HYPERHIDROSIS

WHAT IS HYPERHIDROSIS?

Perspiration (or sweating) is the human body’s way to regulate temperature and to cool itself down. Sweat is mostly made up of salty water, and in normal circumstances provides an evaporative cooling effect. As the moisture evaporates and disappears, the sensation of coolness quickly follows. This process however is not so simple for all people, whilst most of our bodies may experience the occasional sweaty situation such as nervous palms, some adults can sweat up to 14 litres of perspiration in just one day. Excessive sweating, known as hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that can affect up to 3% of the population. Unlike normal perspiration which is produced when the body is hot, hyperhidrosis is characterised by the excessive production of sweat, even when the body is cool.

Hyperhidrosis may affect all of the body’s major sweat glands simultaneously (creating a drenched appearance) or can be restricted to specific areas. The most common area however is the underarms. Although men may sweat more in day-to-day situations, hyperhidrosis affects both men and woman and can start to occur during puberty.

Whilst the cause of hyperhidrosis is not known, anxiety, excitement, high temperatures and certain foods may exacerbate symptoms not only increasing sweating, but the associated odour and possible staining of clothes and garments.

Traditional treatment for hyperhidrosis includes pharmaceutical strength anti-perspirants, electrical iontophoresis and even the surgical removal of problematic sweat glands. These methods have proven not only painful, but time consuming for their treatment and effects to take hold. Modern technology now allows for the treatment of underarm hyperhidrosis with fast, comfortable and non-surgical results lasting up to one year. Treatment is so effective the daily use of an anti-perspirant may no longer be required.

Hyperhidrosis injections utilise the same active ingredient used for wrinkle reduction. Affected regions in the arm pits are isolated and targeted for dramatic and instant results. Sweat gland signals are blocked, providing long-lasting dry and comfortable relief. Surrounding muscles and contours remain unaffected creating uninhibited movement and freedom. Despite common belief, sweat is not transferred to another gland, creating further problems. The over-producing gland is simply stopped.

As each case of hyperhidrosis is individual, an assessment is paramount to determine exactly which areas are to be treated and how much product is required. Treatment for both underarms may be performed in around 45 minutes and are relatively painless.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

WHAT IS HYPERHIDROSIS?

Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating is a medical condition where sweat glands over produce perspiration, even when the body is not hot. Around 3% of the population are affected by hyperhidrosis.

WHICH AREAS OF THE BODY ARE MOST AFFECTED BY HYPERHIDROSIS?

Hyperhidrosis affects both males and females. The most common area affected by primary hyperhidrosis is the underarms. Other areas include the palms and soles.

WHAT TREATMENT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Unlike the daily application of medicated deodorants or iontophoresis, hyperhidrosis injections provide up to twelve months of relief after just one session. Using the same active in anti-wrinkle injections, sweat gland signals are blocked providing long lasting and non-surgical results.

IF I GET MY UNDERARMS TREATED, WILL IT CREATE MORE SWEAT IN OTHER AREAS?

No. Hyperhidrosis injections regulate over-production or excess sweating. It will not stimulate production in any other areas.

HOW OFTEN WILL I REQUIRE TREATMENT?

Usually every 6-12 months depending on individual patient concerns and treatment.

WHAT DOES THE PROCEDURE INVOLVE?

Tiny little injections target the sweat glands in the area to be treated. Results can be instant but generally take a minimum of 4 days to reach full potential.

HOW LONG DO RESULTS LAST?

Hyperhidrosis is not a permanent solution, however patients report anywhere from 6 to 12 months relief.

DOES THE TREATMENT HURT?

No. Whilst there is minor discomfort from the injection point, no anaesthetic or pain management is required.