What is hyperhidrosis & how can it be treated?

Everyone sweats when stimulated by either heat, physical exertion, stressful or nervous situations or if experiencing a fever. However those who have hyperhidrosis experience excessive sweating when there’s little or no reason to.

Sweat glands produce perspiration that’s carried to the skin’s surface when an individual is experiencing a normal sweat inducing stimulant such as exercise. When those factors are no longer effecting the body, the nerves that signal sweating stop. For those with hyperhidrosis (2% to 3% of the population) the sweat glands don’t shut off. They usually do not get relief from antiperspirant.
There are two types of hyperhidrosis:

1. Primary hyperhidrosis (also called focal hyperhidrosis) causes constant sweating in the hands, underarms, face, or feet without stimulating factors.
2. Secondary hyperhidrosis (also called generalised hyperhidrosis) is constant sweating all over the body or a large area of the body, usually this is caused by a medical condition or a medication.

Primary Hyperhidrosis Causes:
Those who suffer from primary hyperhidrosis mostly sweat from the ‘eccrine’ sweat glands. Eccrine sweat glands are concentrated on the feet, palms, face, and armpits. When your body is hot, experiencing physical exertion, feeling emotional, or hormonal, nerves stimulate the sweat glands. When those nerves respond excessively, it causes hyperhidrosis. For example, someone with primary hyperhidrosis may only need to think of a circumstance that causes nervousness in order to experience excessive sweating.
There is no known cause of primary hyperhidrosis, however it is thought to be hereditary.

Secondary Hyperhidrosis Causes:
Sweating from secondary hyperhidrosis occurs all over, or in one large area as opposed to primary hyperhidrosis (specific areas). Secondary Hyperhidrosis is more likely to cause sweating during sleep.

Secondary Hyperhidrosis is caused by either a medical condition or a medication.

Medical conditions include:
Diabetes
Hyperthyroidism
Menopause
Pregnancy
Obesity
Lymphoma
Parkinson’s disease
Rheumatoid arthritis
Infection
Gout

It is important you tell your doctor when experiencing secondary hyperhidrosis to uncover the underlying condition and treat it effectively.

Treatment
Hyperhidrosis can be effectively treated with anti-wrinkle product. Whilst not a cure, the product works by blocking the nerve signals to the sweat glands that stimulate sweating.

How long does it last?
The effects last around 4 to 12 months depending on amount used and takes a week to work.
Small to Large area: 5-6 months
X Large area: 9-11 months

Is there any downtime?
No heavy lifting or physical exertion the day of treatment. The patient can go straight back to work.

Is it painful?
The treatment involves multiple tiny injections using the smallest 31 gauge needle and only the occasional skin prick causing a sting. It is a quick treatment lasting only 5-10 minutes. However the application of ice and numbing cream to the area minimises discomfort.

What is the cost?
The cost of treatment is dependent on the size of the area and is quoted during our consultation.