Florida who also specializes in Hyperhidrosis Surgery & Treatment. Dr. Mikhail is Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery, The American Board of Thoracic Surgery and The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

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