Sweat treatment additional information

The human body has over 4 million sweat glands which secrete a clear liquid called sweat. People generally sweat more when they are exercising or hot or embarrassed or anxious or afraid. Sweating is one of the ways in which the human body regulates temperature. Sometimes this mechanism is overactive and cannot be controlled. The reason for this is not known but it is thought to be due to an overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system and can also be an inherited condition and can affect every known ethnic group. 

Generalised Hyperhidrosis is generalised excessive sweating over the whole body. This is actually quite rare. More common is Axillary Hyperhidrosis which is excessive sweating under both arms or Palmar or Plantar Hyperhidrosis, which is excessive sweating of either hands or feet or both. There also exists Groin Hyperhidrosis. 

When first investigating this condition it is important to rule out neurological and endocrine disorders or infections. 

First line treatment is while a metal salt containing antiperspirant which is normally used 3 or 4 times a week, usually at night, until the condition is controlled. This works better for Axillary Hyperhidrosis but less well for hand and feet sweating. The main side effect of this treatment is skin irritation. 

Inotophoresis was introduced over 50 years ago to treat excessive sweating. The exact mechanism is not clear but it probably works by temporarily blocking the sweat glands. In this process low voltage electricity is passed into the skin via tap water a few times a week until effective. This is not painful and it is safe. You can buy a device to use at home and I can advise on this. This works well for both hand and feet sweating. 

Botulinum toxin treatment can also be used to treat excessive sweating. A series of fine injections are administered to the site of excessive sweating which temporarily blocks the sweat glands in that area. This treatment is safe and effective and can leave you sweat free for up to 6 months in the area treated. 

There are other options also available if none of the above work, such as microwave destruction of the sweat glands and laser and also surgery. I can advise on all this during our consultation.