Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) - sydney cosmetic clinic

Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
MD Cosmedical Solutions

What is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is the condition of excessive sweating. It affects about one per cent of the population.
What causes it?
There are 2 main categories of hyperhidrosis — primary and secondary.
In primary hyperhidrosis, the most common type, the cause of the excessive sweating is not known. It often starts in childhood and tends to be localised to the palms, soles and/or the armpits (axillae).
Secondary hyperhidrosis occurs when the excessive sweating is due to an underlying cause. It will often affect the whole body. Some of the possible causes include diabetes, an overactive thyroid gland, obesity, menopause, infections, some medications and, rarely, some tumours.
How does hyperhidrosis affect people?
When sweating is excessive, it can result in staining of the clothing, which can be very embarrassing for the person. Hyperhidrosis of the soles may not only result in smelly feet, but may also damage footwear. People with hyperhidrosis of the palms are often embarrassed by a cold, wet handshake.
If you suffer from excessive sweating, you should discuss it with your doctor. He or she can determine whether you need to have any tests for secondary causes, and can also advise you on options for treatment.
What treatments are available for hyperhidrosis?
Topical antiperspirants may help to reduce sweating, and deodorants may help to disguise any unpleasant odour.
Oral anticholinergic medication may sometimes be prescribed to reduce sweating but may cause side effects such as blurred vision, dry mouth and constipation.
Botulinum toxin ( Botox or Dysport) injections have been found to be effective for hyperhidrosis of the armpits and palms. Botulinum toxin ( Botox or Dysport) stops the sympathetic nerves (which normally control sweating) from stimulating the sweat glands, and the effect may last between 6 and 12 months.
Treatment with iontophoresis has been quite useful for hyperhidrosis of the palms or soles. It involves passage of a low-voltage current through the skin which temporarily reduces the production of sweat. Therapy takes about 15-20 minutes and initially is required every day, although after a while it is usually required less frequently.
Surgical treatment for hyperhidrosis of the armpits and palms includes surgical sympathectomy. This procedure involves cutting the sympathetic nerve that supplies the sweat glands in the arm, and there are risks involved.
Another surgical treatment for hyperhidrosis of the armpits is the removal of the skin containing sweat glands in the armpits, which usually also requires skin grafting.
The effect of surgery is complete and non-reversible. However, both types of surgery may be associated with complications, some of which may be long term.

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