Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis) Treatment
Hyperhidrosis is a surprisingly common condition, though it is discussed relatively little leaving the sufferers to feel extremely self-conscious.
The condition of hyperhidrosis relates to excessive sweating. This is most commonly in the underarm area, or armpits; where sufferers have embarrassing damp patches on their clothing. They may also suffer from bad body odour due to the excessive sweat production. This is known as "axillary hyperhidrosis".
For some sufferers, there may be an underlying cause such as hyperthyroidism, menopause or obesity.
However, for many people, there is no underlying cause. In such cases, it is not physically harmful to the health, but can be very distressing socially and psychologically. The impact in professional and social situations can be very damaging to self-esteem and well-being.
Treatment Options
The first option for hyperhidrosis sufferers it to ensure that you are using a strong enough antiperspirant and deoderant. Where these do not provide protection, then underlying health issues should be considered.
For those patients with no underlying health issues, who find antiperspirant cannot deal with the problem then the best option is normally Anti Wrinkle Treatment injections.
Botulinum Toxin - Anti Wrinkle Treatment Injections
Small amounts of Anti Wrinkle Treatment are injected into the underarm skin where the sweat glands are situated. This treatment blocks the nerves producing acetyl choline which stimulate the sweat glands.
Reduction in sweat production is almost immediately and results will improve for around 5 days. This treatment works quite well in most people. The injections will need to be repeated every 5-6 months to maintain the benefit.
Watch an Embarrassing Bodies Patient's Story
Other Options
By comparison to Anti Wrinkle Treatment, other options are considered more invasive. There is therefore higher risk involved as well as higher cost. The other options include:
Laserlipolysis
This is minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthetic. The majority of sweat glands are ablated by Yag laser giving a permanent relief.
Vaser Liposelection
Similar to laserlipolysis, this is a minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia. It uses ultrasonic energy to ablate the sweat glands and gives permanent relief.
Sympathectomy
Sympathectomy is the ultimate surgical procedure and involves dividing the sympathetic supply to the sweat glands. This should be a permanent solution, but it does require general anesthesia and hospitalisation.
