Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)

What is hyperhydrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition which causes sweat excessively. Excessive sweating is a normal response to when a person's body temperature rises. Sweat is released to try to cool the body down and stop it from overheating. However, in some cases sweating, can become excessive and potentially troublesome, even if the person is not particularly hot.

Mostly, hyperhidrosis affects the underarms but it can also occur in other parts of the body, including the scalp, hands and feet. Excessive sweating can become an embarrassing problem - body odour and visible sweat patches are just some reasons why the condition can make you feel self-conscious and effective treatment is necessary.

What causes hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis can be caused by different reasons. You may find that a change in emotions can trigger excessive sweating. However, most of the time the main cause of excessive sweating isn't known. Other reasons can include:

• A hereditary condition - it is common for hyperhidrosis to run in families
• Menopause - symptoms of menopause can include excessive sweating
• An over-active thyroid gland
• Side effects of medication - some medications can cause a side effect of excessive sweating

Your initial consultatation with a dermatologist

This is a crucial appointment during which your specialist will make or confirm a diagnosis of hyperhidrosis. It's also where we start to get to know you as an individual, which is a really important part of our philosophy.Your consultant may organise some tests during this first appointment. Sometimes these can be done on the same day, and sometimes you'll have to come back another day to have them done. It depends on which tests you need.

As well as arranging tests, they will ask you lots of questions about your medical history, your symptoms and what brought you to see us, as well as more personal questions about your lifestyle and interests. We tailor our treatment plans to the individual, so we like to know what's important to you and what you want to get out of your treatment before we make our recommendations.

Once we have the results of any diagnostic tests, your consultant will be able to make a diagnosis and start putting together a treatment plan for you. This will be bespoke to you and they won't make any decisions before discussing them with you in detail.

Hyperhidrosis treatments

There are a range of treatment options that can be used to tackle hyperhidrosis. They include:

Using stronger antiperspirants

If you have been using deodorant, your consultant may recommend switching to an antiperspirant deodorant. The antiperspirant is designed to limit the amount of sweat produced by sweat glands. However, overuse of these products can cause issues. Side effects include skin irritation, so this may not be suitable for everyone.

Tablets

Your consultant may prescribe tablets that are specifically designed to reduce the amount of sweat produced by the body.

Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis is a treatment where a weak electric current is passed through the areas affected by excessive sweating using water or a wet pad.

Botox injections

Botox can be injected by your consultant into the affected areas. Botox helps to reduce the amount of sweat produced by the sweat glands and can reduce excessive sweating.

Surgery to remove sweat glands

If you have tried other methods to reduce the amount of sweating and have been unsuccessful, surgery to remove sweat glands may be considered by you and your consultant. Both of you will discuss together if this treatment is suitable and you will be given time to have any questions answered.

Are there any risks associated with hyperhidrosis treatment?

In general, treatments for hyperhidrosis are considered to be low-risk. Your consultant will discuss any concerns you may have and inform you of any possible complications. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have before making a decision on the most suitable treatment plan.