Written by Dr Alison Colville, Medical Director at The Avery Clinic, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Spring is here! And that means the warmer days of summer are just around the corner... For some that can mean embarrassing sweat-marks, multiple showers and throwing anything grey out your wardrobe. Excessive sweating can be extremely distressing. Let's explore what causes it and how we can combat it this summer.
What is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating. Sweating is an important function used by the body to cool down. If you remember your physics lessons (!) you might be aware that as the sweat evaporates off your skin, it takes heat with it, therefore cooling us down.
But what is normal when it comes to sweating? Well, there isn't really a guideline on this but if you feel that it is causing you distress and/or you are avoiding activities or situations, then perhaps it's worth considering what can be done.
What causes hyperhidrosis?
For some, they may just have a tendency to sweat more than the next person. For others, there might be a medical reason for excessive sweating. Causes include:
Menopause/hormonal changes
Thyroid disorders
Infections, particularly viral infections
Medications e.g. antidepressants
Recreational drugs and alcohol/hangovers
Anxiety
Obesity
It is important to get a review with a doctor if you have had a change in your normal degree of sweating so that you can be appropriately assessed for any underlying condition.
How can you stop excessive sweating?
There are a number of ways that you can try and reduce sweating including:
Antiperspirants - particularly ones with aluminium chloride in. These are creams/sprays that you can buy in chemists/shops which, when applied to the skin (usually targeted for the armpits) will block the pores to prevent sweat escaping. This is not to be confused with deodorants which just mask an odour.
Prescription medication - e.g. anticholinergics or antimuscarinics. Various medications exist which work to reduce the stimulation of the sweat glands and therefore will reduce sweating. If appropriate, your doctor can prescribe these but be aware of common side effects including dry mouth and drowsiness.
Botulinum Toxin injections - anti-wrinkle injections can also be used in the armpits to stop the sweat glands from functioning... (more below).
Natural remedies - there are a number of herbal remedies such as sage and chamomile which can be recommended to help with hyperhidrosis - make sure you seek the help of a trained herbalist as many herbal remedies can have unwanted side effects and don't always mix well with other medications.
Lifestyle measures - depending on the cause, consider lifestyle changes such as weight loss, avoiding certain foods e.g. spicy foods and wearing breathable clothing e.g. cotton.
Managing anxiety - consider a review with your doctor, relaxation/breathing techniques, talking therapies.
Tell me more about Botulinum Toxin for sweating...
Approved by the FDA in 2004, the use of Botulinum Toxin injections for underarm hyperhidrosis has been a very popular, safe, and effective treatment all over the world.
These injections block the secretion of a substance which stimulates the sweat glands to release sweat which then travels through to pores and onto the skin therefore reducing sweating.
What happens during a toxin treatment for underarms procedure?
Prior to the treatment we ask that you shave your underarms so that we can easily see the skin underneath. Once thoroughly cleaned, we use a very fine needle to inject small amounts of the product just under the skin surface in a grid like pattern with each injection point being around 2cm apart. This usually amounts to around 15-20 injections per underarm.
Is it painful?
Most people will say it is only mildly uncomfortable and doesn't require any need for topical anaesthetic.
How quickly does it work?
Botulinum Toxin for underarm sweating starts working in about 2-4 days and then reaches it's full effect by 2 weeks.
How long does it last?
On average the treatment lasts 6 months but can last from 4-12 months. You will notice a gradual return to your usual level of sweating and can return at any time for a further treatment.
How much does it cost?
At The Avery Clinic we charge £400 for both underarms to be treated.
Are you looking to be sweat mark free this summer? Book your treatment with Dr Alison Colville at The Avery Clinic today.
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