Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)

What causes hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating?

Increased sweating is often a result of our natural body’s response to increased temperatures in our environment and to certain emotions. Excessive sweating, however, happens when the brain’s control of central body temperature becomes overactive and sends signals to the sweat glands to secrete more sweat. Most people have no known cause for their excessive sweating, and the condition can run in families. A small group of people, usually those with widespread excessive sweating, have an underlying cause such as a thyroid problem, diabetes, menopause, medications or an illness. Dr Nicole will take a thorough history at consultation to determine the type of hyperhidrosis you have before initiating the appropriate treatments. Appropriate investigations will be recommended if deemed required to look for an underlying cause, usually in late-onset and generalised hyperhidrosis.

What if I have excessive sweating on my face?

Facial hyperhidrosis is not uncommon in people who have excessive sweating. Treatment options include antiperspirant creams, anti-wrinkle injections and oral treatments can help to reduce sweating on the face. These treatment options will be discussed at consultation, and the most appropriate treatment plan will be recommended based on your individual concerns and preferences.

In terms of anti-wrinkle injections for hyperhidrosis, the aim of the treatment is to target the muscle contraction in the sweat glands in the skin. As such, the product used is similar to the anti-wrinkle injection treatments for facial rejuvenation, but the depth of injections, number of injections and dosage are different from anti-wrinkle injections on the face.

What are my treatment options for excessive sweating to the armpits?

Topical creams such as antiperspirants can be tried initially. It is important to apply them on dry skin as it can cause skin irritation, burning and redness to the skin if applied on wet skin. The best time to apply them is after you have patted your skin dry after a shower. Iontophoresis is another popular treatment option for excessive sweating in the armpits. It uses a small electrical current which passes through the skin and blocks the sweat glands. Detailed information of this treatment option including about where to access these machines can be given at consultation. Alternatively, this treatment is available in some NHS Dermatology Departments. Anti-wrinkle injections are effective for armpit hyperhidrosis. The treatment involves several injections into the skin with a small (Micro-Fine™) needle and syringe. The effect can usually last up to 6-9 months. Transient swelling and redness at injection sites are common.

What are my treatment options for excessive sweating all over my body?

Topical cream and anti-wrinkle injections are less practical if the sweating affects several large areas of your body. Oral medications are generally recommended if this is the case. Information on the treatment regime, benefits and potential side effects will be discussed if the treatment is deemed appropriate for you.

What is the outlook for hyperhidrosis?

Although hyperhidrosis cannot be cured, we find that most people tend to grow out of the condition with time.