What is excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)?

 

Excessive sweating is medically termed as hyperhidrosis and can affect the underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis) and the palms and soles (palmoplantar hyperhidrosis). It’s a common problem which can cause embarrassment through staining clothes and significant social and psychological issues, such as poor self-esteem and social avoidance.

 

When our body loses heat, we sweat naturally to regulate our core temperature and therefore sweat more when it’s humid or warm. Because our sweat glands are concentrated in certain places, such as the armpits, sweating is more pronounced in these areas. Botulinum Toxin A injections are a safe, effective treatment to help reduce the problem of excessive sweating, especially for sweaty armpits, and are available at the Urban Aesthetix Clinic.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How can excessive sweating be managed?

Underarm sweating (axillary hyperhidrosis) can be managed medically in a number of ways, once underlying medical conditions have been excluded. For example:

 

  • Botulinum Toxin A: a specially prepared naturally occurring protein that originates from bacteria. It is the ingredient used in both Botox® but has been widely used by doctors for decades for a number of medical problems. Botulinum Toxin A acts by inhibiting the nerve impulses from stimulating the sweat glands in the areas into which it is injected

 

  • Prescription-strength antiperspirants that contain aluminium chloride hexahydrate:
    antiperspirant is applied every night until sweating is reduced to a tolerable amount, then applied weekly to maintain the effects. Irritation may be a side effect, but can sometimes be managed by reducing frequency of use or applying mild steroid creams

 

  • Oral medications for axillary or palmoplantar hyperhidrosis: these are limited due to side-effects. Palmoplantar hyperhidrosis requires early referral to Dermatology or surgeons as the other treatments are often ineffective or intolerable.

What does excessive sweating treatment involve?

Treatment is simple and safe if carried out by Dr Unnati, who is an experienced and fully qualified clinician, following a detailed consultation to examine the areas to treat and decide on what is best for you.

 

The underarms are cleaned and dried then powder is lightly dusted in the area to identify the overactive sweat gland regions. Dr Unnati will inject the Botulinum Toxin A protein into 20-25 different points in the underarm, using a small needle, to ensure a good coverage.

 

The treatment can take a few minutes and you can resume most normal daily activities immediately afterwards. No anaesthetic is needed as any discomfort is only mild.

Botulinum Toxin A does not affect any other part of your nervous system and all functions of sensation will remain intact.

 

How soon should you notice a difference?

Following treatment with Botulinum Toxin A for profuse sweating, you should see and notice results after 10 – 14 days.

How long does excessive sweating treatment last?

The reduction in excessive underarm sweating usually lasts up to 3 – 4 months and treatment with Botulinum Toxin A can be repeated when needed.

Are there any side effects to Botulinum Toxin A?

The short-lived side effects associated with the injection process include bleeding, swelling and redness which settle within an hour, and bruising which settles within a few days.

 

There is a minimal risk of infection as the needle breaks the natural barrier to infection when creating a small wound in the skin. Please therefore avoid touching the area treated for several hours.

When should Botulinum Toxin A not be used/be used with caution for hyperhidrosis?

 

  • While pregnant or breast feeding
  • If you are highly sensitive/ allergic to ingredients in the compound
  • In generalised disorders of muscle activity: muscular dystrophy/ myasthenia gravis
  • In bleeding disorders
  • If the areas to be injected are inflamed or infected
  • In combination with certain medications: anticoagulants/ aminoglycosides/ steroids/ aspirin/anti-inflammatories.

Points to consider

Any clinical procedure carries a risk of complications, which is why it is always highly advisable to have non-surgical cosmetic treatments safely performed by a doctor. Dr Unnati is a GP and specialist Non-Surgical Aesthetic Physician, trained in dermatology and medical cosmetics.

 

The Urban Aesthetix Clinic follows strict guidelines in making patients fully aware of any possible cautions and complications, and in offering post treatment advice. Dr Unnati will undertake a full consultation before any new treatment can be given.