Hyperhidrosis Clinic

Offering Help & Treatment for Excessive Sweating

The SLUCare Physician Group dermatology department offers appointments with a specialist dedicated to treatment of hyperhidrosis. Excessive sweating - beyond what is needed to control body temperature - is called hyperhidrosis and affects up to 5 percent of the population. It occurs most commonly, in the underarms, hands, feet, forehead, and/or groin. Hyperhidrosis can have a profound impact on daily life, making even simple tasks and interactions difficult.

Fortunately, there are options for treating excessive sweating. In the Hyperhidrosis Clinic, the specialist will review your medical history, evaluate your symptoms, and perform a physical examination. It is important to bring a detailed list of medications or treatments you have used for sweating previously. After reviewing and explaining treatment options, the specialist will work with you to select the most appropriate plan based on your needs. Your input is important in choosing an effective treatment plan for hyperhidrosis.

Treatments Offered at the SLUCare Hyperhidrosis Clinic

Prescription Antiperspirants

Prescription Antiperspirants - most commonly Drysol- are prescribed as the first-line treatment for hyperhidrosis.  If topical antiperspirants are not effective or cause side effects like skin irritation, other treatment options are available.

Prescription Topical Anticholinergic Medications

Two FDA approved topical medications are available for treatment of underarm hyperhidrosis in patients aged 9 and older:

  • Sofdra (sofpironium) topical gel 12.5%
  • Qbrexza (glycopyrronium 2.4% cloths

The hyperhidrosis specialist will determine if either of these medications is right for you and will complete prior authorization if required by your insurance company.

Compounded glycopyrrolate cream is also an option for focal hyperhidrosis.

Several oral medications are used to treat excessive sweating. Each option has unique side effects and dosing recommendations. The hyperhidrosis specialist will discuss these medications with you to determine whether one of these medications is right for you.

Fellowship physicians perform the miraDry procedure under the guidance of a board-certified Dermatologist. The miraDry® System delivers precisely controlled energy to the underarm sweat glands and destroys the sweat glands non-invasively. Because the sweat glands do not regenerate (come back) after treatment, the results are long-lasting. You can expect to see sweat reduction immediately after the procedure. Because the treatment is completed using only local anesthesia, you may drive yourself to and from the procedure appointment. It is recommended that you minimize physical activity and frequently apply ice to the treatment area for two days following the procedure. Most people either take off work or work from home for these two days.

  • miraDry® is not covered by insurance.
  • The cost $1900 for the first treatment.  Approximately 20% of patients opt for a second treatment, with the cost of the second treatment being $1100.

Botox® (onabotulinumtoxinA) blocks the release of neurochemicals that stimulate sweat gland activity. Botox® injections for hyperhidrosis differ from cosmetic or aesthetic Botox® treatments. Treatment involves multiple shallow injections of the medication into the area being treated. The specialist has years of experience using Botox to treat areas affected by excessive sweat. After Botox® treatment, sweating typically decreases significantly within 2-4 days, with results lasting an average of 6 months.

Botox® for Underarm Hyperhidrosis with Insurance Coverage

Botox® injections are an FDA-approved treatment for severe primary underarm hyperhidrosis in patients 18 and older.  The hyperhidrosis specialist will evaluate whether Botox® is right for you and complete the insurance prior authorization for coverage of the medication and injections. Not all insurance companies cover Botox® for hyperhidrosis, and the authorization process may take up to 8 weeks before treatment.

Botox® for Focal Hyperhidrosis without Insurance Coverage

Botox® injections can be used to treat many focal areas of severe hyperhidrosis, including palms, forehead, and groin. Insurance typically will not cover these areas. You can elect to pay for this treatment out of pocket. Treatment cost depends on the amount of Botox required for the treatment area with Botox® costing  $15 per 1 unit.

Iontophoresis is a non-invasive, safe hyperhidrosis treatment performed at home for hands and feet sweating. It works by using a medical device to pass a mild electrical current through tap (hard) water with your hands and/or feet placed in using shallow pans. With regular use, sweating can be significantly reduced. For this treatment to remain effective, it requires consistent, life-time use.

Iontophoresis devices designed for moderate to severe sweating require a prescription.  The hyperhidrosis specialist can help you decide whether this treatment is right for you, write the prescription, and provide usage instructions.  A small number of health insurance companies cover the cost of the device, and the hyperhidrosis specialist can assist with required paperwork.

  • Prices range from $950-1100.

SLUCare Hyperhidrosis Clinic Locations

Des Peres Medical Arts Pavilion II
2315 Dougherty Ferry Road, Suite 200 C
St. Louis, MO 63122
314-617-2190

Get directions to the Des Peres Medical Arts Pavilion II