General & Cosmetic Dermatology
Hyperhidrosis Treatment in Tampa
Excessive sweating — hyperhidrosis — goes far beyond normal perspiration. It can soak through clothing, cause social anxiety, and interfere with daily life. Dr. Sergay offers multiple proven treatments, including prescription-strength antiperspirants, oral medications, and Botox injections for lasting relief.
Dr. Sergay's Approach
Understanding Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is defined as sweating that exceeds what your body needs for temperature regulation. It affects approximately 3% of the population and is divided into primary focal hyperhidrosis — which targets specific body areas without a medical cause — and secondary hyperhidrosis, which results from an underlying condition or medication.
Primary hyperhidrosis is the most common type. It typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and is associated with overactive sympathetic nerve signaling to sweat glands. It tends to be bilateral (both sides equally affected) and can have a significant hereditary component.
This condition significantly impacts quality of life — from avoiding social situations to limiting career choices. Dr. Sergay takes a step-wise approach, beginning with the least invasive options and escalating as needed to achieve meaningful sweat reduction.
Underarms (Axillary)
Most common site
Palms (Palmar)
Affects handshakes & grip
Feet (Plantar)
Often with foot odor
Face & Scalp
Cranial hyperhidrosis
Treatment Options
How Dr. Sergay Treats Hyperhidrosis
Multiple effective treatments exist — from topicals to injections to devices. The right choice depends on which body areas are affected and the severity of sweating.
Prescription Antiperspirants
Prescription-strength aluminum chloride (Drysol, Xerac AC) is the first step for most patients. Applied at night to completely dry skin, these block sweat ducts directly. More effective than any OTC product and the appropriate starting point for axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis.
Botox Injections
FDA-approved botulinum toxin injections block the nerve signals that trigger sweat glands. Extremely effective — reducing sweating by 80–90% in treated areas. Results last 6–12 months. Most commonly used for underarms; can also treat palms and feet. Performed in-office with topical numbing.
Oral Anticholinergics
Medications like glycopyrrolate or oxybutynin reduce sweating throughout the body by blocking acetylcholine signaling. Useful for widespread or facial hyperhidrosis where topical treatment is impractical. Side effects include dry mouth and mild blurred vision at higher doses.
Qbrexza (Glycopyrronium Cloth)
A once-daily prescription medicated cloth (glycopyrronium 2.4%) wiped across the underarms. FDA-approved for primary axillary hyperhidrosis. Provides a convenient, targeted approach without systemic side effects of oral anticholinergics.
Step-Up Approach
Dr. Sergay uses a step-wise protocol — starting with the safest options and advancing as needed. Most patients achieve excellent control with prescription antiperspirants or Botox. Surgical options (sympathectomy) exist but are rarely needed and come with significant risks.
Your Dermatologist
About Amanda Sergay, MD
Board Certified
American Board of Dermatology
Specialties
Medical · Surgical · Cosmetic
Location
South Tampa, FL
Board-Certified Dermatologist · Medical · Surgical · Cosmetic
Amanda Sergay, MD is a board-certified dermatologist committed to excellence in comprehensive dermatological care. Originally from the Tampa area, Dr. Sergay received her undergraduate degree from Emory University and earned her medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
She completed her residency in dermatology at Mount Sinai St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City, where she served as Chief Resident during her final year. Her practice encompasses medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, treating both adults and children.
Dr. Sergay has been named to Tampa Magazine's Top Docs Edition in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026, and was twice named to New York Magazine's New York Rising Star list.
Awards & Recognition
Tampa Magazine Top Docs
20192020202120222023202420252026Super Doctors
Emory University
Undergraduate
Univ. of Miami Miller
Medical Degree
Mount Sinai NYC
Residency · Chief Resident
Patient Reviews
What Our Patients Say
Real Google reviews from patients who trust Dr. Sergay with their skin health.
“After what felt like a never-ending search for the right doctor to help with my skin irritations, I finally found Dr. Sergay — and what a blessing! She's not only incredibly genuine, but she also took the time to explain everything in detail so I fully understood both my issue and the solution. It's easy to see why she's made such a respected name for herself here and in New York.”
Christin Hillis
13 reviews · 2 photos
“I am so fortunate to have found Dr. Sergay! She's so skilled and knowledgeable, and I feel comforted by her attention to detail. It is obvious that she truly cares about her patients!”
Marguerite Rogal
1 review
“Dr. Sergay is awesome! I am a new patient and very much appreciated her approach, thoughtfulness and attention to detail. Highly recommend!”
Chad Panton
Local Guide · 36 reviews · 2 photos
“Dr. Sergay is incredibly knowledgeable and very sweet! She's always attentive during each visit, and no matter the concern, she takes the time to understand the root of the issue and explain everything clearly. You can tell she truly cares about her patients!”
Lily Oliva
5 reviews
“Wonderful office, the Dr. listened to all my concerns and addressed each with good communication and ideas. My new Derm.”
Carol Gould
Local Guide · 21 reviews · 1 photo
“Dr. Sergay was just fabulous. Thorough for our skincare check and so informative. Highly recommend for anyone looking to get an established, yearly dermatologist for skin cancer checks.”
Iris Moore
9 reviews
Common Questions
Hyperhidrosis FAQ
Yes — primary hyperhidrosis is a recognized medical condition caused by overactive sympathetic nerve stimulation of sweat glands. It's not caused by poor hygiene or anxiety, though stress can worsen it. It's covered by most insurance plans when properly documented.
The underarm area is relatively comfortable to treat. A topical numbing cream is applied beforehand. Palms and feet are more sensitive — nerve blocks or strong topical numbing are used to make those treatments tolerable.
Most patients enjoy 6–9 months of dramatically reduced sweating from a single underarm treatment session. Some get up to 12 months. The effect gradually wears off as nerve function returns, and repeat treatment is straightforward.
Compensatory sweating — increased sweating in untreated areas — is primarily a concern with surgical sympathectomy, not with Botox or topical treatments. Botox treats the local nerve-sweat gland connection without affecting sweating systemically.
Yes — approximately 30–50% of patients with primary hyperhidrosis report a family history of the condition. The exact genetic mechanism isn't fully understood, but there's a clear familial pattern, particularly for palmar hyperhidrosis.
Take Control
Schedule a Visit
Hyperhidrosis is treatable. Dr. Sergay will evaluate your specific pattern and design a treatment plan.