How to prepare for a video visit about Hyperhidrosis

Audience: adult

Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive sweating beyond what your body needs to cool down. It can affect your hands, feet, underarms, face, or other parts of your body. If you have concerns about sweating too much, a video visit with a healthcare provider can help you learn more about your symptoms and possible treatments. Preparing well for your video visit can make the conversation clearer and more helpful. This guide explains what to expect during your telemedicine appointment, how to get ready, and when to seek urgent care. Remember, telemedicine is a useful way to discuss your symptoms and treatment options but is not a substitute for in-person exams when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden onset of heavy sweating with fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency care immediately.
• Sweating accompanied by unexplained weight loss, weakness, or swelling — arrange prompt in-person evaluation.
• Sweating that interferes with daily activities and does not improve with initial treatments — follow up with your healthcare provider.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and medical history related to hyperhidrosis.
• Providing education about the condition and treatment options.
• Guiding initial treatment plans and lifestyle advice.
• Determining if in-person evaluation or tests are needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams that require touch or specialized equipment.
• Administering treatments that must be done in person, like injections or surgeries.
• Diagnosing underlying causes that require laboratory or imaging tests.
• Managing emergencies or severe symptoms needing urgent care.

What is Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis means sweating more than your body needs to stay cool. This extra sweating can happen even when you are not hot or active. It often affects areas like your hands, feet, underarms, or face. Hyperhidrosis can make daily activities harder and affect your confidence or comfort.

What to Expect During Your Video Visit

During your video visit, your healthcare provider will ask about your sweating patterns, when it started, and how it affects you. They may ask about your medical history and any medicines you take. You might be asked to show the areas where you sweat a lot. The provider will discuss possible causes and treatment options with you.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

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When to Seek In-Person Care

If you notice sudden, severe sweating with other symptoms like fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, seek urgent medical care. Also, if sweating is accompanied by weight loss, weakness, or swelling, an in-person evaluation may be needed. Telemedicine can help with many questions, but some signs require hands-on assessment.

Treatment Options Discussed in Telemedicine

Your provider may talk about lifestyle changes, over-the-counter antiperspirants, prescription treatments, or other therapies. They might suggest follow-up visits or tests. Some treatments require in-person visits, which your provider can help arrange.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure your internet connection is stable for video calls.
• Charge your device or have it plugged in.
• Test your camera and microphone before the appointment.
• Choose a private, quiet space with good lighting.
• Have a list of your symptoms, their duration, and any triggers.
• Prepare a list of current medications and supplements.
• Write down questions or concerns to discuss with your provider.
• Wear clothing that allows you to show affected areas if comfortable.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any treatment advice or prescriptions given by your provider.
• Schedule any recommended follow-up visits or tests.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or side effects.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear.
• Maintain good hygiene and use recommended antiperspirants or treatments as advised.

FAQs

What causes hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis can be caused by overactive sweat glands without an obvious reason (primary hyperhidrosis) or result from other medical conditions like infections, hormonal changes, or medications (secondary hyperhidrosis). Your provider can help determine possible causes.

Can hyperhidrosis be cured?

While there is no universal cure, many treatments can help control excessive sweating. These include lifestyle changes, topical treatments, medications, and in some cases, procedures. Your provider will discuss options suitable for you.

Is a video visit enough to diagnose hyperhidrosis?

A video visit can help your provider understand your symptoms and suggest initial treatments. However, some cases may require in-person exams or tests to identify underlying causes or to perform certain treatments.

What should I do if my sweating suddenly gets worse?

If you experience sudden, severe sweating along with other symptoms like fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical care immediately. For worsening symptoms without these signs, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

Are there lifestyle changes that can help with hyperhidrosis?

Yes, wearing breathable clothing, using clinical-strength antiperspirants, managing stress, and avoiding known triggers like spicy foods or caffeine may help reduce sweating. Your provider can offer personalized advice.

Sources

1. Hyperhidrosis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Hyperhidrosis: Overview and Treatment — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.
4. Hyperhidrosis Fact Sheet — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you have urgent symptoms or concerns, please seek immediate medical attention.