Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) is an embarrassing condition affecting both men and women.

Profuse sweating can occur anywhere on the body, but most commonly affects the armpits, groin, feet, and hands.

Treatment options for hyperhidrosis

Aluminium chloride antiperspirant
The first line of treatment for hyperhidrosis is usually antiperspirant containing aluminium chloride. The treatment is applied to the affected area and left overnight, before being washed off in the morning. Patients are usually advised to wear absorbent sweat pads too.
Iontophoresis
If aluminium chloride antiperspirants are not very effective, iontophoresis can be used instead. Iontophoresis involves placing the affected area into a tray of water that is connected to an iontophoresis machine. Low voltage electrical current is then passed through the area to be treated via electrodes and pads that are placed on the area and connected to the iontophoresis machine.
Although the treatment is effective, most patients require weekly treatments to maintain the relief.
Botulinum toxin (BTX-A)
If other options are not successful in treating hyperhidrosis, Botox is an option. Although Botox cannot cure hyperhidrosis, it can bring temporary relief to sufferers. The Botox treatment is injected into the skin around the affected area and works by dulling the nerves that supply the eccrine glands, which produce sweat.
BTX-A is usually very effective but treatment can be painful if the injections are to be placed in sensitive areas, such as the hands and feet. For this reason, a topical local anaesthetic is usually applied prior to treatment. The treatment must be repeated every three to six months for the effects to be maintained.

Other options

Other less frequently used options to treat hyperhidrosis include electromagnetic and laser technology. Both these treatments are non-invasive and are designed to target and destroy the sweat ducts. Once the sweat ducts are gone, hyperhidrosis is effectively cured.

In conclusion

Hyperhidrosis is an embarrassing condition that can really impact on a sufferer’s quality of life. There are several effective non-surgical treatments that can be carried out. First Clinical Aesthetics carry out the Botulinum toxin injections for treatment of hyperhidrosis. For more information, contact us today.