What is excessive sweating?
Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, is a condition characterized by abnormally high levels of sweating that exceed the body’s physiological needs. It can affect various areas of the body, including the underarms, palms, soles of the feet, and face.
Why is excessive sweating treated?
Excessive sweating is treated to:
- Improve quality of life by reducing embarrassment and discomfort associated with excessive perspiration.
- Minimize the social and psychological impact of hyperhidrosis on daily activities and interpersonal relationships.
- Prevent complications such as skin infections, maceration, and odor.
How is excessive sweating treated?
Excessive sweating can be treated through various methods, including:
Topical antiperspirants: Over-the-counter or prescription-strength antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride can help reduce sweating when applied to the affected areas.
Oral medications: Certain medications, such as anticholinergics or beta blockers, may be prescribed to reduce sweating by blocking nerve signals to the sweat glands.
Botulinum toxin injections: Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections can temporarily block the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates sweat production, effectively reducing sweating in targeted areas.
Iontophoresis: This non-invasive procedure involves passing a mild electrical current through water to temporarily block sweat gland activity, particularly effective for treating excessive sweating of the hands and feet.
Surgical procedures: In severe cases of hyperhidrosis that do not respond to other treatments, surgical options such as sympathectomy or sweat gland removal may be considered.
Is treatment for excessive sweating painful?
The level of discomfort associated with treatment for excessive sweating varies depending on the method used. Topical antiperspirants and iontophoresis are generally well-tolerated and painless. Botulinum toxin injections may cause temporary discomfort or a stinging sensation at the injection site, but topical numbing cream or ice packs can help alleviate discomfort. Surgical procedures may involve some discomfort during recovery, which can be managed with pain medication.
What is the recovery process like after treatment for excessive sweating?
The recovery process after treatment for excessive sweating depends on the specific method used. In general, most treatments have minimal downtime, and patients can resume normal activities shortly after the procedure. Botulinum toxin injections may cause temporary bruising or swelling at the injection sites, while surgical procedures may require a longer recovery period and restrictions on physical activity.
Are there any risks or complications associated with treatment for excessive sweating?
While treatments for excessive sweating are generally safe, they may carry certain risks and potential complications, including:
- Temporary weakness or paralysis of nearby muscles with botulinum toxin injections
- Allergic reactions to medications or topical agents
- Skin irritation, redness, or discomfort
- Increased sweating in other areas of the body (compensatory hyperhidrosis) with surgical procedures
How long do the results of treatment for excessive sweating last?
The duration of results from treatment for excessive sweating varies depending on the method used. Topical antiperspirants and iontophoresis may require ongoing maintenance to sustain the effects. Botulinum toxin injections typically provide relief from sweating for 6-12 months before requiring repeat treatment. Surgical procedures may offer long-lasting or permanent results, although individual outcomes may vary.
How can I schedule a consultation for treatment for excessive sweating?
If you’re experiencing excessive sweating and considering treatment options, we recommend scheduling a consultation with a dermatologist or healthcare provider specialising in hyperhidrosis. During the consultation, the provider will assess your symptoms, discuss your treatment goals, and recommend the most suitable treatment options for you.
What are the symptoms?
Someone who has hyperhidrosis will be prone to sweating excessively. The body has difficulty in regulating its temperature and exceeds the usual amount of sweat production needed.
Excessive sweating can occur anywhere on the body. However, it mostly affects the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, face, groin and the armpits.
You may require a urine or blood test to determine whether you have the condition. If you are sweating continually and it affects your day-to-day life, then it’s likely you have hyperhidrosis. You may avoid shaking hands because you are worried about your hands being sweaty, or avoid wearing a particular item of clothing because you’re concerned about sweat marks. People living with hyperhidrosis may also feel the need to change outfits more than once a day or shower frequently.
Who it can affect
For most people, sweating is generally controllable through using an antiperspirant, but for the remaining 1% of the UK population, this is not the case, and excessive sweating occurs.
Hyperhidrosis is thought to affect around 1 million people in the UK, both men and women equally.
Causes
Sweating is normal and necessary for regulating the body temperature in certain circumstances such as during hot weather, during a fever, travelling, or when you are exercising or doing a strenuous activity. However, when someone is suffering from hyperhidrosis, they sweat much more than usual in these situations.
You may also find yourself sweatier due to hormone changes like through puberty, menopause or pregnancy. Certain situations can bring on anxiety, causing profuse sweating, or the intake of certain medications.
Bacterial infections and disorders like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) could also make you sweat more.
